Menopause and ADHD
ADHD and peri/menopause - get the lowdown!
During menopause, declining oestrogen levels can affect the neurotransmitters responsible for attention, emotional regulation, sleep, organisation, and memory. While women without ADHD may notice these changes, those with an ADHD diagnosis often find those symptoms intensify.
ADHD behaviours such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or impulsivity can affect daily life. Although symptoms may improve with age, many women diagnosed in childhood still face challenges in adulthood.
Did you know that boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls? This bias is partly because girls and women may be able to mask symptoms, making them less apparent and leading to under diagnosis.
Does menopause make ADHD symptoms more severe?
Changes in female hormone levels at different life stages - periods, puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, all impact on ADHD symptoms. Perimenopausal symptoms can overlap with ADHD, potentially making ADHD symptoms seem worse.
Oestrogen plays a role in controlling brain chemicals like dopamine, which are less effective in ADHD. Higher oestrogen levels may improve attention and cognitive skills, while lower levels can worsen ADHD symptoms. During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen levels can exacerbate symptoms like brain fog and difficulty focusing, especially for women with ADHD.
A recent survey by ADDitude Magazine found that 94% of women with ADHD noticed symptoms got worse during menopause. 70% reported significant memory issues and brain fog that greatly affected their lives. Symptoms were particularly severe during the menopausal window, typically in the 40s and 50s, making this period the most impactful stage for women with ADHD.
ADHD diagnosis during menopause
Celebrities like Sue Perkins, and Nadia Sawalha have shared their late-life diagnoses. ADHD awareness has grown among UK women but long waiting times and limited clinical awareness can leave those waiting a diagnosis in limbo. Despite increased awareness, many providers have closed waiting lists due to high demand.
Escalation of ADHD symptoms during perimenopause may trigger recognition in some women that they may have ADHD, which they have masked and managed through life. Menopause can be a stressful life transition for many women - stress can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, individuals with ADHD may have difficulty coping with stress, which can increase their vulnerability to anxiety and depression during menopause.
American psychologist Kathleen G. Nadeau, an expert on ADHD, notes that ADHD affects older women differently - "Many women report that they’ve 'become dumb' at this age when hormone levels decline." Nadeau highlights that medications prescribed for ADHD may be less effective when oestrogen levels are low.
What can help manage ADHD symptoms during menopause
For anyone managing ADHD and menopause symptoms, with or without a diagnosis, there are practical proactive steps which may help them to deal with the double challenges, including:
Staying organised - using calendars, lists, & reminders can help manage overwhelm & forgetfulness.
Communicating openly with friends, family, or support groups will help with understanding & support.
Tracking symptoms to monitor changes can help make prompt changes to coping strategies.
Eating a balanced diet will help overall health and cognitive function.
Exercising regularly can improve cognitive symptoms, self-esteem & sleep quality.
Practicing stress-reduction techniques mindfulness, or meditation can relieve symptoms.
ADHD and menopause diagnosis?
Dealing with the double challenge of ADHD and menopause symptoms can be hard, what is important is that you get a proper diagnosis. Practical steps include:
Speaking to your doctor about whether you need a referral for an assessment for ADHD.
Keeping a daily diary symptom tracker.
Discuss your hormonal changes with your doctor. They may recommend that you take (HRT) if appropriate.
Leading a healthy lifestyle, including being more active, regularly exercising, and eating a healthy diet.
Learning more about both ADHD and menopause, and how they impact your everyday life.
How treatment can help ADHD and menopause sypmtoms
Once diagnosed ADHD can be effectively treated, through medication and/or psychotherapy. Treatment of ADHD with medication could also improve the shared symptoms of ADHD and menopause and have a positive impact on your everyday tasks. HRT may also help to stabilise hormone levels that some of the dual symptoms of menopause and ADHD share.
Due to the close relationship between hormones, ADHD symptoms and the complexities of stimulant medication that is commonly used to treat ADHD, some evidence has shown that these stimulant medications, such as Vyvanse, also improve memory, focus attention, and manage multiple tasks for healthy menopausal women.
If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD, talk to your doctor if you are finding that hormonal fluctuations are impacting how your medication works, as changes to the type and dose of ADHD medication may be necessary, as well as psychotherapy if required.
March 2024
How can Positive Pause help you foster more inclusive menopause support at work?
If your organisation is seeking comprehensive training for HR teams, line managers, and employees to support menopause in the workplace, we invite you to get in touch!
Email us today with your organisation's specific requirements. Let's work together to create a supportive and informed workplace environment for everyone experiencing the impact of menopause.