ADHD is often misunderstood as a childhood condition, but the reality is that many women are only diagnosed in adulthood—on average, at the age of 35. These women have spent years managing their symptoms with incredible resilience, often without even realizing they had ADHD. However, when they reach perimenopause, things can take a dramatic turn. The strategies they’ve relied on for so long may no longer work as effectively, leading to frustration, confusion, and exhaustion.
ADHD and Menopause: The Overlapping Symptoms
ADHD and menopause share many symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. These overlapping symptoms include:
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Brain fog and forgetfulness
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Trouble concentrating and focusing
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Mood swings and emotional dysregulation
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Anxiety and depression
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Sleep disturbances
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research (Dorani et al., 2021) found that women with ADHD experience higher rates of hormone-related mood disorders, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression (PPD), and climacteric symptoms during menopause. These hormonal shifts can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, intensifying issues like impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with focus.
The Role of Hormones in ADHD and Menopause
Hormones—particularly oestrogen—play a critical role in brain function. Oestrogen helps regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for mood, focus, and emotional regulation. As oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, ADHD symptoms often become more pronounced.
For many women, this hormonal transition marks a period of significant struggle. They may feel like they are “losing” the ability to manage life as they once did. The coping mechanisms that worked in their 20s and 30s suddenly fall short, leading to feelings of failure, confusion, and even despair. Many women don’t realize that their worsening symptoms are linked to hormonal changes, which can leave them questioning whether they have new or additional mental health conditions.
Treatment Considerations: A Holistic Approach
Addressing ADHD in perimenopausal women requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond traditional treatment methods. Here are some key considerations:
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Medication Adjustments: Some women may need changes in their ADHD medication dosage during perimenopause to better manage their symptoms.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For some women, HRT can help stabilize symptoms by replenishing oestrogen levels.
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Lifestyle and Psychological Support: Sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management all play a vital role in managing both ADHD and menopausal symptoms.
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Tailored Treatment Plans: Healthcare providers must consider a woman’s hormonal stage when developing ADHD treatment plans.
Breaking the Silence
This conversation is crucial because many women suffer in silence, unaware of the connection between ADHD and hormonal changes. We need to increase awareness, improve diagnostic criteria, and ensure that healthcare providers are trained to recognize how hormonal shifts affect ADHD.
Looking at the Whole Picture
ADHD isn’t just a neurodevelopmental disorder when it comes to treatment. We can’t focus on ADHD in isolation; we must look at the whole patient holistically. Many individuals diagnosed later in life have other conditions as well. Chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and autoimmune disorders are common. Women going through perimenopause or menopause often face additional challenges that compound ADHD symptoms.
Beyond medical conditions, we must also consider the social factors affecting patients’ lives. Many women with ADHD are navigating major life transitions—managing careers, supporting children in university or struggling children with ADHD or ASD themselves, handling relationship challenges, and facing financial pressures such as mortgages and tuition fees. All of these factors, combined with ADHD, can create overwhelming stress.
How ADHD Direct Can Help
At ADHD Direct, we recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment isn’t effective. We don’t just conduct a quick discussion about medication adjustments. Instead, we take a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of a patient’s life to determine the best course of action.
Our wide range of clinicians come from diverse medical backgrounds, many with lived experience of ADHD, allowing them to connect deeply with our patients. We are passionate about improving lives and providing care that truly makes a difference.
Take the First Step
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD symptoms, especially during perimenopause or menopause, it’s time to take action. At ADHD Direct, we offer tailored assessments and treatment plans designed to address your unique needs.
Book an assessment today and take the first step toward understanding and managing your ADHD in a way that works for you. Visit our website or contact us at contact@adhddirect.co.uk to schedule your appointment.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let us help you find clarity, support, and effective solutions.
