Faculty mentor/PI email address
raghu.ganjam.MD@adventhealth.com
Keywords
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); autism spectrum disorder (ASD); neurodevelopmental disorders; hormonal sensitivity; emotional dysregulation
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent conditions associated with substantial functional impairment and psychiatric morbidity. Symptoms are driven by heightened sensitivity to cyclical fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone rather than absolute hormone levels. Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may exhibit altered neurobiological and emotional regulation pathways that increase vulnerability to these hormonal changes; however, this relationship has not been systematically synthesized.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000–2026 for studies evaluating associations between ADHD, ASD, or related neurodevelopmental conditions and PMS or PMDD. Following duplicate removal, titles/abstracts and full-text articles were independently screened by two reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Eight studies met inclusion criteria; no eligible studies were identified from Cochrane CENTRAL. Data were extracted and synthesized using a structured narrative approach due to heterogeneity in study design, outcome measures, and diagnostic criteria.
Results: Eight studies including adolescent and adult populations were analyzed, the majority of which were cross-sectional. Among seven analytic studies, four demonstrated a significant association between neurodevelopmental conditions and increased PMS/PMDD risk, with the strongest and most consistent signal observed in ADHD populations (effect estimates up to RR 4.17 and OR 6.49). Findings for ASD were heterogeneous and generally weaker. Several studies reported elevated symptom burden without comparator groups, suggesting potential underrecognition in clinical settings.
Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly ADHD, are associated with increased risk and severity of PMS/PMDD. These findings highlight a clinically relevant and potentially underrecognized contributor to symptom burden and support targeted screening and individualized management. Prospective studies using standardized diagnostic criteria are needed to inform evidence-based care.
Disciplines
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental Disorders | Women's Health
Included in
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Women's Health Commons
Premenstrual Disorders in Females With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Systematic Review
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent conditions associated with substantial functional impairment and psychiatric morbidity. Symptoms are driven by heightened sensitivity to cyclical fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone rather than absolute hormone levels. Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may exhibit altered neurobiological and emotional regulation pathways that increase vulnerability to these hormonal changes; however, this relationship has not been systematically synthesized.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000–2026 for studies evaluating associations between ADHD, ASD, or related neurodevelopmental conditions and PMS or PMDD. Following duplicate removal, titles/abstracts and full-text articles were independently screened by two reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Eight studies met inclusion criteria; no eligible studies were identified from Cochrane CENTRAL. Data were extracted and synthesized using a structured narrative approach due to heterogeneity in study design, outcome measures, and diagnostic criteria.
Results: Eight studies including adolescent and adult populations were analyzed, the majority of which were cross-sectional. Among seven analytic studies, four demonstrated a significant association between neurodevelopmental conditions and increased PMS/PMDD risk, with the strongest and most consistent signal observed in ADHD populations (effect estimates up to RR 4.17 and OR 6.49). Findings for ASD were heterogeneous and generally weaker. Several studies reported elevated symptom burden without comparator groups, suggesting potential underrecognition in clinical settings.
Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly ADHD, are associated with increased risk and severity of PMS/PMDD. These findings highlight a clinically relevant and potentially underrecognized contributor to symptom burden and support targeted screening and individualized management. Prospective studies using standardized diagnostic criteria are needed to inform evidence-based care.