ADHD in Older Women<br /><br />Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.<br /><br />Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br /><br /><br />Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it harder to focus at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.<br /><br />Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.<br /><br />No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.<br /><br />The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some 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 real ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />There are several treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine like setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can help you sleep better. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.<br /><br />Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the challenges you face in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.<br /><br />Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a direction to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage an expert coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.<br /><br />Self-help<br /><br />You can improve your condition by managing it. There are <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">iampsychiatry</a> of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your needs.<br /><br />One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.<br /><br />Some people who have ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.<br /><br />Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of these struggles and helps you learn to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to control their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.<br /><br />Genetics<br /><br />The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics such as number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.<br /><br />Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. This can include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't, and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.<br /><br />In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.<br /><br />Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.<br /><br />Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.<br /><br />