For women with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dealing with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can feel overwhelming. These two conditions not only share common triggers—such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, and emotional dysregulation—but they also affect women in unique ways. Understanding how ADHD and IBS intersect is key to managing both conditions effectively. Let’s break down what IBS is, how it relates to ADHD, and what strategies can help.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea or constipation, or a combination of both

IBS affects 10-15% of the global population, and women are more likely to be diagnosed with it. In fact, 60-65% of people with IBS are female, and this imbalance is likely due to the hormonal fluctuations that women experience, as well as their higher likelihood of emotional dysregulation.

What Is the Gut-Brain Axis?

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between your central nervous system (your brain) and your digestive system (your gut). It involves a constant exchange of signals that influence both mental health and digestive health. When you’re stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, your brain can send signals to your gut that disrupt digestion—this is why you might feel nausea, cramping, or have an upset stomach during stressful times.

For women with ADHD, this gut-brain connection can be particularly sensitive. Emotional stress or anxiety, common in ADHD, can easily trigger IBS symptoms like bloating or diarrhea. Conversely, when your digestive system is upset due to IBS, it can increase feelings of irritability, stress, or anxiety, worsening ADHD symptoms. The interaction between the brain and the gut is a two-way street, and managing this connection is essential for treating both conditions.

The Overlap Between ADHD and IBS: Why Women Are More Affected

Both ADHD and IBS are complex conditions influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors, and women are more likely to experience both due to the unique hormonal and emotional challenges they face.

Studies show that people with ADHD are three times more likely to have IBS than those without ADHD. The reason behind this overlap lies in common triggers, such as:

Hormonal fluctuations (especially during the menstrual cycle)
Chronic stress and emotional dysregulation
Challenges with self-regulation in areas like diet, exercise, and sleep, which are crucial for managing IBS

Let’s dive into these factors and how they affect women with both ADHD and IBS.

Hormones and Their Role in ADHD and IBS

For women, hormonal changes—especially during the menstrual cycle—play a significant role in how both ADHD and IBS symptoms manifest.

During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (between ovulation and menstruation), estrogen levels drop. This hormonal shift can worsen IBS symptoms, such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
At the same time, women with ADHD often experience an increase in emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, making it harder to manage both ADHD and IBS.

This pattern shows why hormonal regulation is an important part of treatment for women with ADHD and IBS. Managing these hormonal shifts through lifestyle changes, hormonal birth control, or natural interventions can reduce the severity of IBS symptoms and help stabilize ADHD symptoms.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2020) highlighted how managing these hormonal fluctuations is key for women with ADHD to alleviate IBS symptoms. This insight has led to more personalized care that considers the menstrual cycle when tailoring treatment plans.

Stress and Emotional Regulation: The Key to Managing ADHD and IBS

Chronic stress is a major trigger for both ADHD and IBS. Women with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to stress because they often struggle with emotional regulation and Understanding ADHD and Executive Functioning 🎯the difficulties with planning, organizing, and managing emotions that come with ADHD.

Stress can worsen IBS symptoms through the gut-brain axis. When stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, it disrupts digestion, causing symptoms like:

Increased gut sensitivity
Diarrhea
Bloating

For women with ADHD, emotional stress can be hard to manage, but research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially when targeting gut-directed anxiety, can help manage both ADHD and IBS symptoms.

A 2019 study in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction were effective in treating IBS in women with ADHD. These therapies work by reducing stress and improving emotional regulation, helping women better manage both conditions.

ADHD Medications: Their Impact on IBS

Medications like stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall) are commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms, but they can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, that worsen IBS.

Research in CNS Drugs (2020) found that while stimulants can cause GI problems in some women, they also reduce stress and improve executive functioning, leading to indirect improvements in IBS symptoms.

It’s important for women with ADHD and IBS to work with their doctor to monitor any side effects from ADHD medications. Sometimes, switching to a non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine (Strattera) can help, as it tends to cause fewer gastrointestinal issues.

