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ADHD in Older Women Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning difficulties caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms. Symptoms For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal. People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions. Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to concentrate on work, school or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, but the term “sex” refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup. If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus. Treatment Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men. The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are frequently associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are right for you. Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life. Self-help While there are a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs. The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. 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 communication and conflict resolution can help. Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have. Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to deal with them can make a big difference in your life. The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks. Genetics The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This could involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted. Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness. adhd in women signs notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a “lightbulb moment.” They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.