ADHD in Older Women

Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.

Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms

For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) and they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.

Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.

Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.

Treatment

Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men.

The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health professionals to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.

There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine includes establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.

Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.

A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to engage coaches who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.

Self-help

There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.

The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.

Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.

It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these issues and helps you learn to cope can make a significant impact on your life.

The different levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.

Genetics



The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.

Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others are not and can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.

Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able 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 gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. https://menwiki.men/wiki/15_Gifts_For_The_ADHD_Test_For_Women_Lover_In_Your_Life applies to all women and people born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.