The Impact of Hormones on ADHD and Autism
Why Do Hormones Seem to Affect ADHD and Autism So Much?
Ever notice that your ADHD or autistic traits seem harder to manage at certain times of the month, or that things you used to handle just fine have become much harder during perimenopause?
Hormonal changes can affect everything from concentration and emotional regulation to sensory sensitivities and energy levels. We're still learning about these connections, but I've gathered research, personal experiences, and practical resources to help you better understand what's happening and what might help.
Explore resources for understanding, support, and practical strategies.
A Little Context About These Resources
Most of the research and resources on this page focus on people assigned female at birth (AFAB), particularly experiences related to menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause. Hormones affect people of all genders, and individual experiences vary depending on many factors, including hormone treatments and medical history.
I've intentionally kept pregnancy and postpartum resources on my Being a Neurodivergent Parent page rather than including them here. Not everyone experiences pregnancy, whether by choice or circumstance, and I wanted this page to focus on hormonal experiences that aren't tied to becoming a parent. Pregnancy and postpartum also involve changes in identity, relationships, sensory needs, and everyday functioning that deserve their own attention.
PMDD, PME & Autism/ADHD
For some ADHD and autistic people, the days leading up to their period can be especially difficult. Mood changes, irritability, sensory overwhelm, and difficulty concentrating can become intense enough to interfere with everyday life.
But there's an important difference between PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and PME (premenstrual exacerbation), when existing difficulties become noticeably worse before a period. Research suggests a connection between ADHD and severe premenstrual symptoms, while we're still learning how common PMDD is among autistic people.
Articles & Resources
What Is Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME)? – International Association for Premenstrual Disorders
Autistic Experiences and Perspectives
PMDD and Autism: Sensory Overload – See Her Thrive
My Experience of Autistic Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder – Danielle Sullivan, Neurodiverging (2023)
Podcast
Understanding PMDD: The Link Between Hormonal Imbalances and Neurodivergence – Divergent Conversations, Episode 52 (2024)
How Do Hormones Affect ADHD?
Ever notice that your ADHD seems harder to manage at certain times of the month? Maybe concentrating takes more effort, you're more easily frustrated, or your usual strategies aren't working quite as well.
Researchers are exploring how hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may affect ADHD symptoms and even medication response. There's still a lot we don't know, but understanding your own patterns can help you recognize when you might need more flexibility or support.
Podcasts
Women with ADHD: How Estrogen Impacts Our Symptoms – I Have ADHD Podcast, with Dr. Patricia Quinn
Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health – Dear Menopause
Articles
Women, Hormones, and ADHD – ADDitude
Research Articles
Reproductive Steroids and ADHD Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle
Female-Specific Pharmacotherapy in ADHD: Premenstrual Adjustment of Psychostimulant Dosage – Preliminary study involving nine women
ADHD & Menopause
I discovered I was ADHD around the time I was entering early perimenopause. At the time, I didn't realize how much hormonal changes might be affecting my ability to manage things I'd handled for years.
I've since worked with quite a few adults who've had similar experiences. Maybe you've spent years finding ways to work with your ADHD, only to reach perimenopause and wonder why those strategies aren't working anymore. Or maybe you're just now recognizing ADHD traits that you've had your whole life, but that have become much harder to ignore.
Brain fog, forgetfulness, overwhelm, and difficulty getting things done can all become more noticeable during this transition. Although the research is still developing, more attention is finally being paid to the experiences of adults with ADHD during perimenopause and menopause.
Articles & Personal Experiences
ADHD Impairment Peaks in Menopause – ADDitude Reader Survey
ADHD and Hormones: Advocating for Yourself Through Perimenopause and Beyond – Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center
Research
Perimenopause, Menopause and ADHD – Wasserstein, Stefanatos & Solanto (2023), conference abstract
Podcasts
When ADHD Collides with Perimenopause – Dr. Louise Newson with Margaret Reed-Roberts
ADHD, Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Susan Varghese – ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Episode 159
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
I've worked with quite a few adults who started questioning whether they had ADHD or were autistic when perimenopause made everything feel harder. If you're finding yourself in a similar place, I'd be happy to hear what you've been experiencing and see whether working together might be helpful.
Autism and Hormones
Hormonal changes can affect autistic people in ways that aren't always obvious. Maybe your sensory sensitivities become harder to manage during your period, you're more easily overwhelmed, or you notice changes in your energy and ability to keep up with daily demands. We're still learning how hormones interact with autistic experiences, including possible connections with certain hormonal and metabolic conditions.
Research on testosterone and autism has produced mixed findings. Some studies have identified associations between androgen levels and autistic traits, but that doesn't mean testosterone causes autism or that autistic people necessarily have abnormal hormone levels. Older studies also sometimes use terminology and assumptions that don't reflect current understanding of gender and neurodivergence.
Podcast Episodes:
The physical side of autism: health, hormones and hypersensitivity (The squarepeg)
Hormonal Health & PMOS (Formerly PCOS)
PCOS Is Renamed PMOS: What You Need to Know – Yale Medicine (2026)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Autism – Translational Psychiatry (2018)
Testosterone & Autism Research
Androgen Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – Wang and colleagues (2024)
Elevated Rates of Testosterone-Related Disorders in Women with Autism Spectrum Conditions – Ingudomnukul and colleagues (2007)
Autism and Menopause
For some autistic adults, perimenopause can make things they've managed for years feel much harder. Sensory sensitivities may become more intense, changes in routine feel more overwhelming, and the energy it takes to get through everyday life can increase. Some people even begin questioning whether they're autistic during this time because experiences they've previously masked become harder to ignore.
