Navigating the Storm: ADHD and Menopause – Understanding the Intersection of Hormonal Imbalance and Emotional Regulation
- Michele Thompson
- Jul 20
- 6 min read
As a woman navigating the postmenopausal stage, diagnosed with ADHD, I can honestly say that the journey through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond has been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. For many of us, menopause is an expected, often dreaded, transition. But for those of us with ADHD, it’s a whole new level of complexity.
The reality is, navigating ADHD and menopause at the same time is no small feat. It’s like trying to hold a fragile balloon in one hand while juggling flaming swords with the other. Everything feels like it’s up in the air, and you have no idea which way it’s all going to land. And as I learned the hard way, without the right support, it can leave a trail of chaos in its wake.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster: Estrogen, Dopamine, and ADHD
Estrogen isn’t just a “women’s hormone” – it plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These are the chemicals that control mood, focus, and emotional regulation. So, when estrogen levels start to dip during perimenopause and menopause, the impact is felt not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. In my case, I didn’t fully realize what was happening to me at the time.
At first, I relied heavily on natural supplements like ginseng, St. John’s Wort, ashwagandha, black cohosh, vitamin D, vitamin B’s, omega-3s, and primrose oil to help manage my symptoms. These supplements helped for a while, but they weren’t the cure. Little did I know, I had ADHD all along, which compounded everything. I hadn’t even connected the dots yet, so I wasn’t addressing the underlying issues.
As my body shifted into postmenopause, I stopped taking these supplements. A few months later, I started on a once-a-day, 8-hour dosage of ADHD meds. That’s when my world truly began to shift in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
Medication and the ADHD Crash: A Delicate Balance
Taking ADHD medication was a game-changer—but not in the way I thought. For years, I had been managing without understanding the role ADHD played in my life, and suddenly, there was this burst of clarity. However, the crash that came after the medication wore off was something else entirely. My memory went from "bad" to "what planet am I on?" I felt drained, irritated, and exhausted all the time.
And it wasn’t just physical exhaustion; the emotional toll was even worse. I became a different person—one that was unrecognizable. My daughter started telling me I was running her ragged with my attitude, and I felt utterly miserable.
Truth be told, I couldn't relate to what my family was saying because I had no recollection of the event(s). No one has ever had the complaints about me that they did, and I just felt like I was being picked on, the person they could let out their frustrations on. I never felt so misunderstood in my life.
I knew I wasn't the person she was describing, but I didn't know how to communicate it. The more I tried, the more I failed. I just started apologizing and accepting fault for everything, and playing the guessing game. Was it the PTSD? Was it the Autism? Was it the Depression? Was it the Retrograde? It was frustrating for all involved, to say the least.
I didn't want to give up, I had this constant feeling like I was on the edge of something, but I didn’t know how to bring it all back together. It was like being stuck between two worlds, and quite frankly, I didn’t know how to fix it.
That’s the double-edged sword I’m talking about. ADHD meds helped in many ways, but without the proper dosage and understanding of my hormonal changes, it almost cost me everything—my peace of mind, my family, and my sense of self.
ADHD and Menopause: The Impact on Relationships and Self
The emotional dysregulation that comes from ADHD, compounded by the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause, can wreak havoc on relationships. The impatience, the irritability, the emotional outbursts—all of it seems to escalate and become more intense. When you’re in the thick of it, it can feel like the world is out to get you. But the reality is, it’s often the people closest to you who feel the brunt of it.
For me, it was a wake-up call when my daughter confronted me about how I was making her feel. I didn’t want to be this person, but I didn’t know how to stop it. The lack of understanding was so overwhelming that it nearly tore my family apart. My frustration at not feeling like myself and being misunderstood was toxic.
As your ADHD medication wears off, your brain begins to "recalibrate" itself, trying to balance your natural chemicals. During that time, fatigue and irritability are at all-time highs. If you're menopausal and your body isn't producing the chemicals the brain needs, 'forget about it.'
It wasn’t until I got my medication adjusted (increased) and truly understood what was happening inside my body and mind that I started feeling like “me” again.
Holistic Approaches: Nourishing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Here’s the thing—I don’t think medication should be the only solution. It's a powerful tool, but it’s not the whole picture. When I was in the thick of everything, I had to find ways to care for my mind and body holistically.
I returned to my spiritual practices. The connection between body and mind is real, and it’s in these practices where I found a sense of balance again.
As spiritual beings, it’s important to honor our inner selves. If you’ve ever felt like your mind and body were waging war against each other, you know how draining it can be. Holistic practices like meditation, journaling, and connecting with nature help to calm the mind, settle the spirit, and bring us back to a place of clarity.
When and How to Seek Help
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed by your own journey through ADHD and menopause, please don’t wait. Seek help. Don’t let it get to the point where it almost costs you everything like it did for me. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Start by keeping track of your symptoms—whether it’s through journaling or simply noting them down on your phone. This information will be invaluable when you sit down with a healthcare provider. Make sure to find a doctor who understands both ADHD and hormonal health. You deserve that. And, if you have no one to talk to, find a therapist. It was actually my therapist, not my doctor, who made the menopause connection to my ADHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can menopause cause ADHD symptoms to worsen?
A: Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Estrogen affects dopamine levels, which play a key role in regulating focus and mood, making ADHD symptoms more pronounced (healthline.com).
Q: What should I do if I feel like my medication isn’t working during menopause?
A: It’s important to consult with your doctor. A combination of adjusting your ADHD medication, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms more effectively.
Q: Can I manage ADHD without medication during menopause?
A: It’s possible to manage ADHD with holistic practices, therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, medication may still be necessary for some individuals, and a healthcare provider can guide you on what works best for your situation.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
I can’t stress this enough—you don’t have to go through this alone. Navigating ADHD and menopause may feel like a storm you’re barely holding together, but it’s not a battle you have to face in isolation. There is support, there are solutions, and most importantly, there is understanding waiting for you on the other side.
Embrace this journey with compassion for yourself. Stop feeling guilty, stop apologizing for what you can't control. You have done nothing wrong, regardless of what others say or think. You’re not broken. You’re navigating a complex stage of life, and with the right support—whether that’s medication, holistic remedies, or both—you can thrive through it.
“In the midst of the storm, we find our strength; in embracing our uniqueness, we discover our resilience.”
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Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment options.
