ADHD + PMDD= A Women's Worst Nightmare!

 

It's time to get real girls!  How many of us experience pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms before our menstrual cycles?  (We LOVE that time of month as a girl...) Roughly 80% of us girlies will experience PMS! *sarcastic* Whoopie!  Now, my ADHD girlies...I'm talkin' to you!  Did you know that 45% of us deal with what is called Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?  (I'm one of them...)

The image below compares PMS and PMDD:




I'll say this, when experiencing PMDD, I never thought I would feel this way about myself and it hurts most cycles.  If you want a simple definition: PMDD is like PMS symptoms, but with the volume up to the highest notch.  Having ADHD, autism, AND PMDD is *SO* much fun *cries in PMDD depression*.

PMDD is low serotonin with a high sensitivity to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone and all of these hormonal changes occur during the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle.

 Learning more about PMDD gave me a pattern to track, language to explain it, and options to get the support I need. This is why we need to talk about it—especially for neurodivergent girlies who have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.  For my girlies who have it, you are not alone!  There are ways you can get that support like taking SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil.  

Here are the dosing options (talk to your OBGYN/gynecologist/primary care doctor about what they think is best for you):

  • continuous dosing- (This is what I do) this is when you take it continuously and is for people whose symptoms show all month long.
  • symptom onset dosing- symptoms show before menstruation.  Dosing begins at onset and stops at menstruation.
  • luteal phase dosing- when symptoms are present 1-2 weeks before the period.  Begins with ovulation until 1-2 days after menstruation.
IF the SSRIs don't work...
  • Gn-RH (gonadotrpin-release hormone) agonists or antagonists to suppress ovarian function.
  • Hormonal controception or hormonal replacement therapy to reduce hormone fluctuations.
If nothing else works, get a hysterectomy to remove your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Knowing about PMDD changed how I see my body and brain. I was diagnosed with PMDD at the age of 18 (I believe) and it made more sense.  Before learning more about PMDD, I thought it was normal to have meltdowns caused by feeling too depressed.  I thought it was normal to not feel motivated to do the things I loved like playing the flute or piano.  There were times where I felt hopeless as a young adult in her 20s.  I was medicated with Zoloft and it made me manic.  I've been taking Lexapro now for a while and I can tell when it's easier to manage my emotions.  Balancing ADHD, autism, and PMDD is hard, but I'm trying different solutions to ease my symptoms and manage them more.  

1. IAPMD (International Association for Premenstrual Disorders)

  • 🔗 www.iapmd.org

  • The go-to nonprofit for PMDD education, support, and treatment guides.

  • Offers free symptom trackers, treatment comparison tools, clinician directories, and community forums.

  • Also includes info about PME (premenstrual exacerbation), which is when existing conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, etc. get worse premenstrually.

2. Me v PMDD App

  • 🔗 www.mevpmdd.com

  • Free cycle tracking app specifically designed for PMDD.

  • Lets you log symptoms, moods, and see cycle patterns easily—essential for getting diagnosed.

3. The Hormone Diaries / Hannah Witton (YouTube)

  • 🔗 YouTube Channel

  • Friendly, honest videos on periods, hormones, birth control, and PMDD from a disabled YouTuber.

Books

  • 📘 The PMDD Phenomenon by Diana E. Taylor – focuses on research, hormones, and treatment.

  • 📕 Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden – not PMDD-specific, but great for learning about hormones naturally and medically.

  • 📘 Hormone Repair Manual (also by Briden) – includes perimenopause + PMDD crossover info, which is relevant for older neurodivergent women too.




  



If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  

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