23-Feb-26 | News

Women’s Health and Neurodiversity: Understanding the Hormonal Connection

International Women’s Day 2026: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

As we recognise International Women’s Day on 9th March, it’s essential to widen the conversation to include the experiences of neurodivergent women. What does this year’s theme mean for women and girls whose brains work differently? And how do hormonal changes across the lifespan uniquely shape the wellbeing of autistic and ADHD women?

This blog explores the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between female hormones and neurodivergence, and how greater understanding can lead to better support, inclusion, and quality of life. Growing bodies of research are increasingly emphasising the distinct and significant ways in which women experience ADHD and Autism – both as separate conditions and in combination – as highlighted by Craddock (2024).

The Menstrual Cycle: Why Hormones Hit Harder for Neurodivergent Women

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect most women, but for those with ADHD and/or Autism, the impact can be far more intense. With the understanding of these conditions shaped largely by male‑centric perspectives, there’s still a significant lack of research on neurodivergent women.

PMS, PMDD and Neurodivergence

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can significantly disrupt daily functioning. Research and lived experience suggest that autistic and ADHD women may experience:

  • More severe mood swings
  • Heightened sensory sensitivities
  • Increased overwhelm or emotional dysregulation

The Hormonal Rollercoaster

A key part of this experience is the sharp shift in hormonal balance throughout the cycle.

  • Oestrogen rises during week 2, improving focus and boosting motivation
  • After ovulation, oestrogen falls and progesterone rises, often worsening ADHD symptoms
  • Lower dopamine levels during this phase also contribute to impulsivity and emotional reactivity

These fluctuations can turn executive functioning, emotional regulation, and sensory processing into daily challenges. Hormonal shifts across the menstrual cycle and the unpredictability of perimenopause can strongly disrupt the sense of control many neurodivergent individuals depend on. When psychological and physical symptoms feel uncontrollable, this can lead to a sharp increase in anxiety for neurodivergent women.

Emotional, Behavioural, and Cognitive Changes

Women with ADHD or Autism may experience:

  • Heightened irritability, anxiety, or mood instability
  • Challenges with sensory processing and cognitive functions
  • Greater risk of overwhelm, shutdowns, or meltdowns

Recognising these patterns can help create more effective, personalised strategies for self‑care, planning, and emotion management.

Menopause and Neurodivergence: An Intensified Transition

Menopause marks the end of menstruation, typically between ages 45 and 55.

The transition begins with perimenopause, lasting anywhere from 3 to 10 years, when symptoms begin despite ongoing cycles.

A Critical Workplace Issue

A major survey (CIPD) of 2,000 women aged 40–60 found:

  • 73% experienced menopause‑related symptoms
  • 17% had considered leaving their job
  • 6% had already done so

For neurodivergent women these challenges may be magnified.

How Menopause Impacts Neurodivergent Traits

Hormonal changes can amplify neurodivergent tendencies in ways that affect both personal and professional life:

  • Increased autism‑related symptoms, such as sensory overwhelm, difficulty with transitions, and a heightened need for routine and predictability.
  • Intensified ADHD symptoms, particularly in executive functioning and emotional regulation.

These shifts can make workplaces feel increasingly demanding unless appropriate support is available.

What can help?

Symptom Tracking: 

  • Keeping a detailed journal or record of your symptoms, including hormonal, ND, and any other relevant factors (use your favourite apps or visual trackers).
  • Identify your personal triggers and warning signs.

Workplace Strategies: 

  • Ask for reasonable adjustments like flexible hours, a quiet workspace, or controlling the temperature. If you can, talk openly with your manager about what you need, and maybe prepare some scripts to help communicate if that would help.

Self-Care and Management: 

  • Try to prioritise good sleep and build routines that suit you.
  • Use sensory tools like fidget gadgets or noise-cancelling headphones to help you stay regulated.
  • Find or create support groups with others who understand what you’re going through.

Recommendations for employers:

  • Bring diverse voices into the room – Design menstrual‑health policies with the people most affected. Include neurodivergent women to ensure policies actually meet their needs.
  • Avoid assumptions about womanhood and menstrual experiences – Not all challenges are physical. Emotional and psychological impacts – especially for neurodivergent people – can be just as debilitating. Build policies that recognise this wider spectrum.
  • Use inclusive, flexible approaches that create safety – Provide multiple ways to engage, avoid one‑size‑fits‑all “women’s only” spaces, and create workplaces where people don’t have to mask to fit neurotypical norms.

Why This Matters

Women’s health has historically been under‑researched and under‑discussed. Adding neurodiversity into the conversation highlights an even more overlooked group whose hormonal experiences can profoundly shape everyday life.

By raising awareness, we can:

  • Acknowledge the real impact of hormonal change.
  • Offer tailored support during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause.
  • Foster environments that make it possible for ALL women and girls—neurotypical and neurodivergent—to thrive.

To explore tailored support for neurodivergent women employees in the form of strategy coaching, please contact our ND Team at Microlink PC at hellond@microlinkpc.com

References

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