ADHD Medications and Perimenopause Brain Fog: Early Review Finds Self-Report Gains but Not Test Scores

Conference stage findings

This is a conference presentation, not a peer-reviewed paper. An early scoping review presented at The Menopause Society's 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego looked at whether two ADHD medicines might ease focus problems during perimenopause. The findings are preliminary. They are not a treatment recommendation, and larger studies are still needed before these medicines can be advised for this use.

What the review covered

Researchers reviewed past studies of lisdexamfetamine (LDX), a stimulant, and atomoxetine (ATX), a non-stimulant, in biological women aged 45 to 60 whose last period was less than 10 years ago. The talk was titled "Brain Fog or ADHD? Executive Dysfunction in Perimenopause: A Scoping Review of the Role of ADHD Medications." Healthline reports that the review analysed five studies in that age band.

Self-report gains shown

The Menopause Society press release says both medicines "significantly improve self-reported executive function," shown as a marked drop in total Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS) scores compared with placebo. Healthline's report of those figures puts LDX scores falling from 35.7 to 21.2 (versus 29.8 with placebo), and ATX from 38.6 to 25.5 (versus 30.1 with placebo).

Lab tests unchanged

Despite those self-report gains, the medicines had "little to no significant impact on objective cognitive measures, such as tests of working memory and sustained attention," according to the press release. Lead author Jennifer Tat, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, told Medical News Today that standard lab tests may miss the day-to-day difficulties women describe, and that larger trials are needed.

Brain fog overlap

The Society estimates that 44% to 60% of perimenopausal women report cognitive changes like forgetfulness and trouble concentrating. It notes that these changes can "mirror the core symptom domains of ADHD," and that the two can be hard to tell apart.

Tat told Medical News Today: "About two-thirds of women experience brain fog or cognitive decline during the menopausal transition… Although usually temporary, it creates a serious burden on women and affects their daily life." That "two-thirds" figure is Tat's comment to Medical News Today, not the Society's own prevalence estimate.

What researchers say

Tat told Medical News Today the team plans to publish the review so clinicians can screen midlife women for ADHD symptoms and consider these medicines when hormone therapy isn't an option, and hopes it prompts larger trials that include women with ADHD.

Dr Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, said that for most women brain fog at menopause is temporary and does not lead to permanent cognitive changes or dementia, but it can last long enough to disrupt work and daily routines and cause significant stress and anxiety.

Expert caution

Sara Vaughn, MD, who was not involved in the research, told Healthline the findings are "interesting and hypothesis-generating, but they do not yet establish ADHD medications as a treatment for menopausal brain fog," adding: "ADHD medications are not without risks, and I think it is too early to use them routinely for menopausal 'brain fog.'" Healthline also notes that the FDA has not approved these medicines for menopausal brain fog.

Talk to your GP

This review is early evidence from a conference stage presentation. It is not a reason to start, stop or change any medication on your own. If you're dealing with midlife focus changes, or you already take ADHD medicine, talk to your GP or specialist before making any changes.

Sources

• ADHD Medications Offer Promise in Managing Menopausal Brain Fog - The Menopause Society press release, 20 October 2026
• 2 ADHD medications show early promise for perimenopause focus - Medical News Today, Corrie Pelc, 26 October 2026
• ADHD Medications May Help Ease Menopausal Brain Fog - Healthline, Mandy French, 23 October 2026