Change is constant. An ADHD brain experiences constant fluctuations in symptoms. But as you age or journey through a change of circumstances, you might notice your symptoms becoming more volatile. This is especially true for women bordering menopause.
The estrogen levels start to drop when you’re transitioning into premenopause and menopause. While managing the resulting symptoms can be far from easy, a little education and the right physical and mental game plan can make a massive difference.
Read on to learn why ADHD and menopause are so closely interlinked and how you can sail through it all.
ADHD and Menopause: What Links them Together?
When menopause causes your estrogen levels to take a dip, your mental health bears the brunt of it. You might find yourself struggling with your memory or any cognitive activity.
Low estrogen levels also mean low dopamine levels, which an ADHD brain is already deficient in. While there are a plethora of symptoms associated with menopause, here are the two symptoms that particularly stand out:
· Changes in mood
· The onset of anxiety, depression, and excessive inattention
In some cases, the ADHD symptoms worsen to the point where women mistake them with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sometimes, for women with ADHD during menopause, even the stimulant medications don’t do the trick.
What You Can Do To Ease ADHD During Menopause
Start with tracking and recording your ADHD symptoms in a journal the moment you start noticing any abnormal change in your symptoms. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns. Be sure to include both physical, mental, and emotional changes that you notice.
Normally, your symptoms would change at the same time each month. But if you notice any fluctuations (for instance menopause might trigger a change within 25 or 32 days instead of the regular 28 days), it would be your cue to take action.
The patterns will help you determine whether you're going through ADHD during menopause. If you do notice a change, be sure to bring it to your doctor’s notice.
Finding the Right Support System
Once you grasp the reasons behind your worsening symptoms, you can take the right steps to come up with an effective game plan. ADHD affects people differently and a one-size-fits-all plan might not usually work for everyone.
If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with your ADHD brain, you can rely on the support extended by a professional ADHD coach.
Visit my website to explore my ADHD coaching techniques. If you need a support system by your side during this challenging time, feel free to get in touch with me (you got this)!
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