A look at “Menstrual health and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms: A scoping review” by Gabriela Kennedy, Megan Baran-Goldwax and Sarah Lippé (2026)
Many ADHDers who menstruate will tell you that some weeks their brain feels like a well-oiled machine, and other weeks like a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel. Medication seems to stop working, focus evaporates and emotions run high. Is that just coincidence, or is something going on? This Canadian review gathers the research so far.
What they found
The researchers searched three major databases and found 20 studies, most published since 2020, looking at menstrual health and ADHD. Six themes emerged:
- ADHD traits are more common in people with menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis.
- Menstrual difficulties are more common in people with ADHD. For example, one high-quality study found people with ADHD traits were more likely to experience heavy bleeding and signs of iron deficiency. Another found irregular cycles were linked with ADHD traits persisting over time.
- ADHD traits can worsen at certain points in the cycle, particularly in the days before a period, when hormone levels drop.
- Stimulant medication may affect periods, with some people reporting menstrual side-effects.
- Period pain can interfere with attention, even in people without ADHD.
- Tailored approaches are being explored, such as adjusting medication across the cycle, though research is very early.
In short, there’s emerging evidence that menstrual health and ADHD are intertwined, in both directions.
A grain of glitter ✨
This is a well-conducted scoping review that, admirably, also assessed the quality of the studies it included. Around half were rated “very good”. But the evidence base is still thin.
Studies were small, with sample sizes ranging from a single person to around 400, and they used very different methods, so they can’t be neatly combined. Few explored the hormonal mechanisms behind the links, so the “why” is still largely unknown. Most studies didn’t justify their sample size. Encouragingly, the authors specifically flag that most studies failed to record gender identity. Trans men, non-binary people and others who menstruate are largely missing from this research, and the review uses inclusive language like “menstruators” throughout.
Why this matters
If your ADHD traits seem to ebb and flow with your cycle, you’re not imagining it, and it’s worth tracking. A simple diary of your cycle alongside focus, mood and medication effects can be really useful to bring to your GP, ADHD prescriber or therapist. It may also help to plan around tougher weeks, be gentler with yourself, and seek specialist advice if you suspect PMDD, heavy bleeding or other menstrual health conditions.
Even unicorns have their monthly moons. Knowing when they’re coming makes it a lot easier to ride them out.