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The Most Telling Neuro-Biological Links of ADHD: Genetics & Hormones

  • Apr 11
  • 4 min read

ADHD is genetically influenced, and deeply affected by the hormones that flow through our brains — especially during internal life changes like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and aging.


Studies have revealed that if someone has ADHD, there’s a 50% chance one of their parents does too.

Gotta Love Genetics!

Studies have revealed that if someone has ADHD, there’s a 50% chance one of their parents does too.


But are we really surprised after years of our parents saying things like…

“Well I do that too, so it’s normal.”

“Everyone deals with that. You're supposed to just push through it.”


Of course you think it's normal, mom — That's how everyday has been for you for decades!!


The difference is that our parents didn't have any support, external understanding, or hardly a label to identify the issue (then instantly summon a pool of information at our fingertips).


Other common and subtle signs of neurodivergence we might see in our Family:

  • Their obsessions, hobbies, or collections that you’re not allowed to touch

  • NEVER stops: Has to always be cleaning, cooking, doing a hobby, etc.

  • Freaking out over doing something the wrong way in their house

  • Has a million stories about misbehaving in school

  • Manic cleaning and full-room redecorating

  • Drinking coffee to help them sleep



Although ADHD symptoms are present throughout life, their intensity isn't static — they can flare or fade depending on the natural hormonal shifts in our bodies.

Oh Hormones...

Although ADHD symptoms are present throughout life, their intensity isn't static — they can flare or fade depending on the natural hormonal shifts in our bodies.


This is especially true for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It’s one reason ADHD is so often underdiagnosed in young girls as well as misunderstood in women and feminine presenting people.


Phases of life bring shifts in our hormones like...

  • Estrogen

  • Testosterone

  • Cortisol (Stress)

  • Progesterone (Pregnancy)


As estrogen and testosterone decrease, our ADHD symptoms get worse.

As progesterone and cortisol decrease, our symptoms are easier to manage.


Menstruation Cycle

**Follicular Phase.** Clear-headed. Emotionally balanced. **Luteal phase.** Brain fog. Low motivation. Sensory overwhelm.

Estrogen boosts dopamine levels in the brain.


So when estrogen rises during our menstrual cycle, we may feel more focused and emotionally regulated.


When it drops? Expect chaos.



9 Steps for Talking to Family about ADHD


1️⃣ Start with Your Own Experience


“I’ve been learning more about how my brain works and realized that ADHD is behind a lot of my challenges. It’s helped me understand myself better.”


  • Share how ADHD affects you personally.

  • Use "I" statements to keep it about you, not them, to avoid sounding accusatory. This opens the door without making anyone feel defensive.




2️⃣ Highlight the Strengths


“I’ve been learning that ADHD can make things harder, but it also comes with strengths, like being able to think creatively and multitask.”


  • Make sure to emphasize that ADHD isn’t just a “problem”—it also comes with unique strengths like creativity, passion, and outside-the-box thinking.

  • Frame it as both a challenge and a gift.




3️⃣ Normalize ADHD Beyond the Stereotypes


“It can actually show up as being easily overwhelmed, emotionally sensitive, always exhausted, or starting things but never finishing.”


  • Many people only think of ADHD as a hyperactive little boy who can’t sit still.

  • Break the myths gently by explaining things.



4️⃣ Gently introduce the genetic side


“It runs in families, which is actually a relief to learn. It’s not something I caused or something I can just ‘fix’ by trying harder.”


  • Discuss ADHD’s genetic ties without labeling anyone.

  • Avoid pointing fingers—instead, talk about how understanding ADHD could help everyone in the family, regardless of whether they’ve been diagnosed.




5️⃣ Use Relatable Language


“It’s not about being lazy or undisciplined; it’s about how the brain processes things like focus and impulse control differently. It can make some tasks feel overwhelming or disorganized, but it also gives us a unique way of thinking.”


  • Explain ADHD in simple terms.

  • Avoid medical jargon or diagnostic terms that might confuse them and move the conversation away from the main point.




6️⃣ Offer Support & Solutions


“One thing that’s helped me is setting up reminders for everything I need to do. It’s made a huge difference.”


  • Share strategies that have helped you manage ADHD, like organization tools, medication, therapy, or self-care routines. This can show that ADHD isn’t just about understanding the condition—it’s about living well with it.




7️⃣ Emphasize the Importance of Understanding, Not Diagnosis


“It’s not about labeling anyone; it’s about understanding why things might have been difficult for me—or any of us—and learning strategies to make life easier.”


  • Make it clear that you’re not trying to diagnose anyone, but you want to normalize ADHD as something that can help explain certain behaviors or struggles.




8️⃣ Set Boundaries if Needed


“I get that this might be new and a lot to think about, but it’s really important to me. Let’s keep the conversation open and respectful.”


  • If the conversation turns negative or judgmental, gently redirect it.

  • Don’t push anyone to accept or adopt the information right away.




9️⃣ Keep the Door Open for Future Conversations


“I’m happy to talk more about this whenever you’re ready. It’s something I’ve been learning a lot about, and I’m happy to share more if you’re interested.”


  • Let them know that the conversation doesn’t have to be a one-time thing.

  • Offer to share resources or talk through ideas—only if they’re open to it.



Find your next methods to calm the chaos of life with ADHD using my # 1 Best Selling book/workbook, "Activate Your ADHD Potential"


All my Best,


Coach Brooke


Brooke

Works Cited



 
 
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