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ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed. The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms. Symptoms For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms. Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This can make it difficult to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to stay focused at work, at the classroom, or in household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup. No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate. Treatment Women with ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to be treated as effectively as men. The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms. There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as creating a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you. Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives. Self-help While there are a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and 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 or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful. Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teaches you how to manage them can make a significant impact on your life. The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. inattentive add in women can assist you in developing a customized strategy 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 having certain disorders including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which may make it difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their problems from their family members or changing their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy. Some women notice that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an “lightbulb” moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.