“Controlled by Female Hormones”: A Qualitative Interview Study of Swedish Women’s Experiences of Gender-Specific Aspects of Life With ADHD

This qualitative study highlights the impact of cyclical hormonal fluctuations on daily functioning across the menstrual cycle. Specifically, participants reported cyclic patterns of high energy and productivity related to ovulation followed by low energy and difficulty managing tasks in the premenstrual week. This aligns with clinical experience, anecdotal evidence, and limited literature that suggest that women with ADHD may be particularly vulnerable to hormonal fluctuations. Our findings suggest that especially the premenstrual phase is a challenging time for women with ADHD. Our results emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to improve their understanding of the role sex hormones and the menstrual cycle play in female ADHD. The potential effect of adjusting ADHD medication dosage and introducing hormonal treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women with ADHD should be further explored.