In ADHD boys the size of the caudate nuclei in the brain is correlated with hyperactivity - in girls this area does not appear to be involved. Research has shown that hormones have a significant influence on brain functioning - starting during foetal development. Thyroid hormones have a significant effect on the brain - too much can cause symptoms of hyperactivity. Estrogen is a particularly important hormone, and the brain is a target area for estrogen activity. Whenever estrogen falls below a minimum level in the brain, dysfunction may result - typical symptoms are depression, sleep disturbance, irritability, anxiety, panic, memory problems and cognitive dysfunction.
More estrogen improves memory and cognitive functioning.
Estrogen also stimulates serotonin binding sites in the frontal lobes of the brain. She says that if our boundaries are being trodden on, we have often allowed people to do this and we need to teach them to behave differently. To make changes we need to decide clearly what is respectful and disrespectful behaviour from other people and plan strategies - which will vary between people we are close to and those who are less intimate.