Women & ADHD:
What You Need to Know
ADHD in women is often misunderstood — and it can look very different from ADHD in men and boys. For many women, ADHD symptoms ebb and flow with hormonal changes and life stages. This can leave women feeling confused, frustrated, and unsupported.
At West Coast Adult ADHD, we’re here to change that. Whether you are struggling with overwhelm, burnout, rejection sensitivity, or worsening ADHD symptoms during your menstrual cycle or menopause, we can help.
How ADHD Often Shows Up in Women
Women and people assigned female at birth frequently experience ADHD symptoms in ways that are less “obvious” than the hyperactive stereotype — and more focused on emotional regulation, mental load, and internal overwhelm.
Recognizing ADHD in Adult Women:
- Chronic feelings of overwhelm
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Rejection sensitivity (feeling devastated by perceived criticism or disapproval)
- Anxiety and perfectionism Forgetfulness, mental fog, and distractibility
- Impulsivity (with spending, eating, or relationships)
- Difficulty following through or completing tasks
- Low self-esteem from a lifetime of masking ADHD symptoms
- Disorganization – in the home, at work, or with thoughts and ideas
How Hormones Impact ADHD Symptoms
🩸 During Your Menstrual Cycle
During the days leading up to your period, estrogen drops sharply, which can cause a noticeable worsening of ADHD symptoms.
You may notice more:
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Emotional reactivity, irritability, or feeling easily overwhelmed
- Increased fatigue and low energy
- Difficulty regulating emotions or staying on task
- A heavier mental load that feels impossible to manage (especially during PMS)
- ADHD medication may become less effective
Take Our ADHD Symptoms Quiz for Women
Are your ADHD symptoms linked to your cycle or life stage?
Take our quick, free quiz to better understand your patterns.
Coming Soon: ADHD & Women’s Wellness Program
Coming this Fall:
Our new virtual program designed for women who want to explore ADHD and hormonal health — so you can finally get the right support for your brain and body.
- 6-week virtual 1:1 program with a Nurse Practitioner
- Understand how hormones impact your ADHD
- Learn natural strategies (nutrition, supplements, lifestyle)
- Get a personalized ADHD + hormonal treatment plan
- Regular follow-ups to adjust care as needed
- Support for mood, sleep, libido, and energy
You Are Not Alone -and You Deserve Support
Many women with ADHD have spent years blaming themselves for not being able to “hold it all together.”
If this sounds like you, please know: there is a path forward.
At West Coast Adult ADHD, we specialize in helping women understand their ADHD, navigate hormonal transitions, and create care plans that actually work.