FFP 616 | Is Your Menstrual Cycle Making Your ADHD Worse?

In this episode of the FAMM Research Series, Lisa examines peer-reviewed research on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and the menstrual cycle, exploring how reproductive hormones may influence symptom variability in women. The episode draws on a study titled "Reproductive Steroids and ADHD Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle," which tracked salivary hormone levels and self-reported ADHD symptoms throughout participants' cycles. Lisa discusses key findings suggesting that the luteal phase — when progesterone is elevated and estrogen is comparatively lower — may be associated with a higher presentation of ADHD-related symptoms in women. She also highlights a secondary study on misdiagnosis, examining the specific challenges women face in receiving an accurate ADHD diagnosis, including patterns of being treated for anxiety or depression before the underlying condition is identified. Throughout the episode, Lisa connects these findings to the broader value of menstrual cycle charting as a tool for recognizing cyclical symptom patterns in clinical practice.

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This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!

Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here!

This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!

Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today!

📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!