If you often feel disorganised, overwhelmed, or forgetful, and these feelings seem to persistently affect your daily life, you might be wondering if ADHD could be the cause.
We hope you find this page helpful. Remember, ADHD symptoms affect everyone differently, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional.
ADHD has long been viewed as a condition that primarily affects boys and men. However, ADHD in women is increasingly being recognised, as many women experience symptoms differently from men and for many, the symptoms go undiagnosed until adulthood. This can lead to a lifetime of frustration, as women struggle with attention, organisation, and emotional regulation – without understanding why.
The unique ways ADHD manifests in women, especially compared to men, are essential to understanding, because awareness and proper diagnosis can open the door to better support and treatment – helping women regain control over their symptoms.
One of the main reasons ADHD is underdiagnosed in women is because the symptoms often present differently than in men. While boys with ADHD may display hyperactivity and impulsiveness, women are – in general – more likely to have inattentive symptoms. They might appear forgetful, disorganised, or overwhelmed, but without the outward signs of hyperactivity, their struggles often go unnoticed.
Additionally, many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. They may work harder to stay organised or to meet expectations, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, as women feel they’re constantly falling short of their potential but don’t understand why.
ADHD in women often manifests in ways that disrupt daily life, from managing daily household responsibilities to excelling in the workplace. You may find yourself constantly overwhelmed by small tasks, easily distracted, or forgetting important dates and appointments. Time management is often a significant challenge, making it difficult to meet deadlines or stay organised.
In addition, emotional regulation can be difficult. Many women with ADHD experience heightened emotional sensitivity, which can lead to irritability, mood swings, or feelings of frustration when things don’t go as planned. This emotional burden can spill over into relationships, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when struggling to keep up with expectations.
Hormones play a significant role in how ADHD symptoms manifest in women. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal changes can intensify ADHD symptoms. For example, during the menstrual cycle, women may experience heightened forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, or trouble focusing. Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can exacerbate cognitive challenges, making ADHD symptoms more noticeable or harder to manage.
These hormonal fluctuations often mean that women’s ADHD symptoms vary over time, adding to the complexity of managing the condition. Understanding how hormones impact ADHD can help women better anticipate and manage their symptoms, especially during times of transition.
While ADHD can present unique challenges for women, there are effective strategies to manage it and improve daily functioning:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help women develop practical coping strategies for managing time, reducing distractions, and regulating emotions. By reframing negative thought patterns, CBT can also help women build confidence and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
2. Medication
ADHD medications, such as stimulants or non-stimulant options, can be effective in improving focus, reducing impulsivity, and boosting organisation skills. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage, especially where one is considering the potential impact of hormonal changes.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene can help regulate mood and improve cognitive function. Establishing routines, using external tools like planners or apps, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can also make daily life more manageable. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and improve focus.
If you often feel disorganised, overwhelmed, or forgetful, and these feelings seem to persistently affect your daily life, you might be wondering if ADHD could be the cause.
ADHD is a neurological condition that primarily affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
