ADHD in Older Women<br /><br />Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.<br /><br />The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms.<br /><br />Appearing aloof during conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a myriad of factors that are that have to do with health, aging, and menopause.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other mental health issues, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting good quality sleep compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on work, school or household chores.<br /><br />Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is 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 distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.<br /><br />Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.<br /><br />The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />There are <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">iampsychiatry</a> of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to going to bed and eating regularly - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.<br /><br />Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.<br /><br />Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.<br /><br />Self-help<br /><br />There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. 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 crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.<br /><br />The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.<br /><br />Some people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.<br /><br />It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and help you cope with them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.<br /><br />The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.<br /><br />Genetics<br /><br />The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents who died at a certain age and demographics like the number of children, age of the first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.<br /><br />Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This masking may include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.<br /><br />Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.<br /><br />Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.<br /><br />Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally understand the reason for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.<br /><br /><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 women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women and people assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.<br /><br />