Topic - ADHD and the reproductive years

Women who take medication for ADHD have special needs.  Just before their period starts, they feel hyperactive, restless, and inattentive and may not realize that their fluctuating hormone levels are impacting the medication.  During the first 2 weeks of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise which cause increases in serotonin and dopamine. These are the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals and life goes more smoothly then.  During the second 2 weeks, progesterone reduces the benefits of estrogen on the brain and the ADHD meds don’t work as well. Feelings of depression and anxiety can worsen at this time. Ladies, for a few months keep a log of “what’s going on” in terms of ADHD symptoms and your cycle.  Report the changes to your doctor. You may need additional medication to smooth things out a bit.