---
title: Does ADHD change across the menstrual cycle in women taking stimulants?
description: Yes, clearly. ADHD symptoms were most severe during menstruation and much milder in the mid-follicular phase. This difference was linked to mood changes.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/changes-in-adhd-symptoms-and-mood-across-the-menstrual-cycle-in-females-treated-2026/
---

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- Does ADHD change across the menstrual cycle in women taking stimulants?

Survey study, 2026

# Does ADHD change across the menstrual cycle in women taking stimulants?

Yes, clearly. ADHD symptoms were most severe during menstruation and much milder in the mid-follicular phase. This difference was linked to mood changes.

 Early or limited evidence

30 women taking amphetamine salts for ADHD

## What they did

30 women taking amphetamine salts for ADHD completed 35 daily online surveys to track ADHD symptoms, mood, and medication use across their menstrual cycle.

## What they found

ADHD symptoms were most severe during menstruation and comparatively milder in the mid-follicular phase. This difference was linked with changes in negative mood.

## What it means for you

ADHD symptoms may vary across the menstrual cycle in women taking stimulants, possibly related to mood changes. This was a small pilot study with just 30 women, so findings are preliminary.

30

women studied

35

daily surveys per person

## About the study

Original title Changes in ADHD Symptoms and Mood Across the Menstrual Cycle in Females Treated With Stimulants: A Pilot Study Authors Zaritsky R, Reed SC, Evans SM Journal Journal of attention disorders Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 30 What was tested None tested; observational study of women already on stimulant medication Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/10870547251400038](https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547251400038)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)

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