Most women associate menopause with physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but for women with ADHD, this hormonal transition can add a layer of mental complexity. As your hormones fluctuate, ADHD symptoms can intensify, or new ADHD-like symptoms can surface. So, how can you tell the difference between the two, and can the menopause transition itself cause ADHD? Understanding the connection between the two can make a significant impact on your quality of life and help you learn to manage your symptoms.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that most often begins in childhood and is recognized by symptoms like difficulty maintaining focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While ADHD is more often associated with boys and men, many girls and women can also develop ADHD.
However, girl’s and women’s symptoms often manifest differently, which can lead to underdiagnosis or a late diagnosis. In women, ADHD may not present as hyperactivity but as chronic disorganization, and difficulty concentrating and regulating emotions. This means many women with ADHD are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression or not diagnosed until later in life. Often during significant hormonal changes like menopause.
How can changing hormones during menopause impact ADHD?
Hormones play a crucial role in brain function. They can affect your brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood, focus, and emotions. During menopause, your reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone decline, which can disrupt the balance of these brain chemicals.
For women with ADHD, this hormonal shift can worsen symptoms by making it more difficult to concentrate, stay organized, and manage emotions. This can occur even if these symptoms were being managed well before. In a survey of nearly 5,000 women with ADHD, 93% reported noticing a difference in the severity of their symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. Keep in mind that these mental health challenges are often compounded by the more well-known symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, brain fog, and fatigue.
Can menopause cause ADHD?
While menopause does not cause ADHD, it can lead to the onset of ADHD-like symptoms in women who have never been diagnosed with the condition. Research suggests that even women without ADHD can experience ADHD-like symptoms during menopause. This includes difficulty focusing and increased irritability due to fluctuating hormones. So, it’s important to note that while these new symptoms can be distressing, they’re not necessarily indicative of ADHD.
However, for some women, menopause may unmask previously undiagnosed ADHD and determining between the two can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider to help you determine the true cause of any mental health changes and ADHD-like symptoms throughout the menopause transition.
How to Address ADHD Symptoms Naturally During Menopause
Managing your ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms alongside all the changes menopause brings can feel challenging, but there are several strategies that can offer significant relief.
Try a Natural Supplement
According to several studies, ingredients like ashwagandha can support brain function and reduce anxiety. Supplements that include ashwagandha are well worth a try and can be a useful addition to your menopause wellness routine. Mia Vita Mood Support, a natural supplement that includes ashwagandha, can help balance your emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and support better sleep.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for brain health, especially for women with ADHD. Establish a regular sleep routine, create a relaxing bedtime environment, and avoid caffeine before bed. If other menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, are affecting your sleep, consider talking to your healthcare provider about additional solutions.
Stay Active
Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve brain function. Exercise increases the production of brain chemicals like dopamine, which can help mitigate ADHD symptoms. Find an activity you enjoy, such as yoga, walking, or biking, and make it a regular part of your routine.
Talk to a Therapist
Many women with ADHD experience conditions like anxiety or depression, which can also worsen during menopause. Addressing these conditions through therapy or mindfulness practices can help improve your overall wellbeing and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms.
Track Your Symptoms
Documenting when and how your symptoms occur can provide valuable information into how your hormones may be affecting your ADHD or causing symptoms similar to ADHD. Try to keep a diary of your symptoms to help you and your therapist or healthcare provider identify your particular ADHD-related triggers.
Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone—reach out to your healthcare provider and support networks to help you find the best management strategies for your ADHD symptoms.