How Hormones and Menopause Impact on Women with ADHD

[@Solitude11-11]

I’m in my 70s, menopause in my 40s plus severe trauma knocked me flat. Less impulsive but executive function shot. Only recently aware I’ve been adhd all my life. My response initially was to withdraw altogether from life and things got worse, as someone else in the comments mentioned use it or lose it. I’m not convinced post menopause is a transition, but a permanent change you have to deal with. My experience anyway. I’ve worked hard for 3 years now to regain physical ability and mental health. Diet, supplements, exercise, mental exercise…I’m doing okay. But the hormone shifts are a huge part of adhd, my cycles were a nightmare when I was younger. And menopause changed me permanently. It’s been easier knowing I have adhd as I can consciously adjust and adapt where needed instead of fighting to be ‘normal’.

[@Pollllz]

Thanks for sharing your ADHD story. It closely matches my own in many ways, though I’m hyperactive and always have been. Despite this very obvious ADHD sign, I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 45. Girl in the 80s = missed. So I spent years thinking I was noisy, stupid & just really bad at life. Im now 51 and since getting my dx I’ve regained my life & confidence - plus I have a ND daughter. There’s still lots of damage and I’m struggling through perimenopause & the whole estrogen ADHD storm. It’s hard, but I’m being kind to myself & finding good support. Thanks for the heads up re AI - I use it in my work, but will try it for my ADHD. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@TheVOLTAGEVIDEOS]

Wow. Just wow. I started perimenopause about a year ago. Looking backnow, thats when my symptoms started to really show. So much that I thought I was getting early dementia. Thank you for this!

[@hinotbyefelicia9424]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I got diagnosed at 34 after a loss. I totally resonated with the relief that comes from understanding that your condition is not a moral falling and letting that guilt and shame go with getting the assistance needed. Best of luck to you!

[@JesgateOnDown]

Seems like using A.I. in place of memory recall will help with work, but it definitely will not help prevent more recall memory loss. Anything you stop using/doing (whether its a choice or a medical reason) means the neural pathways in that part of the brain are not receiving stimulation. That stimulation, however little may still aid in new neuron connections forming ... which could possible help reroute the nerve connections to the area in your brain where recall used to take place. Similar to how people relearn functions like eating, speaking or walking after a stroke or other brain injury. The same way people with spinal cord damage can regenerate nerves through continued physical therapy forms like the use of an "exoskeleton" device which supports them in the upright natural walking position and is also attached around their legs - moving their legs (walking) for them to keep muscle healthy & to help retain muscle memory until spinal nerves can regenerate.

[@Miawallce80]

Omg this is soo me!!! I'm now diagnosed and I feel great! Shame when my brother was diagnosed in the 80s it wasn't taken seriously either!! He died of addiction

[@annemiekkoelmans1797]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@suzanmehmetmclean5461]

Thank you that was incredibly helpful 😊

[@kellywhitehouse7406]

Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@jetpropelled9024]

You say the menopause side of things won’t last forever. But it will, at least that’s how I understand it. ‘The menopause side of things’ is your body no longer producing oestrogen. ADHD is a dopamine-based neurology. And oestrogen is a precursor to dopamine. So no oestrogen = no dopamine. That won’t improve post-menopause, because you still won’t be producing oestrogen. You might want to have a conversation with your GP or ADHD practitioner about HRT. Good luck!

[@elaineross9365]

I'm not sure if this is a medical fact you are talking about? Re oestrogen being a pre curser to dopamine. In my experience, the 2 are not inter dependant

[@jetpropelled9024]

@elaineross9365 no, they are not interdependent. That’s why I said it. I’ve had conversations about it with my ADHD practitioner. But it is fairly newly known/understood, so not even all medical people/ADHD psychologists know about it. Please do check it out.

[@jetpropelled9024]

Here is just one article about it. If you do your own search, you will find many more. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1769494/

[@jetpropelled9024]

@@elaineross9365 this will be my final response. I really hope they're all helpful to you. This is a booklet about ADHD and menopause, created by Balance, the extremely informational website of the Newson clinic, covering so much about menopause. balance-menopause.com/uploads/2022/08/ADHD-and-the-perimenopause-FINAL.pdf

[@indyd9322]

How do you know when to start hormone replacement therapy? Do you have to have things like hot flashes?

[@Stacia1975]

Can't even pay attention long enough to see the full video ... 😕