A Feminist's Guide to ADHD by Janina Maschke

Author:Janina Maschke [Maschke, Janina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786789082
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2024-07-14T23:00:00+00:00

ADHD causes additional symptoms and indicators like:

Easily distracted

Difficulty completing tasks

Making careless mistakes

Organization struggles

Constantly misplacing items

Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention

Forgetting tasks

Wandering off on tangents in conversations

Planning difficulties

Easily overwhelmed

Decision commitment challenges

Emotional instability

Time management difficulties

So, while perimenopause already creates negative effects, ADHD symptoms extend far beyond that.

Is there treatment for perimenopause and menopause?

Dealing with exacerbated ADHD symptoms on top of all the changes that come with perimenopause and menopause can be overwhelming. But knowing that your ADHD symptoms can fluctuate and change with hormonal changes and with age can help you anticipate it and prepare for it.

Following are a number of ways to address ADHD symptoms during this potentially tricky time. Social support, therapy, coaching, education about ADHD and learning to “manage” emotions can be particularly helpful. Being prepared and having knowledge is the best way to empower yourself to make this a positive phase of your life. Please always consult your doctor for your personal treatment plan, as this is very individual.

Stimulant medications

Widely recognized as the conventional ADHD treatment, stimulant medications work well for many individuals. However, not everyone can tolerate them, and caution is needed due to potential interactions with other prescription medications. If you are already taking stimulant medication and you feel like their effectiveness is diminishing now you have entered perimenopause or menopause, your doctor might opt to prescribe you a higher dosage or a different type of stimulant medication.

Non-stimulant medications

Another avenue for ADHD treatment involves non-stimulant medications, ranging from certain antidepressants to specifically formulated non-stimulant drugs. These are not always suitable for everyone dealing with ADHD, regardless of life stage.

Hormone therapy

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT for short, is a common and effective approach to managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms that involves replacing declining oestrogen. It is primarily prescribed for symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal discomfort, sleep problems, mood swings, memory issues, low mood and anxiety and for bone loss and heart disease prevention. However, risks associated with HRT should be carefully considered, with individual health factors playing a crucial role.

There are two main types of HRT: systemic hormone therapy and low-dose vaginal products. Their main difference lies in how the hormone is administered. Systemic hormone therapy is administered through pills, patches, gels, creams or sprays. This type of therapy provides a higher dose of oestrogen that is absorbed throughout the body, addressing common menopausal symptoms. Low-dose vaginal products are available as creams, tablets, pessaries or rings and provide more localized oestrogen mainly focused on alleviating vaginal and urinary symptoms.

Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy offers valuable coping skills and useful strategies for those in perimenopause or menopause, helping women gain control over symptoms including emotional regulation, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, fatigue and low mood.

Alternative treatments

Some individuals explore alternative treatments like supplements, chiropractic care, vision therapy or sensory therapy for ADHD management. However, the efficacy and safety of these approaches lack sufficient scientific backing. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before considering any alternative treatments.

What else can help?

Here are some more practical things you can do to manage symptoms.

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