ADHD and PMS: How They Intersect With One Another
Hey there, lovely reader! Today, we're delving into a topic that's as fascinating as it is underplayed: the entwining dance of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Sounds like an odd pairing, right? Well, buckle up, because we're about to journey into the heart of this intriguing relationship.
Meet the Dynamic Duo: ADHD & PMS
Think of ADHD as that friend who's always full of energy but tends to get distracted easily. It's a neurodevelopmental disorder that's all about persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. PMS, on the other hand, is like that monthly visitor that brings a mixed bag of goodies – physical, behavioural, and emotional changes that kick in a week or two before menstruation.
The Intriguing Dance
Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth do these two relate?" Well, it's a pretty interesting dance! One study found that symptoms of ADHD and PMS seemed to do a sort of 'symptom salsa', with both getting worse before each period (Relationship between sex hormones, reproductive stages and ADHD: a systematic review).
Another intriguing finding is that there seems to be a higher incidence of ADHD in women with PMS or its more intense cousin, PMDD (The effects of PMS/PMDD on attention and short-term memory in adolescent girls).
So, are periods worse with ADHD?
In a word - YES. As if we didn’t have it hard enough, we experience…
Fluctuating Hormone Levels:
According to a study in Psychoneuroendocrinology, ADHD symptoms can worsen consistently before each period, particularly when oestrogen levels are low. This suggests that hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, possibly making periods a challenging time for women with ADHD (Reproductive Steroids and ADHD Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle).
Increased Sensitivity:
Women with ADHD might be more sensitive to the physical and emotional changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. This heightened sensitivity can potentially intensify PMS symptoms, leading to a more difficult period experience (ADHD Symptoms in Females of Childhood, Adolescent, Reproductive and Menopause Period).
Comorbidity with Mood Disorders:
There seems to be a higher incidence of mood disorders, such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), among women with ADHD. These mood disorders can significantly intensify PMS symptoms, leading to more difficult periods (Prevalence of Hormone-Related Mood Disorder Symptoms in Women with ADHD).
Impact of ADHD on Coping Mechanisms:
The symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and impulsivity, can make it more challenging for women to effectively manage PMS symptoms. This could potentially exacerbate the severity of these symptoms during the menstrual cycle (Relationship Between Sex Hormones, Reproductive Stages and ADHD: A Systematic Review).
Potential Lack of Effective Treatment:
While some treatments, such as hormonal contraceptives, can help manage PMS symptoms, these treatments may not address the underlying ADHD symptoms that can intensify PMS. Therefore, women with ADHD might not find as much relief from traditional PMS treatments (Treatment of ADHD in Women).
These reasons highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing both ADHD and menstrual symptoms. With proper understanding and tailored treatment strategies, it's possible to mitigate these challenges and improve the quality of life for women with ADHD. This is also highlights the need of our friends, family members, partners, children and all those who may not know or love us, but interact with us to be KIND. Often, our worst critic and hardest person to show compassion to can also be ourselves. Women with ADHD need to hit snooze on any and all engagements or pressures during the inner winter when her period arrives or risk facing burnout, severe emotional and physical suffering.
Don't Fret, Get Set!
While this may sound a tad overwhelming, there's no need to hit the panic button. Remember, knowledge is your superpower. Understanding this intricate dance between ADHD and PMS can help you choreograph better strategies to manage symptoms and jazz up your quality of life.
Ready to take charge and transform your ADHD and PMS symptoms into a winning performance?
You're not alone on this dance floor. My inner seasons menstrual guide for women with ADHD is here to help you navigate this journey. It's your backstage pass to better understanding yourself and your experiences, empowering you to take charge of your hormonal health and happiness all throughout your cycle.
The free guide also includes a period tracker and planner template for each inner season. This can serve as your personal roadmap, designed to bring structure amidst the fluctuating tides of your period, keeping chaos at bay.
Simply head to the home page of my website and scroll down until you see the section below, sign up to my newsletter and click on the link to get your free download instantly.
But why stop at the guide? Our structured or bespoke coaching containers offer tailored strategies to help you expand your capacity for authenticity and healing. Think of them as your personal choreographers, helping you create a routine that resonates with you and supports your wellbeing.
Ready to dance to your own rhythm? Grab our inner seasons menstrual guide and reach out for coaching today. It's time to embrace your unique dance and step into the spotlight!
Book a free discovery call today to discuss the ways in which I can help you.