What You Need to Know:
🕒 Perimenopause Timeline: Starts as early as 35, concluding after the last period (around 52).
🧠 ADHD and Perimenopause: Intensified emotional, attentional, and physical symptoms can increase depression risks for women with ADHD during this phase.
💔 Emotional Effects: Hormonal changes have a significant impact on areas of the brain involved in mood, sleep, and cognition, potentially leading to an increase in depression, feelings of overwhelm, and mood swings.
What the Research Says About Risks:
📚 Depression Risks: Studies show hormonal fluctuations impact serotonin and noradrenaline levels, vital for mood regulation, increasing depression risks in perimenopausal women with ADHD.
🌪️ Mood Disorder History: A history of mood disorders like MDD or bipolar disorder indicates a higher risk during perimenopause.
🌀 Hormone-Related Mood Issues: Significant PMS or PMDD symptoms point to a greater sensitivity to hormonal changes.
🛑 ADHD Management: Challenges with emotional regulation in ADHD can make perimenopausal changes harder to navigate if ADHD is untreated or inadequately managed.
🚨 Life Stressors: Stress from relationships, career, or caregiving can heighten depression risk.
🚶♀️ Social Support: Lack of support can increase feelings of loneliness and depression risk.
🔮 Genetic Factors: A family history of mental health conditions increases the risk during perimenopause.
What You Can Do On Your Own:
🔄 Neurodivergent-Affirming Approach: Adopt a mindset that values your neurodivergence as a part of who you are, focusing on strengths and unique perspectives.
🛠️ Practice Self-Accommodation: Create personal strategies and environments that cater to your ADHD needs, reducing stress and enhancing focus.
🧘♀️ Self-Compassion and Care: Prioritize self-care routines that nourish your body and mind. Practice kindness towards yourself, especially during challenging moments.
🔍 Self-awareness: Increase awareness of your emotions, triggers, and needs. This understanding can guide your self-care practices and decision-making.
🗣️ Self-Advocacy: Develop skills to advocate for your needs, whether in personal relationships or with healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of support and appropriate treatments.
What People Who Love You Need to Know To Help:
🤗 Understanding and Patience: Acknowledge the dual challenges of ADHD and perimenopause. Practice patience and offer empathy.
🛠️ Practical Support: Assistance with everyday tasks and organization can significantly reduce stress and feelings of overwhelm.
👂 Listen Without Judgement: Being a supportive listener is invaluable. Validate their feelings and experiences.
🧭 Encourage Professional Support: Motivate them to seek specialized advice and join groups that are neurodivergent affirming.
What Your Therapist and Doctor Need to Know:
📌 Tailored Treatment: It's crucial to consider adjusting ADHD medications throughout your lifespan, as well as to be open to the knowledge of exploring hormone replacement therapy (HRT) thoughtfully, considering the unique challenges of ADHD and perimenopause. Is your doctor aware of this?
Consider joining the new free community I’ve created for all ADHD women to chat, connect, and prepare for our next support group.
Join the waitlist for my support and education group, which includes videos, workbooks, a course, and the community. It is a neurodivergent affirming created for women who want support! Scholarships and sliding fee options are available.
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Take care, Kristen McClure
They don't tell us anything do they?!!
Kristen thank you for sharing this information with us! I’ve had my suspicions that perimenopause is near… or happening already. I’m about to turn 37 and would have never thought it would start this soon. I’ve noticed a lot more irritability, for the past year or so… I think it could be related.