Thank you for this Prof. Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD FCGI , more awareness about how men and women present differently is badly needed. 🌟
Honorary/Emeritus Professor; Doctor | PhD, Multi award winning;Neurodivergent; CEO of tech/good company
🧠ADHD awareness month: Females and our hormones.. it seems to have taken us a long time to realise that women have hormones!! 🧠Oestrogen enhances dopamine production; During periods of hormonal fluctuations—such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause—oestrogen levels can significantly vary, leading to changes in dopamine activity. For instance, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when oestrogen levels drop and progesterone rises, dopamine regulation can become less effective. This decline in oestrogen often correlates with worsening ADHD symptoms, such as reduced focus, increased impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. 🧠Underdiagnosis of ADHD in women: ADHD has traditionally been viewed as a male condition, which has led to underdiagnosis in females. In girls, symptoms like inattention and daydreaming often go unnoticed compared to the more disruptive hyperactive behaviors seen in boys. This trend continues into adulthood, where women are often misdiagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders instead of ADHD. 🧠 Impact of menopause on ADHD: During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties with focus, concentration, and emotional regulation. These women are also more prone to mood disorders like depression during this time, highlighting the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers to address ADHD during menopause. 🧠Need for tailored treatment approaches: As hormonal fluctuations significantly impact ADHD symptoms, treatment for women needs to be adaptable. Adjustments in medication, including the use of hormone therapies, may be necessary to provide better symptom control during transitional periods like perimenopause and menopause. 🧠Call for increased awareness: There is a need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals about how ADHD presents in women, especially during periods of hormonal change. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to improving quality of life for women across all life stages. It is important to understand how ADHD uniquely affects women and the need for gender-sensitive approaches to diagnosis and treatment. (Antoniou E, Rigas N, Orovou E, Papatrechas A, Sarella A. ADHD Symptoms in Females of Childhood, Adolescent, Reproductive and Menopause Period. Mater Sociomed. 2021 Jun;33(2):114-118. doi: 10.5455/msm.2021.33.114-118. PMID: 34483739; PMCID: PMC8385721.)