ADHD in Older Women<br /><br />Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.<br /><br />The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.<br /><br />People with ADD/ADHD are often distant during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women, which can be made worse by a variety of circumstances particularly those connected to age, health, and menopause.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.<br /><br />Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting enough sleep, especially as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to focus at work, at school, or with household chores.<br /><br />Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "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 an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.<br /><br />Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as creating a healthy sleeping routine.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.<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. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish 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 for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are right for you.<br /><br />Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from 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 healthier ones.<br /><br />Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can help them learn behavior 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 myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is important to speak with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.<br /><br />One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.<br /><br />Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.<br /><br />It is also typical for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big difference in your life.<br /><br />The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage them. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to manage the body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.<br /><br />Genetics<br /><br />The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, like the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.<br /><br /><br /><br />Women who have ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.<br /><br />Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.<br /><br />Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when 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 diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek support and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.<br /><br />