Submitted by jeb4861 on 03/25/2009.
I have been in treatment for peri-menapause using natural hormones, vitamins and lifestyle changes while also experiencing a significant increase in my ADHD symptoms for the last 4 years. Symptoms have included much more distractibility, memory loss and forgetfullness, trouble recalling names and mild depression. Have been taking Concerta with vague results, and now trying a trial of Amantadine after reading "Delivered from Distraction".
I've been told by three practitioners that ADHD and the hormonal changes that accompany menapause is uncharted territory ... was hoping Melissa might be able to suggest further reading on this subject?
Thanks, J
I really need to hear what
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
yes, please! guides to ADD and hormones...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Peri/Menopause - A Nightmare for my ADHD
Submitted by 727Fortunate1 on
I am 48 years old, and have been having the very same problems for the past 4 years. I was not diagnosed with ADHD until about a year and a half ago, so thought I was totally losing it. Distractibility, memory loss, forgetfulness, trouble recalling names, major depression, anxiety and a complete inability to sleep have been my primary symptoms. I was told by my gynecologist that I was in peri-menopause 5 years ago. My horomones (I call them "horror-mones") have been all over the map and making it so much more difficult to get a balance with medication. I don't know how much longer this is going to go on, as I cannot get an answer as to whether or not I am in "true" menopause now or not.
After months of trying different combinations and dosages of Adderall, Lexapro, Clonidine and Ambien 12.5, things seem to be getting better. I don't dare miss a dose of my meds, though, or I'm right back to the same problems.
I have heard from a few sources that menopause and the resulting changes in horomones can cause major problems with ADHD. You are the first person I have heard say anything about this "uncharted" territory... I would love to know of any materials I could also read to get some ideas on how to better handle all of the side effects of Peri/Menopause with ADHD.
menopause, serotonin and ADD
Submitted by arwen on
Please understand that I am not an expert in these matters, I'm just responding based on what I've read in a variety of sources. When I was going through menopause, I did a lot of online research about hormone activity during menopause, because mine were all over the map. In menopause, estrogen levels drop off over time, with fluctuations along the way. Estrogen affects serotonin levels, and serotonin levels can affect ADD. As far as I've ever been able to determine, there isn't any way to smooth out the estrogen fluctuations. The only thing that can be addressed is the impact on the serotonin levels from the overall drop off of estrogen.