Understanding the Link Between Hormones and ADHD: Why Perimenopausal Women Are Often Misdiagnosed

Hormones play a critical role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities. However, the interaction between hormones and conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often overlooked, especially in women. This oversight has led to many women, particularly those going through perimenopause, being misdiagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression when the true underlying cause may be hormonal changes. This blog explores the interaction between hormones and ADHD, the common symptoms of hormonal changes that can mimic or exacerbate ADHD, and the role of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in alleviating these symptoms.

The Interaction Between Hormones and ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While it is commonly diagnosed in children, it can persist into adulthood, and its symptoms can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women. Research has shown that estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and throughout perimenopause, have a significant impact on neurotransmitter systems involved in attention and mood regulation.

A study (1) published found that women with ADHD experience a worsening of symptoms during periods of low estrogen, such as in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and during perimenopause . Estrogen helps modulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in attention and motivation. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, the balance of dopamine can be disrupted, leading to symptoms that resemble or worsen ADHD.

Misdiagnosis in Perimenopausal Women

Perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly a decline in estrogen. This hormonal shift can lead to a range of cognitive and emotional symptoms that overlap with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, because the medical community often fails to consider hormonal changes as a potential cause, many women are misdiagnosed with ADHD or mood disorders when the root cause is hormonal imbalance.

These misdiagnoses can lead to inappropriate treatments that do not address the underlying hormonal issue, leaving women struggling with untreated symptoms. ADDitude published an interesting article discussing the wild hormonal swings of perimenopause and marked estrogen drop of menopause and how they correlate to more severe and sometimes new symptoms of ADHD in women. (2)

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Changes Impacting Productivity

Hormonal changes can cause a variety of symptoms that impact a woman’s productivity and overall well-being. Some of the most common symptoms associated with perimenopause and other hormonal changes include:

1. Low Drive and Motivation: Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to decreased motivation and drive, making it difficult to initiate or complete tasks.
2. Difficulty in Focusing: As estrogen levels decline, cognitive functions like attention and focus can be impaired, leading to difficulty concentrating on tasks.
3. Lack of Stamina: Hormonal imbalances can cause fatigue and a lack of stamina, making it challenging to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
4. Inability to Multitask: The cognitive load of multitasking can become overwhelming, especially when hormonal fluctuations disrupt cognitive function.
5. Feelings of Overwhelm and Paralysis: Many women experience feelings of being paralyzed by overwhelm, where even simple tasks feel insurmountable due to the emotional and cognitive impact of hormonal changes.

The Role of HRT in Managing Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for alleviating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including those that mimic or exacerbate ADHD. HRT works by replenishing the body’s declining levels of estrogen and progesterone, helping to stabilize neurotransmitter systems and improve mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. It has been found that some women who underwent HRT experienced improvements in mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life compared to those who did not receive treatment. (3)

Conclusion

The interaction between hormones and ADHD is complex and often misunderstood, leading to misdiagnoses in women, particularly those going through perimenopause. Understanding the role of hormonal changes in cognitive and emotional symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate care and treatment. HRT offers a promising solution for alleviating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, helping women regain their focus, motivation, and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to hormonal changes, consider speaking with the team of Naturopathic Doctors at Longev Clinic or an experienced healthcare provider who is well versed in HRT about the potential benefits. Book an appointment today!

References:

1. A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD—Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences
2. We Demand Attention on How Perimenopause and Menopause Impact ADHD Symptoms, and Vice Versa
3. The effect of hormone replacement therapy on cognition and mood