Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Cohort Study Links ADHD to Earlier and More Severe Perimenopausal Symptoms

The episode reviews a population-based cohort study using the Icelandic SAGA cohort (women aged 35–55; n=5,392) examining perimenopausal symptom severity in women with versus without self-reported ADHD (9.9%). Using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1, and PHQ-15, researchers found higher overall perimenopausal symptom burden in women with ADHD (mean MRS 18 vs 13) across psychological, somatic, and urogenital domains, and higher prevalence of severe symptoms (overall PR 1.8; somatic PR 2.2; psychological PR 1.63; urogenital PR 1.57) plus severe general symptoms (PR 1.94). Symptoms peaked earlier in ADHD (ages 35–39 vs 45–49), suggesting onset up to 10 years earlier. Adjustments for sociodemographics, smoking, binge drinking, and PTSD (more common in ADHD) did not remove associations. Limitations include cross-sectional measures, self-reported ADHD, symptom overlap, and lack of treatment data; the script calls for tailored guidelines for perimenopausal women with ADHD.

00:00 ADHD Meets Perimenopause
00:23 Study Purpose And Rationale
01:16 Cohort And Measurement Tools
02:33 Menopause Rating Scale Breakdown
03:17 Overall Symptom Burden Results
04:11 Severe Symptoms And Ratios
05:26 Earlier Onset By Age
06:23 Confounders And PTSD Analysis
07:38 Clinical Takeaways And Guidance
08:39 Limitations And Future Research
10:00 Wrap Up And Call To Action

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...