Menopause and ADHD

Menopause and ADHD

“It’s common for women in the menopause transition
to find their ADHD symptoms are getting worse,
or to be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause and ADHD Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Inattentive ADHD
  • Menopause Emotional Health
  • Menopause Mental Health
  • Menopause Mood/Mood Changes/Moodiness
  • Menopause and ADHD

ADHD

What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

DotS the definition of ADHD may vary. In Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): What Is ADHD? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s definition is:

“ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:

  • Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized
  • Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively
  • Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn

It is common for people to show these behaviors some of the time. However, for people with ADHD, the behaviors are frequent and occur across multiple situations, such as at school, at home, at work, or with family and friends”.2

Cause

Does menopause cause ADHD?

In ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause: How Symptoms Overlap and Tips To Manage: FAQs – Can Menopause Cause ADHD? the ADDA Editorial Team note:

“No, menopause does not cause ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood. However, hormonal changes during menopause can make existing ADHD symptoms more challenging to manage”.3

Perimenopause

Is there an association between perimenopause and ADHD?

In Menopause Experts Reveal How To Tell the Difference Between Brain Fog, Dementia, ADHD and Tiredness the authors explain:

“It’s common for women in the menopause transition to find their ADHD symptoms are getting worse, or to be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time.

Here again, changing oestrogen levels, and the resulting change in levels of other brain chemicals, could explain ADHD symptoms that get worse in midlife.

It’s possible that women with ADHD are more vulnerable to mood disorders during the menopause transition”.4

Perimenopause Earlier Onset

Is there an association between perimenopause earlier onset and ADHD?

In Perimenopausal Symptoms In Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Cohort Study: Conclusion the authors note:

“Women with ADHD have higher prevalence of severe perimenopausal symptoms. These symptoms present at an earlier age than among women without ADHD, indicating an earlier onset age of perimenopause in ADHD”.5

ADHD Diagnosis and Perimenopause

Is there an association between ADHD diagnosis and perimenopause?

In ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause: How Symptoms Overlap and Tips To Manage: FAQs – Why Are So Many Women Diagnosed With ADHD During Perimenopause? dated 04 February 2026, the ADDA [Attention Deficit Disorder Association] Editorial Team explain:

“Perimenopause can bring long-standing ADHD traits to the surface. These challenges were previously compensated for through masking or coping mechanisms. However, hormonal changes can amplify symptoms. As a result, certain strategies may stop working, prompting women to seek answers for the challenges they’ve faced for years”.6

Pre-exisitng ADHD Research

What is known about perimenopause/menopause research and existing ADHD?

In Menopause, Hormones & ADHD: What We Know, What Research Is Needed: Menopause and ADHD the authors explain:

“There is no available research on menopause and ADHD specifically, but plenty of anecdotal evidence supports a link between the two. Many of my patients with ADHD report that pre-existing symptoms worsen in menopause. Some patients also report what appears to be a new onset of symptoms, though I find that many of these patients were “borderline” or “mildly” ADD throughout most of their life”.7

First Time ADHD Research

What is known about perimenopause/menopause research and first time diagnosis of ADHD?

In Menopause, Hormones & ADHD: What We Know, What Research Is Needed: Menopause and ADHD the authors note:

“Furthermore, research has not yet established how often ADHD is diagnosed for the first time during menopause – an important facet to consider, given that menopause and ADHD in later adulthood share many symptoms and impairments, including but not limited to:

