With an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s an ever-growing concern. Symptoms can generally be categorised as inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing), hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation and a lack of impulse control.

Certain symptoms are dependent on gender: women and girls typically present as more internally hyperactive, while men and boys are often more outwardly so – hence the common social misconception that ‘only little fidgety little boys’ can have ADHD. Medical misogyny has also left ADHD in women and girls largely under-researched – and we’re still searching for answers.

But there’s one thing you might not be aware of: periods can wreak havoc with ADHD, exacerbating symptoms, heightening emotional dysregulation and even rendering medication less effective.

Women with ADHD may experience different hormonal changes during their periods – here’s how