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ADHD in Older Women

Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.

Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are 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

For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.

Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can lead to problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common sign of adhd symptoms for women is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be aggravated in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.

Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from inattentive add in women/ADHD are more susceptible to various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these conditions in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/adhd with women to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to stay focused on school, work or household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.

If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.

Treatment

Women suffering from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated as effectively as men.

The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that happen during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.

There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help you sleep better. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.

Self-help

You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these techniques it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your needs.

The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.

Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.

It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you to cope can make a big difference in your life.

ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.

Genetics

The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.

Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.

Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally understand the reason for their problems and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.

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 people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.