“Given what we know about challenges associated with ADHD, and the impact of estrogen loss on executive functioning in non-ADHD women, we can safely assume that women with ADHD are more vulnerable to challenges during menopause.” — Jeanette Wasserstein, Ph.D.Menopause and ADHD – both associated with impaired cognitive functioning and emotional dysregulation – share a unique and complicated relationship.
In this article, Dr. Wasserstein explains what we know about estrogen, hormonal fluctuations, and menopause in neurotypical women — and how this knowledge may help inform clinical approaches for women with ADHD.“In individuals with inattentive type ADHD, executive dysfunction is easily blamed on carelessness or laziness, and their social struggles may be attributed to growing pains or character idiosyncrasies.
All of this contributes to a chronic problem of underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.” —Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D.The symptoms of inattentive ADHD — disorganization, poor time management, faulty working memory, and a lack of focus — are all signs commonly dismissed or misdiagnosed, particularly in girls and women.
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