Home / Health / Menopause Triggers Undiagnosed ADHD in Women
Menopause Triggers Undiagnosed ADHD in Women
3 Jul
Summary
- Many women discover ADHD during menopause, experiencing worsened symptoms.
- Breast cancer treatment led to early menopause and ADHD realization.
- Support groups like ADHDAF+ offer vital community for affected women.
Later-life ADHD diagnoses are rising among women, particularly those experiencing menopause. This period can significantly worsen ADHD symptoms as hormone levels change, making established coping strategies challenging to maintain. Gill Charlton, diagnosed at 43, found her ADHD symptoms became prominent after breast cancer treatment induced early menopause.
Dr. Helen Wall highlights that menopause can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD. She advocates for increased awareness and training to support these individuals. The similarity in symptoms between ADHD and menopause can complicate diagnosis, leading to delays in accessing necessary support.
Support networks like ADHDAF+, founded by Laura Mears-Reynolds, offer a vital lifeline. These groups provide a sense of community and shared experience, helping women understand their challenges. Charlton's experience underscores the power of such communities in navigating the complexities of ADHD and menopause.
Challenges in the healthcare system, including long waiting times for assessments and management, make accessing support difficult. The government has initiated a review into mental health, ADHD, and autism services to address these systemic issues.
