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ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles. Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms. Symptoms Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms. Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways such as health issues, aging, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on work, school or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up. Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men. The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are frequently associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms. There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you. Some people with ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage a coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives. Self-help There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. inattentive add in women could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements. The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other techniques can help. Some people who suffer from ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional. It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these issues and teaches you to cope can make a huge difference in your life. The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks. Genetics The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome – their chromosomal characteristics – determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their issues from their family and friends or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm. In addition, women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a “lightbulb” moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their issues and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.