The user Sam shares how Letterlife helped her understand ADHD’s link to hormonal changes. And also advocate for cyclic dosing with her doctor. This article explores how such insights can lead to more personalized and effective medication for women with ADHD.
As many women with ADHD wonder, I’ve often pondered “Why is there no cyclic medication for ADHD?” On the surface it seemed as simple as something akin to the rotating birth control compacts that many of us have seen. But, of course like all things involving ADHD and women. The reality is not that simple.
Because each of us is absolutely unique.
“It’s not as easy as taking this pill days 1-14, then this pill, then this pill”.
Developing a dosing protocol that actually works for you as effectively as possible through the entire month takes time and tinkering. Beyond that, many of us don’t have the information or knowledge to request tailoring our dosage throughout the month.
One of the biggest assistants that helped me gain more knowledge and information was Letterlife.
There are several articles and posts that were helpful. But the webinar “ADHD & Medication” and the short clip “Hormone cycle and medication” gave me technical information to back up my request to my psychiatrist.
Not only was it helpful using the cycle tracking feature to know when I’m most likely ovulating (peak in estrogen) and predicting when my next cycle will start (determining my late luteal phase). I was also able to learn about the biological mechanisms at play through my cycle.
Understanding those mechanisms even led me to “educate” my psychiatrist during our session.
He explained that while we understand stimulant medication doesn’t work consistently through a menstruating woman’s cycle, we don’t quite know why.
To which I eagerly responded that the estrogen variability and estrogen’s role in dopamine synthesis play significant roles. Stimulant medication increases dopamine saturation, so peaks in estrogen may assist in better dopamine synthesis whereas troughs in estrogen create an additional challenge for the body.
Bolstered by the information gained:
“I was able to clearly request what my “ideal” protocol would be”
(that is; extended-release stimulant for everyday use and immediate-release stimulant for supplemental use as needed through my cycle).
A request my psychiatrist happily obliged.
I want to add for context: That I’ve seen this psychiatrist for 10 months and we have a rapport. Also up to this point, I’ve been on immediate-release stimulant medication only. Partly due to the extended-release shortage.
As I titrate medication and go through the inevitable “tinkering” to find my perfect protocol and dosage I am using the Letterlife daily tracking feature.
The daily questions also help me understand how my ADHD presents. And what times of the month I’m more likely to be impulsive, irritable, and have more brain fog (among other things).
Now that I have stepped over the threshold into early perimenopause, the most recent webinar with Dr. Skoglund also gave wonderful insights into the role of hormone therapy options going forward that I can discuss with my physician.
For too long women and girls with ADHD have been left out of the conversation. Our hormones make us too “unpredictable” and too “unreliable” to study.
That’s why I’m incredibly grateful for Dr. Borg Skoglund, the GODDESS Research group and Letterlife.
For dedicating their time and resources to growing our understanding of ADHD in females and disseminating that to the public in accessible ways.
❤️
You find all the mentioned articles, videos & webinars in the Letterlife app.
And more from me on Podcast: Attempting Motherhood, Group Coaching: Intention, TikTok & Instagram.
Blog
Recent research shows that decreasing estrogen levels during menopause affect brain structure, connectivity and metabolism. This contributes to the most common menopause, or rather perimenopause, symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, insomnia and mood swings. We’ll dive into what the research says and give tips for managing (peri)menopausal symptoms. For decades women have either […]
Blog
There is no “quick test” for ADHD. A significant part of the assessment for an ADHD-diagnosis involves self-evaluating and clinical interviews with experienced psychologists and doctors focusing on ADHD as well as on other somatic conditions and psychiatric diagnoses. However, various tests may be included in an ADHD assessment, depending on the individual situation. Medical […]
Blog
I admit it: I’m one of those people who lose library books and forget to pay the parking fee. And I’m quite convinced that I’ve already answered that message you sent me yesterday. I forget expensive food items in the back of my fridge until they are no longer edible. I lose focus in the […]
