At The Dr Jenni Clinic and The Menopause Company, we specialise in both menopause and ADHD care, and many of our patients come to us with questions about how these two conditions interact. The transition through menopause can be challenging for any woman, but for those with ADHD, it can bring about new complexities. Here’s what you need to know about how menopause can affect ADHD symptoms and what you can do to manage both.
How Are Menopause and ADHD Connected?
Menopause marks a time of significant hormonal changes, particularly with the decline of oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays an important role in regulating mood, memory, and concentration. For women with ADHD, this hormonal shift can have a noticeable impact on their symptoms, potentially making ADHD more challenging to manage.
Common Challenges During Menopause for Women with ADHD
- Increased Difficulty with Focus: Many women find that their ability to concentrate and remember things declines during menopause. For those with ADHD, this can make symptoms of inattention more pronounced, leading to struggles with memory and mental clarity that can feel overwhelming.
- Emotional Changes: Both menopause and ADHD can affect mood regulation. The hormonal fluctuations of menopause can contribute to irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression. For women with ADHD, this can intensify the emotional sensitivity that many already experience, making it harder to manage day-to-day stressors.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are common during menopause due to hot flushes and night sweats. ADHD can also be associated with sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep pattern. When these challenges combine, it can lead to greater fatigue and a worsening of ADHD symptoms during the day.
- Heightened Impulsivity and Restlessness: Some women report that their ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and restlessness, become more noticeable during menopause. This might be due to changes in how the brain processes dopamine—a neurotransmitter that is affected by both oestrogen levels and ADHD.
Managing ADHD During Menopause
If you’re experiencing changes in your ADHD symptoms during menopause, there are strategies and treatments that can help:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be an effective way to manage menopause symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings, and it may also help with some cognitive (brain) symptoms. For women with ADHD, stabilising oestrogen levels through HRT might help reduce the impact of hormonal changes on focus and mood. It’s important to consult with a specialist to determine if HRT is suitable for you.
- Medication Adjustments: If you’re already taking medication for ADHD, it might be helpful to review your treatment plan during menopause. Adjustments in dosage or trying a different medication may be necessary to better manage symptoms. At The Dr Jenni Clinic, we work closely with patients to ensure their treatment plan is responsive to their changing needs.
- Therapy and Support: Specific therapeutic approaches (it’s important to find the right one as not all work!) can help women with ADHD develop coping strategies for the emotional and cognitive changes brought on by menopause. Therapy can also provide a safe space to explore the frustrations and challenges of this transition.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices into your routine can help improve mood, energy levels, and focus. Exercise is particularly beneficial as it can boost dopamine levels, which can help manage both ADHD symptoms and the mood changes associated with menopause.
How The Dr Jenni Clinic and The Menopause Company Can Help
At The Dr Jenni Clinic and The Menopause Company, we understand the unique challenges that come with managing both ADHD and menopause. Our team of experts is here to provide tailored care, whether you’re seeking support for hormonal changes, ADHD management, or both. We take a holistic approach, working with you to find the right combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes to help you feel your best during this transition.
Finding Balance During Change
Menopause can be a time of significant change, but with the right support, it’s possible to navigate this phase with greater ease and confidence. If you’re noticing changes in your ADHD symptoms during menopause or have questions about how to manage both, reach out to us at The Dr Jenni Clinic for ADHD support and The Menopause Company for menopause support. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
With love,
Dr Jenni and Dr Naomi