Menopause and ADHD: Understanding the Connection
- National Neurodiversity Assessments
- May 20
- 3 min read
What We Know and What We Need to Learn
Many women notice changes in their thinking and emotions during menopause. These changes can look a lot like ADHD symptoms. But what happens when a woman already has ADHD and then goes through menopause? Unfortunately, scientists haven't studied this specific question much yet, which is a problem.
However, we do know some basic facts about hormones, menopause, and ADHD that can help us understand what might be happening.
Understanding Oestrogen
Oestrogen is an important hormone for women. It does several things:
Helps with sexual and reproductive development
Affects brain chemicals that control attention, memory, and mood
Supports brain functions like planning and focusing
When oestrogen levels are high, brain functions tend to work better. When levels are low or change a lot, thinking and emotions can be affected.
How Hormones Change Throughout Life
Monthly Cycles
During regular monthly periods, oestrogen levels go up and down. ADHD symptoms often get better when oestrogen is high and worse when it's low. Many women with ADHD have more severe PMS symptoms than women without ADHD.
Before Menopause (Perimenopause)
This phase usually starts around age 47 and can last 4-10 years. During this time:
Periods become irregular
Hormone levels start to drop, but in an uneven way
These ups and downs can cause mood swings and thinking problems
Menopause
Menopause officially begins 12 months after a woman's last period, typically around age 51. At this point:
Oestrogen levels remain low
Monthly cycles have stopped completely
Common Menopause Symptoms
Physical Changes
Hot flashes
Sleep problems
Weight gain
Mood swings
Anxiety
Less interest in sex
Thinking Changes
Trouble paying attention
Memory problems
Difficulty finding words
Problems with planning and organization
These symptoms vary greatly from person to person.
How Menopause and ADHD Might Interact
While we don't have scientific studies on menopause and ADHD together, many women report that:
Existing ADHD symptoms get worse during menopause
Some women seem to develop ADHD-like symptoms for the first time
Both menopause and ADHD can cause:
Mood swings
Poor attention and concentration
Sleep problems
Depression
Interestingly, some studies show that ADHD medications can help women without ADHD who are experiencing menopause-related thinking problems.
Possible Treatments
Medication Options
Hormone therapy (oestrogen replacement) to ease menopause symptoms
ADHD medications to help with attention and focus
Sometimes a combination of low-dose oestrogen with ADHD medication
Antidepressants to help with mood and anxiety
Other medications that may help with memory and thinking
Recent research suggests that the risks of hormone therapy may be lower than previously thought, especially when started within 10 years of menopause.
Non-Medication Approaches
Therapy to build coping skills
Learning about menopause and what to expect
Mindfulness practices
Healthy lifestyle habits (exercise, sleep, stress management)
Summary
When oestrogen drops during menopause, it affects brain chemicals that control attention, memory, and mood. This can cause symptoms that look like ADHD or make existing ADHD worse.
While we need more research specifically on women with ADHD going through menopause, we can use what we know about both conditions to help women during this transition.
Treatment should be personalised and might include hormone therapy, ADHD medications, other medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Please discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
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