  • Mood lability
  • Poor attention/concentration
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Depression”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause and ADHD?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Severity of Core Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Females and Males
  2. ADDitudemag.com [ADDitude, United States]
    Menopause and ADHD
  3. Adhd-federation.org [World Federation of ADHD]
  4. ADHD Diagnoses Are Rising In Menopausal Women, Says Expert
  5. ADHD Diagnosis During Menopause [Video]
  6. ADHD Impairment Peaks In Menopause, According To ADDitude Reader Survey
  7. ADHD In Adults
  8. ADHD In Adults: 4 Things To Know
  9. ADHD In Females: Survey Findings on Symptoms Across Hormonal Life Stages
  10. ADHD In Women
  11. ADHD In Women: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
  12. ADHD In Women: The Hidden Role of Hormones
  13. ADHD and Perimenopause
  14. ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause: How Symptoms Overlap and Tips To Manage
  15. ADHD and Sex Hormones In Women
  16. ADHD and the Female Reproductive Stages: Menstruation, Perinatal and Menopause
  17. ADHD and the Gap In Hormone Care for Women
  18. Adhd-federation.org [World Federation of ADHD]
  19. Adhdafplus.org.uk [ADHDAF+]
  20. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  21. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  22. Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders and Intestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis
  23. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  24. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need To Know
  25. Autism and Menopause Guide [2024]
  26. Careadhd.co.uk [Care ADHD The Center for ADHD Research and Excellence, United Kingdom]
  27. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  28. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  29. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  30. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  31. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
  32. Doctor (25 Years Experience): ADHD Women Need To Stop Doing THIS | Dr Helen Wall
  33. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  34. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  35. Examining the Link Between ADHD Symptoms and Menopausal Experiences
  36. Experiences of Autistic Women In Menopause: Brief Review and Recommendations for Practice and Research
  37. Falling Estrogen, Soaring ADHD: Menopause Care for Neurodivergent Women
  38. Find A Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  39. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  40. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  41. Free Resource for Women and Girls: Is It ADHD?
    Menoapuse ADHD
  42. HRT Questions Answered
  43. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  44. ‘Healthy Menopause’: The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) 2026 Framework for Precision, Digital, and Interdisciplinary Midlife Health
  45. Hormones and ADHD With Dr Louise Newson and Dr Judith Mohring
  46. How Do Hormones Alter Women’s ADHD Symptoms?
  47. How Hormones and Menopause Impact ADHD Women | Dr. Louise Newson
  48. How Small Lifestyle Changes Can Transform Your Health
  49. How To Manage Menopausal Insomnia
  50. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
  51. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  52. Late Diagnosed ADHD: How To Heal After Years Of Pretending (5 Steps) | Dr Judith Mohring
  53. Menopausal Symptom Treatments
  54. Menopause
  55. Menopause
    Menopause and ADHD
  56. Menopause Experts Reveal How To Tell the Difference Between Brain Fog, Dementia, ADHD and Tiredness
  57. Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  58. Menopause and Mental Health
  59. Menopause and Mental Health
    Menopause and ADHD
  60. Menopause, Hormones & ADHD: What We Know, What Research Is Needed
  61. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  62. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
    Menopause and ADHD
  63. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  64. Menopause: Your Choice of Language
  65. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
  69. Number of Middle-Aged Women Prescribed ADHD Drugs Rises 40% In A Year
  70. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  71. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What Is Sleep, What Is Menopause and How Do They Interact?
  72. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  73. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  74. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  75. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
    Menopause and ADHD
  76. PMD Awareness Month [April 2026]
  77. PMS and PMDD: Live Q&A With Dr Louise Newson
  78. Perimenopausal Symptoms In Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Cohort Study
  79. Perimenopause
  80. Perimenopause
  81. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  82. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause and ADHD
  83. Perimenopause, Menopause and Mental Health
  84. Perimenopausal Symptoms In Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Cohort Study
  85. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  86. Talking To Your GP About Your Mental Health
  87. The Hidden Struggle: ADHD In Women
  88. The Menopause ‘Mind field’
  89. The Menstrual Cycle and ADHD (with Lotta Skoglund)
  90. We Demand Attention on How Medication Adjustments During the Monthly Menstrual Cycle and Menopause Could Improve Treatment Outcomes for Women
  91. We Demand Attention on How Perimenopause and Menopause Impact ADHD Symptoms, and Vice Versa
  92. We Demand Attention on the Benefits and Risks of Hormonal Contraception and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women With ADHD
  93. What Is Menopause?
  94. What Is Inattentive ADHD? ADD Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
  95. What Is Perimenopause?
  96. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  97. When Perimenopause Meets ADHD: 4 Important Insights
  98. World Menopause Day 2025 [18 October]
    Menopause Stages Menopause and ADHD
  99. Your Daily Dose: Let’s Unpack Menopause
  100. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Don’t Suffer In Silence
  101. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Here’s What To Know

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Mood Changes. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 06 June 2026
  2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): What Is ADHD? Revised 2024. National Institute of Mental Health’s https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know Accessed: 06 June 2026
  3. Attention Deficit Disorder Association] Editorial Team. ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause: ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause – How Symptoms Overlap and Tips to Manage: FAQs – Can Menopause Cause ADHD? 04 February 2026 https://add.org/adhd-and-perimenopause-menopause/ Accessed: 06 June 2026
  4. Menopause Experts Reveal How To Tell the Difference Between Brain Fog, Dementia, ADHD and Tiredness. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/health-news/menopause-experts-reveal-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-brain-fog-dementia-adhd-and-tiredness/ar-AA207oMJ?ocid=sfFaites Accessed: 06 June 2026
  5. Smari, U. J., et al. Perimenopausal Symptoms In Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Cohort Study: Conclusion. September 2025 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12538516/ Accessed: 06 June 2026
  6. Attention Deficit Disorder Association] Editorial Team. ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause: ADHD and Perimenopause/Menopause – How Symptoms Overlap and Tips to Manage: FAQs – Why Are So Many Women Diagnosed With ADHD During Perimenopause? 04 February 2026 https://add.org/adhd-and-perimenopause-menopause/ Accessed: 06 June 2026
  7. Wasserstein, J. Menopause, Hormones & ADHD: What We Know, What Research Is Needed: Menopause and ADHD. Updated: November 3, 2025 https://www.additudemag.com/menopause-hormones-adhd-women-research/ Accessed: 06 June 2026
  8. Wasserstein, J. Menopause, Hormones & ADHD: What We Know, What Research Is Needed: Menopause and ADHD. Updated: November 3, 2025 https://www.additudemag.com/menopause-hormones-adhd-women-research/ Accessed: 06 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 31 August 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 June 2026

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