How ADHD Looks Different in Women

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it affects adults too—and it can look different in women than in men. Understanding these differences can help women get the support they need.

How ADHD Shows Up in Women

ADHD in women is often missed or misunderstood. Women are more likely to have problems with attention, focus, and organization, rather than the hyperactivity seen in boys and men. This means symptoms like daydreaming, forgetfulness, and trouble finishing tasks may be more common than fidgeting or acting out.[1][2][3]

Women with ADHD may also:

- Struggle with keeping track of daily responsibilities

- Feel overwhelmed by multitasking

- Experience mood swings or emotional ups and downs

- Have trouble managing time or staying organized

- Use extra effort or routines to hide their symptoms[1][2][3]

Hormones and ADHD

Female hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, can affect ADHD symptoms. Changes in hormone levels during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can make symptoms better or worse.[4][5][6][7][8][9]

During the menstrual cycle, some women notice their ADHD symptoms get worse right before their period or around ovulation. This is because estrogen levels drop, which can make it harder to focus and control impulses.[4][7][8][9]

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when hormone levels start to change. For women with ADHD, this can mean more severe symptoms, including trouble with memory, focus, and mood. Studies show that women with ADHD often experience perimenopausal symptoms earlier and more intensely than women without ADHD.[10][11][12]

Common symptoms during perimenopause include:

- Feeling more forgetful or distracted

- Increased anxiety or depression

- Hot flashes and sleep problems

- Changes in sexual health[10][11][12]

Why Is ADHD in Women Often Overlooked?

ADHD is less obvious in women because they may not be hyperactive. Instead, they might be quietly struggling with attention, organization, or emotions. Many women develop coping strategies, like making lists or working extra hard, which can hide their symptoms from others.[1][2][3]

What Can Help?

Tracking symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle and during life changes like perimenopause can help women understand their patterns. Talking to a healthcare provider about these changes is important. Treatment may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, and sometimes needs to be adjusted as hormones change.[13][9]

Remember: If you think you might have ADHD, or if your symptoms are getting worse with hormonal changes, you are not alone. Help is available, and understanding how ADHD looks in women is the first step to getting the right support.

References

1. Annual Research Review: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls and Women: Underrepresentation, Longitudinal Processes, and Key Directions. Hinshaw SP, Nguyen PT, O'Grady SM, Rosenthal EA. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines. 2022;63(4):484-496. doi:10.1111/jcpp.13480.

2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Dilip V. Jeste, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, David Fassler, et al. American Psychiatric Association (2022).

3. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Severity of Core Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Females and Males. Young S, Uysal O, Kahle J, et al. Psychological Medicine. 2024;:1-22. doi:10.1017/S0033291724001600.

4. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Menstrual Cycle: Theory and Evidence. Eng AG, Nirjar U, Elkins AR, et al. Hormones and Behavior. 2024;158:105466. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105466.

5. ADHD and Sex Hormones in Females: A Systematic Review. Osianlis E, Thomas EHX, Jenkins LM, Gurvich C. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2025;29(9):706-723. doi:10.1177/10870547251332319.

6. Relationship Between Sex Hormones, Reproductive Stages and ADHD: A Systematic Review. Camara B, Padoin C, Bolea B. Archives of Women's Mental Health. 2022;25(1):1-8. doi:10.1007/s00737-021-01181-w.

7. Reproductive Steroids and ADHD Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle. Roberts B, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Martel MM. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2018;88:105-114. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.11.015.

8. Cognitive Functions of Regularly Cycling Women May Differ Throughout the Month, Depending on Sex Hormone Status; A Possible Explanation to Conflicting Results of Studies of ADHD in Females. Haimov-Kochman R, Berger I. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2014;8:191. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00191.

9. Hormonal Effects on Externalizing Problems in Females Across the Lifespan. Martel MM, Eng AG, Nirjar U, et al. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. 2025;:101206. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2025.101206.

10. Perimenopausal Symptoms in Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Jakobsdóttir Smári U, Valdimarsdottir UA, Wynchank D, et al. European Psychiatry : The Journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists. 2025;68(1):e133. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.10101.

11. Midlife ADHD in Women: Any Relevance to Menopause?. Pines A. Climacteric : The Journal of the International Menopause Society. 2016;19(5):423-5. doi:10.3109/13697137.2016.1152536.

12. Prevalence of Hormone-Related Mood Disorder Symptoms in Women With ADHD. Dorani F, Bijlenga D, Beekman ATF, van Someren EJW, Kooij JJS. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2021;133:10-15. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.005.

13. A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD-Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences. de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, Michielsen M, Beekman ATF, Kooij JJS. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024;13(7):2106. doi:10.3390/jcm13072106.