Women and girls with ADHD are often left feeling misunderstood and inadequately supported by health care. This comes as no surprise when research has historically almost exclusively been conducted on boys and men, leading to a lack of understanding around female specific ADHD challenges.
For the first time, this book from two experienced doctors and ADHD experts, connects the latest science on ADHD and the influence of sex hormones, to the everyday lives of women and girls with ADHD. Chapters provide vital knowledge on the ADHD brain and female sexual and reproductive development whilst also introducing five fictional women at different hormonal phases of their lives from puberty through to post-menopause to give insight into the lived experience of ADHD. Readers are also introduced to an 'ADHD 24/7 language' which provides a tailored approach to self-care for ADHD women and girls, allowing them to better advocate for themselves and enabling those supporting them to understand the challenges they face.
Exploring everything from ADHD and common cooccurring conditions like anxiety, eating disorders and PCOS, to hormonal treatments and contraception, this book moves us one step closer to a world where the health and wellbeing of women and girls is prioritised.
Lotta Borg Skoglund, allmänläkare och överläkare i psykiatri, lektor vid Uppsala universitet. Hon forskar inom neuropsykiatri och beroende och är grundare till SMART Psykiatri. Lotta är ofta anlitad som expert och debattör i tv och media och författare till Lyssnar din tonåring? (tillsammans med Liria Ortiz) och Adhd – från duktig flicka till utbränd kvinna. Lotta Borg Skoglund föreläser inom psykisk ohälsa och riskfyllda alkohol- och drogvanor, missbruk och neuropsykiatri, adhd/add.
Neuro divergent ladies listen up! Your prayers to be heard are being answered. We no longer have to endure further misunderstandings, or resign ourselves to muddle our way through the shadow of a male dominated research field to solve our ADHD puzzle.
Ever wondered at times, why despite taking your medications, that nothing is working? In fact, things are worse? You start to panic... did you even remember to take them? Did the pharmacist assign a bogus pack? Have you ever noticed this seems to happen more frequently as you get older.. around the time your body is under going a major transformation - puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause , post menopause?
This was me... I'm entering the world of perimenopause and noticed my PMS symptoms had intensified and became more consistent in recent years. My ADHD symptoms screamed louder than ever before and I was confused, lost and was beginning to accept it was just another hurdle to overcome as I entered this new phase of life.
Then this wonderful book twinkled!! It actually twinkled and I heard angels.. the clouds parted, revealing this book! This magnet of hope that lit up the light in my brain - BAZINGA! It's a symbol of hope, a catalyst for medical professionals and clinical researchers the world over to broaden their minds and dive deeper into the complexities that is female biology.. because men joke that we are complicated. Well they would say that when they're seemingly all 'figured out'
This book is PROOF that work is being done to understand and improve the lives of neurospicy women. We can collectively sigh a huge breath of relief
Female Hormones and ADHD: The Impact on Brain and Body by Lotta Borg Skoglund and Helena Kopp Kallner addresses a critical gap in ADHD research by focusing on the unique experiences of women and girls. By combining scientific insight with real-life perspectives, the book brings much-needed attention to how hormonal changes influence ADHD symptoms across different life stages.
One of the book’s key strengths is its integration of research and lived experience. The inclusion of fictional case profiles representing various hormonal phases from puberty to post menopause helps translate complex medical concepts into relatable, human centered narratives. This makes the information both accessible and impactful.
The book also stands out for its practical approach. By introducing an “ADHD 24/7 language” and exploring co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and hormonal disorders, it equips readers with tools to better understand and manage their experiences. It also provides valuable insight for healthcare providers and support systems.
At its core, Female Hormones and ADHD is about recognition and advocacy. It empowers readers with knowledge while challenging longstanding gaps in research and care. This makes it an important and timely resource for improving understanding, support, and outcomes for women and girls with ADHD.
Thank you to Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy to read and review before publishing.
As woman who wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until 44, I am always looking for books and resources to help me on my journey.
I appreciate the structurev of Female Hormones and ADHD as it is easy to navigate, especially if you are looking for a specific topic. This allowed me to delve deeper into topics that felt relevant and timely to me. The medical insight that Skoglund and Kallner give( as well as the anecdotal stories) provide an easy to follow roadmap for women looking to understand themselves, their ADHD diagnosis, and what they can do to empower themselves to feel more in control and "normal."
If you are drawn to this book, then I recommend you give it a chance. It is definitely one that has a lot of valuable information.
I’m a 31-year-old woman who only sought a diagnosis after really struggling since having my first child, which makes sense because - HORMONES! This book made me feel so seen.
So many of my ADHD symptoms went unnoticed as a child and young adult, and having access to a book like this as a teenager would have made such a difference in my life.
I’d genuinely recommend this to any woman with ADHD. Now, how do we get this book into the hands of medical professionals…
📣Attention! Females with ADHD 📣 This here is a must read 📣📣
We go through hormone fluctuations all through our lives - not just puberty, but pregnancy and post partum and then we are whacked with perimenopause and menopause. The shifts we face are already life altering and impact every moment of every day. Pair this with ADHD and we are on struggle street.
Instead of being upset that these kind of books are only coming out now, we should clap our hands together in celebration that are fortunate to be alive when books like this are published!
The contents are sorted logically (with summaries that really related to ADHDers👍) that explain what happens to our bodies and instead of just weathering the storms we can end up thriving. The self care tips are amazing and it was interesting to read the case studies as we are all so different with what effects us exactly. It was incredibly relatable. There are sections on sleep (it’s so important) medication info and exercises that help. It’s nice to see the reasons why certain triggers are there in our every day world.
My daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD and I know have the power to help her withstand all the trials of being female! You don’t know what you don’t know, and this book just explains it all 💪 I’ve also been flagged and on my own journey with ADHD.
I finished feeling empowered and armed with good strategies.