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Perimenopause and ADHD? What's the connection? Women begin to experience perimenopause as early as mid thirties. Perimenopause results from a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can result in both physical and mental health symptoms as well as a decrease in overall wellness including symptoms that affect concentration, memory and sleep. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with problems with concentration, memory and impulsivity. What’s the connection? Hormones and neurotransmitters! Fluctuations in estrogen levels impact the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin which are both crucial for memory and mood. Women are masters of masking symptoms. Our ADHD symptoms appear later in life when coping skills are developed which allow us to cope with our symptoms thus delaying diagnosis . As we age our ability to cope with the symptoms begins to become harder and often women are misdiagnosed with anxiety and depression when in reality the reason for symptoms is actually ADHD or perimenopause. Of course we advocate for treatment of anxiety and depression but it is important to understand that symptoms will not improve if the underlying cause is not addressed. Symptoms of ADHD and Perimenopause often overlap including mood and memory changes, brain fog, anxiety, and sleep disturbances In both conditions there is often a lack of physical exam or laboratory abnormalities. It is important that treatment focuses on improving and managing symptoms. A thorough clinical interview with a caring and experienced provider is key to diagnosis of both ADHD and Perimenopause. Hmmm…some things to consider Interrupting? Impulsivity ? Do you often think about a conversation long after it happens? How often do you shop and make Impulsive purchases? Clumsiness? Procrastination? Clutter? Poor concentration? When do you do your taxes? Last minute? Messy desk or piles of mail but you know exactly what’s there and where to find it but observers would see a mess? Illegible handwriting? Organization? Losing objects? Memory issues? Do you often show up late or have to reschedule appointments? Do you miss your kids' activities? How much do you remember from your childhood? Do you have multiple “to do lists” or calendars/planners? Do you start multiple tasks but complete very few? Change or redirecting goals due to fear of failure? Irritability? Difficulty sitting still? Road rage? Trouble sitting through classes, meetings or movies? Is it hard to watch someone do something slowly? Switching jobs? Adversity to change? Symptoms worsen after life events? Increased symptoms and difficulty after a move or job changes? Difficulty coping or increased activity around life events such as moving, marriage, switching nests or empty nesting? Familial traits? Support systems? Do you have a child diagnosed with ADHD? Do you have multiple support systems and people in place to help stay on task? Night owl? Sleep disturbances? Change in sleeping patterns? Anxiety keeping you up at night? Do you fall asleep quickly but wake every night at 2am? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms call for a free consultation or schedule a wellness visit to discuss treatment options.