ADHD & Menopause

[DifferentMe]

Are there any other women out there that have been diagnosed with ADHD over the last 25 years and gone through menopause?

How did you cope with medication not working as effectively?

DM

[Sophie_M]

 
Hi DifferentMe,
 
Thank you for your post. It is understandable to be feeling concerned about how menopause may impact your medication and it is great that you are reaching out for some support.
 
Do you have a GP that you trust? We encourage you to keep your prescribing doctor updated on what’s going on for you and what your concerns are. Menopause can be a major life change and you deserve to feel supported along the way.
 
We have another active thread discussing perimenopause and suicidality. While this is not specifically something that you have mentioned, it may be worthwhile posting here too as we have a lovely group of members who may understand what you are facing.
 
If you want to talk through what you’re feeling at any time, the Beyond Blue Support Line is here for you 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. You can also reach them via Online Chat here.  
 
Thanks again for sharing. We’re here to listen and offer support.

Kind regards, 
Sophie M 
 
                   

[DifferentMe]

Hi Sophie M. Thank you for responding.

Yes I have a trusted GP.

Five years ago, I stopped using HRT, due to world shortage in HRT. I couldn’t find consistent supply.

I’m now 61. My GP is reluctant to prescribe HRT again and the HRT shortage still continues to affect supply.

I don’t know what is having more impact on my mental health and cognitive function. ADHD, PTSD or menopause? 🤷🏼‍♀️

With gratitude DM

[Guest_9989]

Yes, many women have faced this.

During menopause, hormone changes can affect how ADHD meds work.

Some found adjusting their dosage or switching medications helped.

Others used lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and mindfulness to manage symptoms better.

It’s always good to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

[Eagle Ray]

Hi DifferentMe,

I’m just seeing your post now. I can relate in some ways as I am in late perimenopause which has been a very rocky time, I have C-PTSD and, although not formally diagnosed, a counsellor said in 2007 I most likely have ADHD. I’ve never been sure whether to pursue formal diagnosis.

What I thought may be of interest is Dr Louise Newson’s podcast series. She is a UK doctor specialising in menopause and perimenopause. One of the podcast episodes is called “When ADHD collides with perimenopause”. Another episode is called “Women, ADHD and hormones”. I have listened to the second one which is an interview with an expert psychiatrist in the field. You should be able to find them by googling the title along with “Louise Newson”.

Everything I’m learning is indicating how much the brain is impacted by menopausal hormonal changes. The hormones that deplete are extremely important for multiple brain regions and functions. I felt like I was losing my cognitive capacity and didn’t even know who I was anymore as well as experiencing extreme distress levels. I’ve been on HRT a few months now, or MHT as they often call it now. I’m not having any problems with supply but it may depend on the form of it. For example, no patches are currently available so I am on gel. I have improved dramatically. I’m now seeing a specialist menopause doctor who is very attuned to what is going and how the brain is affected. I wonder if trying a women’s specialist hormone/menopause clinic may help? They often understand what is going on in much more depth. The forms of hormones now prescribed are considered much safer than the earlier ones used, but some GPs are unaware of this. I can’t go into more detail as we are not allowed to discuss details of meds. But I just wondered if another opinion may help? In my experience I think the C-PTSD I have which really started at birth is the driving force behind my ADHD-type issues and the major hormonal upheavals I’ve experienced. Rebalancing hormones has greatly helped my brain function and my C-PTSD symptoms. I feel it’s all interconnected for me anyway.

I hope you can find some more guidance and support.

Take care,

Eagle Ray