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ADHD in Older Women Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms. Signs and symptoms Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear absent in conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopause. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it harder to focus at work, at school, or with household chores. Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by “gender” with “ADD/ADHD”. However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup. Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate. Treatment Women who suffer from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men. The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. This is why 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 a variety of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you. Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage coaches who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives. Self-help You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs. One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help. Certain people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. 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 suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that understands these struggles and teaches you to manage them can make a huge difference in your life. The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. adhd traits in women worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage 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. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks. Genetics The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics like the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors linking the two conditions. Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some aren't. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety. Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a “lightbulb” moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.