The increase in ADHD diagnoses among peri- and postmenopausal women is likely due to to a combination of hormonal changes and better recognition of how ADHD presents in women.
During perimenopause and menopause, women experience significant fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone, which not only affect reproductive functions, but also influence brain chemistry.
As oestrogen levels decline, women may find it harder to manage underlying ADHD symptoms, such as inattention or emotional dysregulation.
Traits that were previously manageable can become more pronounced, leading women to seek help.
But hormones aren’t the only factor – increasing awareness is also playing a major role. ADHD was historically considered a ‘boy’s disorder’, primarily defined by hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour.
Women, however, tend to exhibit more subtle symptoms such as forgetfulness, daydreaming and internalised struggles, which are often overlooked or misattributed to other causes, like anxiety.
Today, clinicians and the public are better at recognising ADHD in women, particularly as awareness spreads through social media and patient advocacy. This might help to explain why we’re diagnosing more ADHD overall, not just in perimenopausal women.
For many women, perimenopause is a time of reflection, leading them to connect longstanding struggles with ADHD.
This convergence of hormonal changes and better recognition makes this an important time for women to seek support and diagnosis.
This time of life can feel like a perfect storm, but with the right guidance and treatment, women can hopefully gain a new sense of control and wellbeing during this transformative stage.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Cassie Davey, via email) 'Why do more perimenopausal women get diagnosed with ADHD?'
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