How PMS Affects the 3 Types of ADHD in Women

Did you know that PMS can significantly impact ADHD symptoms? For women with ADHD, hormonal fluctuations during their cycle can amplify common ADHD traits, making life even more challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore how PMS affects the three types of ADHD and share practical tips to help manage these symptoms.

Understanding the Three Types of ADHD

Before diving into the connection between PMS and ADHD, let’s take a closer look at the three types of ADHD and their unique traits.

1. Inattentive ADHD

This type is characterized by:

• Difficulty focusing

• Forgetfulness

• Trouble organizing tasks

• Daydreaming

Common challenges include feelings of overwhelm, low self-esteem, and struggles with emotional regulation.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

This type often looks like:

• Restlessness

• Impulsivity

• Constant motion

• Difficulty waiting or staying still

Women with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may experience fatigue, relationship tension, and trouble managing tasks.

3. Combined ADHD

A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits, combined ADHD often leads to:

• Burnout

• Anxiety

• Unpredictable energy levels

How PMS Impacts ADHD

PMS symptoms such as mood swings, brain fog, and heightened emotional sensitivity are triggered by hormonal imbalances in estrogen and progesterone. These imbalances also affect dopamine and serotonin levels, key neurotransmitters for focus and mood regulation, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.

• Increased brain fog

• More disorganization

• Trouble focusing

• Heightened feelings of guilt and overwhelm

PMS and Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

• Heightened irritability

• Impulsive decisions

• Restlessness

• Increased frustration and a sense of losing control

PMS and Combined ADHD

• Amplified inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits

• Emotional dysregulation peaks

• Challenges managing daily life, leading to conflicts or withdrawal

Holistic Approaches to Managing PMS and ADHD

While ADHD traits are part of how your brain works, PMS symptoms can be managed holistically through natural approaches. By addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management, you can feel more in control of your body and reduce the impact of PMS on ADHD symptoms.

Practical Tips for Managing ADHD During PMS

For Inattentive ADHD

• Use planners, apps, or organizational tools to stay on track.

• Incorporate brain-friendly foods like those rich in omega-3s.

• Practice meditation to combat brain fog.

For Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

• Channel restlessness through short bursts of physical activity.

• Practice deep breathing to manage impulsivity.

• Acknowledge frustrations and take steps to maintain your progress.

For Combined ADHD

• Balance structured downtime with manageable tasks.

• Build a support system through friends, family, or neurodivergent communities.

• Ensure you’re getting high-quality protein with all 20 amino acids to calm your mind and reduce brain fog.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how PMS impacts ADHD is the first step toward thriving as a woman with neurodivergence. Your body and brain are unique, and with the right tools and strategies, you can manage these challenges effectively.

If you’re ready to eliminate PMS and painful cramping, check out my 3-Month Cycle Trinity Program to help you reclaim your body and find balance: www.divinefemwellness.com/membership.

Need personalized guidance? Book a one-on-one session to dive deeper into your hormonal health: Book a Consultation.

For a free resource to kickstart your journey, download my Banish PMS Guide here: Download Now.

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References:

1. Hormonal Impact on ADHD and PMS Symptoms

   • Farquhar, B., & Conway, A. (2017). The role of estrogen and progesterone in mood regulation. Journal of Women's Health, 26(7), 679–690.Link

   • Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 16(3).Link

2. Dopamine and Serotonin in ADHD and PMS

   • Banaschewski, T., et al. (2010). Role of dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(3), 14–19.Link

   • Halbreich, U. (2003). The pathophysiology of premenstrual syndrome. CNS Drugs, 17(5), 325–342.Link

3. Holistic Approaches to PMS Management

   • Proctor, M. L., et al. (2009). Oral contraceptive pills for primary dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

   • Reddy, R. C., & Korrick, S. A. (2019). The role of diet and lifestyle in managing PMS symptoms. Nutrients, 11(7),

4. ADHD and Nutrition

   • Chang, J. P.-C., et al. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in ADHD treatment. Journal of Attention Disorders, 22(9), 818–832.Link

   • Benton, D., & Stevens, M. K. (2008). The influence of a protein-rich diet on brain function. Journal of Nutrition and Brain Function, 27(5), 112–120.Link

5. Mindfulness and ADHD

   • Mitchell, J. T., et al. (2013). Mindfulness meditation and attention regulation in ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 17(5), 391–403.Link

   • Hoge, E. A., et al. (2013). Mindfulness training improves emotional regulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 871.Link

6. Exercise and ADHD Management

   • Smith, A. L., et al. (2013). Exercise as an intervention for ADHD. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 35(4), 361–367.

7. PMS and Emotional Dysregulation

   • Rapkin, A. J., & Mikacich, J. A. (2013). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and its overlap with mood disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(11), 373. Link