Navigating ADHD Symptoms During Menopause

With ADHD diagnoses for women continually on the rise, it’s no surprise that the navigation of ADHD symptoms during menopause is becoming more front-and-centre in our collective understanding. Women are also more likely than men to receive a late diagnosis thanks to symptoms that can largely go under the radar, which can create a double whammy for those who are navigating both menopause symptoms and a growing awareness of the impact ADHD has in their own life. 

In fact, a February 2022 article from ABC Australia notes that ‘as many as three-quarters of adult women living with ADHD are not formally diagnosed,’ going on to detail that ‘complexities specific to women have barely been explored… This includes the impact of pregnancy, menopause, hormones and the menstrual cycle on the symptoms of ADHD.’

For women who are facing menopause with the additional complexities of ADHD symptoms, what should they expect? While these gaps in research and knowledge remain, we’re digging into what we do know about how ADHD symptoms can be navigated through menopause and beyond.

 

What is ADHD and how does it present in women?

ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affecting approximately 1 in every 20 Australians. It presents in three different manners: inattentive symptoms, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, and combined symptoms. This can make it beyond difficult both for individuals experiencing ADHD and for diagnostic processes, with different combinations of symptoms often adding complexity for those who are assessing whether or not ADHD may be impacting their lives. 

Women with ADHD are less likely to experience hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD and more likely to experience the inattentive form of ADHD. As you may have guessed by this point, this can make it even more difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since the symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive-type ADHD are far easier to observe than the inattentive type.

Stereotypes surrounding ADHD behaviours, which are more associated with traditional gender roles seen in males, can also cause women to mask or hide their ADHD symptoms in order to ‘fit in’. Sachs Center writes ‘the “masking effect” is one of the most common reasons that women overlook ADHD. Women and girls with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to internalise symptoms and hide them. This leads to an under-diagnosis and lack of recognition. This occurs because traditionally, girls have been socialised to be less disruptive and more compliant, which leads to their symptoms not being recognised or being dismissed as “just a girl”.’ 

Thankfully, growing awareness of how ADHD manifests in women is allowing many to begin their journey towards an accurate diagnosis. While there’s still significant work to go, the tide is turning.

Find more support for ADHD management during menopause at the Australian Menopause Centre.

 

How can ADHD symptoms complicate menopause?

As with menopause itself, the symptoms of ADHD can vary significantly from individual to individual. This makes it difficult to build an overarching understanding of how ADHD symptoms can complicate the experience of menopause, but some common factors can certainly point us in the right direction of understanding what to look out for as menopause begins.

During perimenopause, reductions in oestrogen levels can affect the balance of other hormones and chemicals in our bodies, including dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals are correlated with ADHD experiences, and as a result, this can lead to an increase in the intensity of ADHD symptoms. A 2021 review of ADHD symptoms in females across a wide range of age groups notes that ‘dopamine deficiency is responsible for the presentation of ADHD symptoms whereas serotonin deficiency leads to depressive mood. Given that dopamine is the trademark of ADHD, this additional change can lead to even greater difficulties with focusing and concentration.’ 

Ironically, many of menopause’s symptoms can mirror those of ADHD, making it difficult to assess whether ADHD or menopause is the root cause of fluctuating symptoms. Shared symptoms can include:

• A lowered ability to focus
• Fluctuating moods
• Mental health challenges such as depression
• Problems with motivation
• Heightened irritability and stress levels
• ‘Brain fog’ 
• Emotional instability

For women who haven’t received a diagnosis of ADHD before menopause but who may have the disorder, menopause can sometimes prompt a professional diagnosis as symptoms increase in severity.

 

What are the treatment pathways for ADHD symptoms during menopause?

The bad news: there’s no known cure for ADHD. The good news: there’s a wide range of lifestyle modifications and management tools that can make a world of difference in how severe its symptoms are, and how much it disrupts daily life, both before and during menopause.

These can include:

• Stimulant medications. While these certainly aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, many individuals with ADHD respond well to stimulant medications, finding support in their symptom management.
• Hormone therapy. For women experiencing significant and disruptive fluctuations in their hormones thanks to menopause’s impact, hormone therapy can help to return stability, reducing the consequential impact on ADHD symptoms.
• Alternative treatments. Supplements, mindfulness, alternative therapies – there’s a wide and growing list of ADHD treatment pathways that don’t rely on medication, or that can be helpful supports for a traditional medication approach. 

While there are specific resources that can help in the management of ADHD during menopause, the same treatments that can improve menopause overall are also applicable for those navigating both complexities. 

 

Further resources for women with ADHD

If you have an ADHD diagnosis, are questioning whether you may have ADHD, or are looking to learn more about ADHD in women, we recommend spending time with the following resources to better equip yourself for what’s ahead.

• ADHD Support Groups – ADHD Australia has gathered state-based support groups across the country, offering direct access to local support for people of all genders and ages.
• Healthdirect’s ADHD overview – learn more about ADHD from this invaluable source of Australian health information.
• Your healthcare team – if you’re looking for support in understanding the impact ADHD may have on your life, the first point of support is in your GP. Schedule an appointment and take along a list of the symptoms you’re experiencing in order to find authoritative and reliable support.

 

Conclusion

Navigating ADHD during menopause isn’t for the faint of heart, but with careful planning, education, and a proactive approach to symptom management, there are many pathways to greater wellbeing and increased health outcomes. To find more support for ADHD symptom management during menopause, connect with our expert team at the Australian Menopause Centre.