ADHD in perimenopausal women

Perimenopause can significantly exacerbate ADHD symptoms due to the hormonal changes that occur during this phase of life.

As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, women with ADHD may experience heightened difficulties with focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Estrogen, which helps regulate dopamine, a key neurotransmitter for attention and executive function, can make ADHD symptoms more pronounced as hormone levels shift. ADHD in women often presents differently than in men, with more internalized symptoms like inattentiveness and anxiety, leading many women to go undiagnosed for decades. It wasn’t until the 1990s that women began to be diagnosed more frequently, as awareness of how ADHD manifests in females grew. Now, a new cohort of women is receiving late-life diagnoses, recognizing symptoms that were previously missed. October, being ADHD Awareness Month, is an important time to shed light on these issues and advocate for better understanding and support.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to raise awareness about this connection