Menstruation and ADHD
Survey Participant Demographics
Total number of participants: 247​
Participants currently going through perimenopause or menopause, or are post-menopausal: 45​
Average age of participants: 34.8 years old
Number of participants on ADHD medication: 161
Number of participants on birth control: 83
Figures 1A & B: (Peri)Menopause
Figure 1A: The Effect of Perimenopause and Menopause on ADHD Symptoms. Of 247 total participants, 45 indicated to have experienced some level of perimenopause and/or menopause at the same time they experienced ADHD-related symptoms. The symptom most affected by peri/menopause was Low Energy, with 93% of participants saying it got worse and only 5% noticing no changes. For each symptom, at least 2% of participants noticed a positive change (symptoms got better) with peri/menopause except for the following: Hyperactivity, Forgetfulness, and Inattention. All participants marked "Got Worse," "No Change," or "Not Applicable" for these three symptoms.​
Figure 1B: Most Common Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms Among People with ADHD. Of 247 total participants, 45 indicated to have experienced some level of perimenopause and/or menopause. Participants selected the symptoms they've experienced as a result of peri/menopause, with Mood Swings as the most common at 75.6%. Change in Libido and Poor Sleep followed at 73.3% each, followed by Night Sweats and Hot Flashes at 68.9% each, Joint Pain and Stiffness at 57.8%, Depression at 55.6%, and Vaginal Dryness at 37.8%. The three least common symptoms experienced were Constipation (33.3%), Painful Sex (24.4%), and Urinary Incontinence at 22.2%.
Figure 2: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in ADHDers
Figure 2: Prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in Menstruating ADHDers. Of 244 participant responses, 14.3% shared that they had a diagnosis of both ADHD and PMDD. 2.5% Said that they suspect they have PMDD, but do not have a diagnosis yet. According to research, approximately 5% - 8% of the general population has PMDD. While this particular survey isn't valid formal research, it does shed light on the possibility that menstruating people with ADHD may be more at risk to experience and be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. ​
Interested in learning more about PMDD? Check out the links below:
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Figures 3A, B, C & D: PMDD, PMS, and ADHD Symptoms
Figure 3A: The Effect of PMS and PMDD on Forgetfulness in ADHDers. Data was collected from the entire survey population and then analyzed separately for those with PMS and/or PMDD diagnoses. Among those diagnosed with PMS, 77% reported increased forgetfulness related to their menstrual cycle, while 79% of those diagnosed with PMDD reported the same. Comparatively, PMS and PMDD raise the likelihood of worsened forgetfulness by 40% and 43.6%, respectively, against the 55% of all ADHD participants reporting similar changes.​
Figure 3B: The Effect of PMS and PMDD on Inattention in ADHDers. Data was collected from the entire survey population and then analyzed separately for those with PMS and/or PMDD diagnoses. Among those diagnosed with PMS, 81% reported increased inattention related to their menstrual cycle, while 76% of ADHDers diagnosed with PMDD reported the same. Comparatively, PMS and PMDD increased the chances of worsened inattention by 42.1% and 33.3%, respectively, against the 57% of all ADHD participants reporting similar effects.
Figure 3C: The Effect of PMS and PMDD on Disorganization in ADHDers. Data was collected from the entire survey population and then analyzed separately for those with PMS and/or PMDD diagnoses. Among ADHDers diagnosed with PMS, 58% reported more difficulty with organization with changes in their menstrual cycle, while 62% of those diagnosed with PMDD reported the same. Comparatively, PMS and PMDD increased the odds of more disorganization by 56.8% and 67.6%, respectively, against the 37% of all ADHD survey participants reporting similar effects.
Figure 3D: The Effect of PMS and PMDD on Emotional Dysregulation in ADHDers. Data was collected from the entire survey population and then analyzed separately for those with PMS and/or PMDD diagnoses. Among ADHDers diagnosed with PMS, 92% reported worsened emotional regulation related to their menstrual cycle, and 86% of those with PMDD reported the same. Comparatively, PMS and PMDD increased the likelihood of more emotional dysregulation by 13.6% and 6.2%, respectively, against the 81% of all ADHD participants reporting similar changes.