It is finally time to talk about the impact of fluctuating hormones
For decades, women have felt the need to hide the impact of changes in their hormones, while scientists have excluded women from research to avoid hormonal fluctuations complicating their research. Thankfully, this is starting to change
For centuries, women have been told not to discuss the effects of fluctuating hormones. Levels of female sex hormones, such as oestrogen, can vary significantly, both monthly and during major life events like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes affect more than just individuals; they also pose challenges for medical research, where women were often excluded to avoid hormone-related complications.
This exclusion may have contributed to the misconception that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predominantly affects males, particularly young boys. While research now confirms that girls and women are equally susceptible to ADHD, their symptoms can be more subtle and harder to identify.
The impact of hormones on ADHD symptoms is becoming increasingly clear. Hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate or mitigate symptoms, sometimes to the point of undermining treatment efficacy and challenging coping strategies. Recognizing this link offers a significant advantage for women with ADHD, enabling them to anticipate and manage hormonal shifts that impact their attention and motivation.
However, the journey to widespread understanding remains a work in progress. Thanks to the recent breakdown of societal taboos surrounding hormonal health, particularly through the influence of social media, women are now more openly discussing their hormonal experiences. This shift in conversation marks a significant step forward, yet the challenge lies in translating these discussions into meaningful progress without falling back into outdated stereotypes.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
