ADHD & Menopause: Understanding the Overlap

I suddenly found myself drenched in sweat, face down on my grandmother’s dining room table. I had my camera off during my remote meeting and was struggling—struggling to focus on my boss’s directions, struggling to gather my thoughts, and struggling with the shame of not being able to engage with my team and clients the way I was used to. My hot flashes were flaring.

I had entered menopause. I wasn’t prepared for the changes—not just in my hormones but in how it impacted my ADHD symptoms… It got unpredictable! This combination of hormonal changes and ADHD symptom flare-ups caught me off guard, and I knew I wasn’t alone in this experience.

This is personal for me. I experienced a challenging ride when it came to menopause and ADHD symptoms. My goal is to provide you with some tools and ideas so that you won’t feel alone if you experience similar challenges.

How Menopause Affects ADHD

Menopause isn’t just a farewell tour for your periods; it’s a whole hormonal shake-up that impacts your brain’s executive functions—especially if you’re living with ADHD. As estrogen levels take a nosedive, you might find your ADHD symptoms turning up the volume. This is because estrogen plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for focus, mood, and emotional control—all things ADHDers already struggle with.

Amplified ADHD Symptoms

You might notice that your usual ADHD challenges, like distraction or memory lapses, become more intense during menopause. It’s not just you—it’s your hormones playing new tricks as they adjust to this new phase of life.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Thanks to the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause, mood swings can become more frequent and intense. This can make emotional regulation—already tricky for those with ADHD—even more of a challenge.

Strategies for Emotional Regulation

Navigating the choppy waters of ADHD and menopause requires some effective strategies. Here’s how you can keep your ship steady:

Consult with Your Care Team

Your doctors and therapists are your co-captains here. Discuss how menopause might be affecting your ADHD symptoms and explore treatments or adjustments to your ADHD medications.

I’m a menopausal woman with ADHD, and I was originally unmedicated. After consulting with my doctors, we decided that medication was a great option for me. It was a bumpy road to figure out the right dosage, but once the dust settled, medication became a lifeline.

Upgrade Your Lifestyle

Double down on lifestyle choices that support your health. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and quality sleep can all help mitigate the impact of menopause and ADHD on your life. Think of these as your daily power-ups!

Mindfulness: Your Secret Weapon

Engaging in mindfulness and meditation can help manage the stress and emotional upheaval brought on by menopause and ADHD. With regular practice, you can enhance your focus and emotional stability, turning them into your superpowers.

Menopause and ADHD might seem like an insurmountable duo, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can navigate this transition. Embrace the changes, arm yourself with strategies, and remember—you’re in control. You’re stronger than you realize, and equipped with the right tools, you can take on both ADHD and menopause with confidence. Let’s do this. Game on!