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ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms. Symptoms Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal. Being aloof in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a variety of circumstances particularly those related to health, aging, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues. Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores. 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 based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup. No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. 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 with ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men. The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms. There are many treatment options for people with ADHD that include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you. Some people with ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to work with coaches who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them set goals for their lives. Self-help While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suit your needs. One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help. Some people who have ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have. It is also typical for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these issues and helps you learn to manage them can make a big difference in your life. ADHD symptoms can be affected by the different levels of estrogen in pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to control them. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. Finally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities. Genetics The genetic DNA of a person – their chromosomal traits – determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions. Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their loved ones, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. signs of add in adult women is likely due to the fact the reduction in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a “lightbulb moment.” They often feel at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis enables them 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 challenging to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.