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ADHD in Older Women Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles. The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may 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 reasons, including the fact that women tend to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms. Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Having trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be made worse by a myriad of factors that are related to age, health, and menopause. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other mental health issues, like eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, at school, or with household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, but the term “sex” refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup. If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated as effectively as men. The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are a myriad of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene like creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help you sleep better. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you face in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects 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 include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking to healthier 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. Many people choose to work with an expert coach who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives. Self-help There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements. The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive decisions 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. Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these struggles and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant difference in your life. add and adhd in women can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to manage the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. 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-to-day responsibilities. Genetics The genetic makeup of a person's DNA – their chromosomal traits – determines the risk of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family members or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm. In addition women and mothers are often required to look after their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Some women notice that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an “lightbulb moment.” They are often at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.