Health
Study probes link between menstrual cycles and ADHD symptoms in women
July 14, 2026 at 12:29 AM
A new study from King's College London and Queen Mary University is investigating whether hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
- King's College London and Queen Mary University launched a study asking 50 women with ADHD to track their menstrual cycle and its impact on their symptoms and medication effectiveness.
- Psychiatrist Sally Cubbin, who worked on the study, said hormones and ADHD are inextricably linked and that low estrogen around menstruation affects dopamine, making symptoms stronger.
- Lead academic Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais said ADHD in women is an important new area of research, noting increasing numbers of women seeking diagnosis.
- NHS figures showed a 23% increase in stimulants and drugs prescribed for ADHD compared to the previous year.