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ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles. The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms. Signs and symptoms Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Insane coping strategies like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopausal. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions. Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to focus on work, school, or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup. Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males. The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms. There are many treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. add in women test is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are right for you. Certain people suffering from ADHD might 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 aspects 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 be used to help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives. Self-help There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your requirements. One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful. Certain people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to cope can make a significant impact on your life. The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to control them. Consider talking with your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease 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 your day-to-day tasks. Genetics The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics, like the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children because of societal and familial expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness. Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as being a “lightbulb” moment. They are happy to finally have an explanation for their issues and are now able to seek help and therapy. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.