How menopause can affect ADHD symptoms – and how to manage it

For most women, menopause is a major life transition and if you’re also living with ADHD, it can feel like the rules suddenly change. Familiar strategies may stop working, and new challenges can appear out of nowhere. But you’re not alone, and with the right support, this chapter can be one of growth and clarity. 

At Xyla, we want you to know you’re not alone. With careful understanding, tailored support and self-compassion you can find your way through this chapter with confidence. 

Understanding the hormonal impact

Oestrogen and progesterone play key roles in brain chemistry. Oestrogen helps regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which underpin focus, motivation and mood. When oestrogen levels fall during the menopause transition, those chemical pathways can be affected.  

For women with ADHD, who are already working hard to manage focus and organisation, the hormonal changes of menopause can amplify these challenges. Tasks that used to feel manageable may now feel overwhelming and tried-and-tested strategies might no longer work. Understanding this connection allows for a shift from self-blame to self-compassion. 

Does the menopause transition make ADHD symptoms worse? 

Many women report that their ADHD symptoms become more intense during perimenopause and menopause. In fact, a 2025 ADDitude survey of over 1,500 women with diagnosed or suspected ADHD found that 94% experienced a noticeable increase in symptoms during these hormonal shifts. 

While formal research is still emerging, there’s growing recognition of the overlap between ADHD and menopausal symptoms, particularly in areas like sleep, memory, concentration and emotional wellbeing. 

A recent study from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience explored this connection in more depth. Researchers found that although an ADHD diagnosis alone didn’t directly influence menopausal symptoms, the severity of ADHD traits did. Women with more pronounced ADHD traits reported greater difficulties with memory, concentration, anxiety and psychosocial wellbeing. 

Interestingly, the study also revealed that ADHD medication didn’t significantly reduce menopausal complaints. However, women on medication showed broader links between ADHD traits and symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, suggesting that medication may influence how symptoms are experienced. 

Common challenges may include:

• Increased forgetfulness or distractibility
• Difficulty finishing tasks or staying organised
• Heightened emotional sensitivity or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily routines
• New or resurfacing executive function difficulties

Recognising that the menopause transition may be exacerbating your ADHD symptoms allows more room for compassion and understanding. You can approach your situation with curiosity rather than self-judgement. 

Can you develop ADHD during menopause?

No, you cannot develop ADHD in menopause. However, the menopause transition can reveal ADHD symptoms that may have been previously hidden or masked. 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it starts in childhood. What often happens is that you may have had ADHD traits for years, but adaptive strategies, hormonal protection or life structure meant you coped well.  

Then during perimenopause, as hormone levels change and other life demands shift, your previous coping strategies may no longer work as well. This can make long-standing ADHD traits become more apparent. It may feel like ADHD symptoms have appeared out of nowhere but in fact you’re simply seeing it now. 

Mental health and emotional support

When you’re used to managing well, the sudden shift in how your mind works can feel disorienting. Tasks that once came naturally may now feel difficult to start or complete. Feeling frustrated, confused or uncertain is a valid response. This isn’t a personal failure. It’s the result of two significant processes overlapping: neurodevelopmental differences and hormonal changes. 

Both ADHD and the menopause transition are real, meaningful experiences. Together, they can feel intense, but they are also manageable with awareness and support. 

Reaching out can make a difference. Talking openly with trusted friends, family or a trained professional can ease the sense of isolation. You may find others navigating similar changes and gain comfort, clarity and encouragement from shared understanding.