The impact of hormonal changes on the severity of ADHD traits occurs not just in a woman’s monthly periods but also in the transition during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause.

In this interview, I speak to Prof Dr J.J. Sandra Kooij on the following:

1) How do female hormones impact a woman with ADHD compared to those without ADHD?

Prof Kooij explained her research which gives rise to the role of estrogen in regulating neurotransmitters in the brain.

2) How the impact of hormones on a girl and women with ADHD result in heightened issues with emotional dysregulation and why so many women are diagnosed later in life especially when estrogen starts to dip during perimenopause and menopause.

3) How can we help girls going through big hormonal changes during puberty?

4) Do ADHD medications work in women with ADHD when hormonal changes occur in these times (a) week 3/4 of the cycle) (b) puberty (c) pregnancy and after birth (d) perimenopause?

5) What are the consequences on a woman’s work life when their levels of estrogen drop and how do we mitigate this?

Find out more about the study referenced in this interview.

Prof Kooij also discusses some of her latest projects in development, including one that she’s still seeking funding for. Watch this space as we help her distribute a large survey among women with ADHD about their physical and mental health, a study conducted together with ADHD Europe.

About ADHD Girls

ADHD Girls is a company with a dual mission to empower girls and women with ADHD to thrive in society and to improve societal understanding of neurodiversity through intersectional lens – taking into account the broad spectrum of our identities that make us humans.

Powered by personal lived experiences of ADHD, we work to destigmatise ADHD and support ADHDers via:

🌟 Needs-based Support: Personal and professional development workshops for ADHDers;

🌟 Advocacy: Producing thought-provoking digital awareness campaigns and events to destigmatise ADHD;

🌟 Neurodiversity training: Running neurodiversity awareness session within education and work settings to improve cultural understanding of neurodivergence and providing best practice approach to support ADHDers

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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/adhd-girls/