Menopause and ADHD: Understanding the Connection

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.