Growing up, Margaret Reed Roberts always felt different from other children. Despite being an extrovert—very active, expressive, and energetic—she silently struggled with retaining information at school. As a teenager, she dealt with fatigue and low mood, feeling very alone in her internal world. Now 51 and working as a social worker in Cambridge, England, and a mother of two, Reed Roberts reflects on feeling misunderstood and treated differently throughout her life.
About five years ago, as Reed Roberts entered perimenopause, she faced a multitude of symptoms, from hot flashes to migraines to sore breasts. At the same time, the constant thoughts in her head intensified. She became easily irritated, frustrated, and battled with brain fog, leading her to struggle with simple tasks like remembering words and dates. Despite her intelligence and two master’s degrees, everything became an overwhelming challenge, causing her to shut down.
Fearing cognitive decline, Reed Roberts tested herself for early-onset dementia while working with dementia patients and, luckily, did not have the condition. However, she was left searching for answers until a friend suggested she might have ADHD. After seeing a psychiatrist at age 48, Reed Roberts was formally diagnosed with the disorder, leading her to a range of emotions. Like many women, she had lived for decades with undiagnosed ADHD.
Adding to the complexity, a survey of women with ADHD found that 94 percent reported worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, with brain fog and memory issues having a significant impact in their 40s and 50s. The connection between ADHD and menopause lies in the fluctuation of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, affecting neurotransmitter levels and worsening ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosing ADHD in menopausal women can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with menopause. Family history of ADHD can be a clue to the root cause of symptoms, as ADHD is highly inheritable. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers may not be aware of the link between worsening ADHD symptoms and menopause, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments like antidepressants.
In midlife, women with ADHD may face feelings of guilt and hide their struggles, as societal expectations of being “superwomen” can make it difficult to seek help. Symptoms of late-onset ADHD in menopausal women can include feeling overwhelmed, struggling with time management, and battling brain fog. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment can help women navigate ADHD and menopause more effectively.