Practical Advice for Managing ADHD and IBS

Here’s how to take control of both ADHD and IBS by managing your stress, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle habits:

1. Hormonal Management

Track your cycle: Pay attention to how your ADHD and IBS symptoms change across the month, particularly during the luteal phase.
Talk to your doctor: Discuss options like hormonal birth control or lifestyle changes to help manage hormonal fluctuations.

2. Stress Reduction

Use CBT adjusted for neurodivergent women or mindfulness: These therapies can help manage stress and emotional regulation, reducing flare-ups in both ADHD and IBS.
Practice relaxation techniques: Incorporate deep breathing or meditation that is adjusted for your brain into your daily routine to manage emotional responses.

3. Monitor Medications

Be mindful of side effects: If you’re using ADHD stimulants, keep track of any gastrointestinal symptoms and talk to your doctor about adjusting medications if needed.
Explore non-stimulant options: Medications like atomoxetine may provide relief without worsening IBS symptoms.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

Work with a nutritionist: Following an IBS-friendly diet (like a low-FODMAP diet) is easier with help from a professional who understands ADHD.
Plan meals, sleep and exercise: It's hard to manage IBS, so focus on structured meal planning and regular physical activity.

5. Gut-Brain Therapy

Consider gut-directed hypnotherapy: This emerging therapy focuses on retraining the brain’s response to gut sensations, offering relief from IBS symptoms.
Try probiotics: Research suggests that improving your gut microbiome can help regulate both digestive and mental health.

Reflection: Connecting the Dots Between ADHD, IBS, and Your Life

Take a moment to reflect on your experiences with ADHD and IBS. Have you noticed patterns in your symptoms that align with some of the factors discussed here? For example, think about your own menstrual cycle or times of high stress—do you see a connection between hormonal changes, emotional stress, and the worsening of your IBS or ADHD symptoms?

Here are a few questions to help guide your reflection:

Hormonal Fluctuations: Do your ADHD or IBS symptoms get worse at specific points in your menstrual cycle? How could tracking your cycle help you better predict and manage these flare-ups?
Stress Management: What are the biggest sources of stress in your life right now, and how do they affect your ADHD and IBS? Have you tried any stress-reduction techniques, like mindfulness or CBT? How could incorporating these help you manage your symptoms more effectively?
Lifestyle Routines: Are there any daily habits (like diet, exercise, or sleep) that are harder to stick to because of ADHD? How might working with a professional or using tools like meal planning apps help you create structure and accountability?
Medication: If you’re currently taking medication for ADHD, how does it affect your IBS? Have you experienced any gastrointestinal side effects, and would it be helpful to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor?

Takeaway Box:

IBS and ADHD overlap significantly in women due to shared triggers like hormonal fluctuations, stress, and emotional dysregulation.
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can worsen both conditions, especially during the luteal phase.
Managing stress through CBT, mindfulness, and medication adjustments is key to controlling symptoms of both ADHD and IBS.
Structured routines for diet, exercise, and sleep can make a big difference in managing both conditions effectively.
Medication adjustments may be necessary if your ADHD treatment is worsening your IBS, and discussing non-stimulant options with your healthcare provider could offer relief.

By understanding how ADHD and IBS intersect, especially for women, you can take proactive steps to manage both conditions. With the right combination of hormonal management, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of these challenging conditions.

References

Keefer, L., Palsson, O. S., & Pandolfino, J. E. (2020). The role of the gut-brain axis in stress-related GI disorders: Implications for IBD and IBS. BMC Gastroenterology, 20(1), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-020-01272-4

Neufeld, K. A. M., Kang, N., Bienenstock, J., & Foster, J. A. (2021). Gut microbiota in stress, depression, and ADHD: A focus on the brain-gut-microbiota axis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12(12), 620-633. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.620633

Stringaris, A., Nigg, J., & Leibenluft, E. (2022). Brain-gut therapies for ADHD and gastrointestinal disorders: Implications for women’s health. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 34(1), e14232. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14232

Kristen McClure: Neurodivergent-Affirming ADHD Therapist and Coach with 30 years experience in North Carolina and South Carolina Offering virtual therapy and coaching services across North Carolina, including Ashville, Raleigh, Durham, Wilmington, Greenville, and more. Also serving major South Carolina cities such as Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, and more.