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ADHD in Older Women Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles. The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms. add adult women For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms. Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is a common indication of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances that are connected to health, aging, and menopause. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other mental health disorders like eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to stay focused on school, work or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup. Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping. Treatment Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males. The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that happen in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health care providers to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms. There are add and adhd in women of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones. A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life. Self-help You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline strategies and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for you and address your individual needs. One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful. Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life. The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to manage them. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production levels of estrogen. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks. Genetics The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics like the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions. Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which could make it difficult to diagnose and treated. This could include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Certain of these strategies may be beneficial, but others are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In addition, mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children because of societal and familial expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood swings and feelings of inadequacy. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as being a “lightbulb” moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their problems and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.