12 Companies Leading The Way In ADHD In Older Women
ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.

A lack of interest in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are connected to age, health, 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 a variety of other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
adhd symptoms in women adults suffering from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a plan to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI can be very risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that can understand these issues and teaches you how to cope can make a huge difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family and friends or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.