ADHD in Older Women<br /><br /><br /><br />Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.<br /><br />Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.<br /><br />Being aloof in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of circumstances, especially those connected to health, aging, or menopausal.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to experience depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.<br /><br />It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to concentrate on school, work or household chores.<br /><br />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 that is based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.<br /><br />Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.<br /><br />The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />There are a myriad of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are best for you.<br /><br />Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.<br /><br />A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.<br /><br />Self-help<br /><br />You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.<br /><br />One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. <a href="https://thorsen-vazquez-2.mdwrite.net/ten-situations-in-which-youll-want-to-be-aware-of-adhd-symptoms-in-women-adults">adhd in older women</a> and mistrust from spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other strategies can be helpful.<br /><br />Certain people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.<br /><br />It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with these issues can make all the difference to your quality of life.<br /><br />The varying levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.<br /><br />Genetics<br /><br />The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.<br /><br />Women who have ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others are not. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.<br /><br />In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.<br /><br />Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.<br /><br />Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their problems and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.<br /><br />