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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 situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms. 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 apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are related to health, aging, or menopause. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially as compared to other adults. This can lead to fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” in the same way, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up. If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping. adhd traits in women suffering from ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men. The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms. There are a myriad of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene – setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about the treatments that are best for you. Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling, and it can give you a direction to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives. Self-help You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements. One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful. Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be characterized as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you may have. Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant impact on your life. The different levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities. Genetics The genetic makeup of a person's DNA – their chromosomal traits – determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy. Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This could 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 are happy to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms. adhd traits in women acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.