Endo, PMDD, ADHD, 2022

Upon realising that Im ADHD I have learnt some very interesting and frustrating things for example people who menstruate that also have ADHD are at least 8 times more likely to suffer with PMDD based on early studies. Also our ADHD is already impacted by the cycle of menstruation. Oestrogen produced in the first two weeks of a cycle is a dopamine booster, whereas Progesterone which is produced in the third and fourth weeks suppress Oestrogen and thus dopamine. When I read that and realised I was on a Progestogen-only pill to treat my Endo/PMDD I felt completely screwed. There is so much research lacking because ADHD, Autism and other Neurodivergence’s have been gendered and only studied in cis white men/boys. I cannot emotionally or physically cope with having periods, especially now that Im already in pain 24/7. Back when I was menstruating regularly, I thought my periods would be the cause of my death because of the suicidal thoughts and high levels of pain. This illustration sums up some of my experiences and symptoms relating to menstruation.