One challenge is that the medical system hasn't always recognized how menopause may affect autistic adults. Changes in sensory needs, energy, and the ability to manage everyday demands can be difficult to explain, especially when healthcare providers aren't familiar with autistic experiences.
Articles & Personal Experiences
Menopausal and Melting Down: An Autistic Tale of Sensory Survival – Karen Noble, Reframing Autism
Autism and Menopause: Advice and Guidance – National Autistic Society (2024), includes a downloadable guide
Why Autistic Women's Experience of Menopause Is Different – Dr. Claire Jack (2024)
Research Articles
Autism and the Menopause Transition: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review – Grant and colleagues (2025)
“A Perfect Storm”: Autistic Experiences of Menopause and Midlife – Brady and colleagues (2024)
Menstruation and Menopause in Autistic Adults: Periods of Importance? – Groenman and colleagues (2022)
Autism Research Is “All About the Blokes and the Kids”: Autistic Women Breaking the Silence on Menopause – Moseley and colleagues (2021)
“When My Autism Broke”: A Qualitative Study Spotlighting Autistic Voices on Menopause – Moseley and colleagues (2020)
General Perimenopause/Menopause Information
I hear story after story of people bringing concerns about their mood, sleep, memory, or concentration to their doctor, only to be told it's anxiety, depression, or stress. Sometimes they're prescribed antidepressants and sent on their way, without anyone even considering perimenopause. And while antidepressants can absolutely be helpful, what if hormonal changes are part of what's going on?
What surprises a lot of people is how early perimenopause can start. Some begin noticing changes in their late 30s. The average age of menopause is around 51, but the transition leading up to it can last up to 10 years.
If you're in your 30s or early 40s and noticing changes in your concentration, mood, or sleep that you can't quite explain, perimenopause is worth considering. You deserve a healthcare provider who takes those concerns seriously and looks at the whole picture, rather than relying on a single hormone test.
Articles & Resources
Menopause Information & Resources – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Five Menopause Myths You Should Stop Believing Now – NYU Langone Health
In the Misdiagnosis of Menopause, What Needs to Change? – American Journal of Managed Care
Mood Changes During Perimenopause Are Real. Here's What to Know – ACOG
Videos
Podcasts & You Tube Channels
Hit Play Not Pause Podcast - Selene Yeager - health and science journalist
Hello Menopause Podcast - Stacy London - founder of State of Menopause
Dr. Mary Clare Haver, YouTube - OBGYN. founded The 'Pause Life
Menopause Taylor, YouTube - Barbara Taylor, M.D. is a gynecologist
Dr. Kelly Casperson You Are Not Broken, YouTube - Urologic surgeon, sex educator
Dr. Rachel Rubin, YouTube - Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause - Omisade Burney-Scott - menopause advocate, social justice warrior
Menopause Books
If you want to take a deeper dive into menopause and have the time, energy, and ability to sit down and focus on a book (not always an easy combination!), these are a few I'd recommend. They cover everything from brain changes and treatment options to why so many people's concerns have been dismissed over the years.
And if sitting down to read isn't your thing, audiobooks count too!
The Menopause Brain - Lisa Mosconi, PhD
The New Menopause - Mary Claire Haver MD
Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (But Were Too Afraid to Ask) - Kate Muir
Autistic Menopause: A Guide to the Menopausal Transition for Autistic People and Those Supporting Them – Julie Gamble-Turner & Rachel Moseley (2026)
Menopause and ADHD: How to Navigate Hormone Flux and Neurodivergence – Dr. Helen Wall (2026)
How Do I Find a Hormone Provider?
Over and over, I hear stories of people going to their PCP, OB-GYN, or endocrinologist, only to have their concerns dismissed because a single FSH blood test came back normal or because they're still having periods.
Because hormone levels can fluctuate so much during perimenopause, a normal FSH result doesn't necessarily rule it out. That's why finding someone who considers your symptoms and medical history, rather than relying on a single test, can make such a difference.
Below are some directories and telehealth services to help you find a provider who understands perimenopause and takes your concerns seriously. While I can't personally vouch for everyone listed, they're good places to start.
Find a Provider Near You
The 'Pause Life: Recommended Clinicians – Community-submitted referrals
Online/Telehealth Options
Alloy – Virtual menopause care with hormone and nonhormonal treatment options.
Stella – Virtual menopause-focused care, with insurance and self-pay options depending on eligibility.
Midi Health – Virtual perimenopause and menopause care, including treatment options and ongoing follow-up.
A Note About Medical Care
I'm a licensed psychologist, not a medical doctor. I share these resources because hormonal changes can have a significant impact on mental health and everyday functioning, particularly for ADHD and autistic adults. For questions about hormone testing, medications, or treatment options, I encourage you to work with a qualified healthcare provider who understands perimenopause and menopause.
Adding To This Page…
I am continuously adding to this page as I get new information so come check back to see new additions. If you have any resources that you have found helpful but are not listed please email me as I would love to add them: henry@therapyforpetpeople.com
Please forgive any typos or broken links. As an ADHDer it’s a challenge for me to keep up but I am making it a priority as this page is truly a labor of love. Be sure to forward the link to others in your life who may benefit from this information. Bring some food and water as this is a deep deep dive into all things neurodivergent.
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Questions? Need Support?
If you have questions or need support, please reach out to me! This journey can be difficult, but you don’t have to walk it alone.