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ADHD in Older Women 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 feel overwhelmed. Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms. Signs and symptoms Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms. People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopausal. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying conditions. It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, but sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up. If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. Engaging in weblink , doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate. Treatment Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to be treated in the same way as men. The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are many treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine includes establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you. Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties you face in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and give you a direction to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives. Self-help You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these strategies it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your needs. 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. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help. Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. weblink can be very risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have. Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and helps you learn to cope can make a big difference in your life. The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks. Genetics The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions. Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which can make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their problems from their loved ones or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety. Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the fact the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an “lightbulb moment.” They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern gender differences between males and females from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.