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ADHD in Older Women Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms. Signs and symptoms For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms. Being aloof in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. I Am Psychiatry can make it difficult to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of situations, especially those connected to age, health, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to concentrate at work, at the classroom, or in household chores. Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by “gender” with “ADD/ADHD”. However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup. Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping. Treatment Women with ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men. The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene like creating a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you. Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you face in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you have struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives. Self-help While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your specific 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, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help. Some people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional. It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and helps you learn to manage them can make a big impact on your life. ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and need more medication to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Lastly An ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations. Genetics The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome – their chromosomal traits – determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. This can consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm. In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness. Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse. Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as a “lightbulb” moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced 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 gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.