AD/HD Women: Optimize Your Functioning
Years ago, my sister-in-law Ginger and I (Jennifer) listened to a lecture by AD/HD expert Pat Quinn, who said that the average age of diagnosis for AD/HD women is 38, when symptoms of perimenopause begin to affect functioning. Perimenopause, in addition to AD/HD symptoms, prompts them to seek treatment.
Subtracting my current age from 38, I said, “We still have few good years left!”
“These are the good years?” was Ginger’s reply.
During the reproductive years*, monthly cycles can wreak havoc on AD/HD women’s lives, both at home and at work. AD/HD women tend to have more severe premenstrual symptoms than those without AD/HD. Every month, levels of functioning can drop significantly, leaving the rest of the month to play catch-up both at home and at work. The next month, everything starts over again.
For those who are yearning for an end to these symptoms, menopause may be a welcome event – in theory. Sadly, though, perimenopause and menopause can bring even more instability to AD/HD women’s lives. So what can we do about this unfortunate combination of AD/HD, women’s hormones, and a life?
Track Your Cycle
We don’t mean that you have to print out a chart, and take copious notes each day. If you think you can keep track on a chart, it is easier to spot patterns, but the same thing can be accomplished by making brief notes on your calendar or datebook. Each day, note the day of your cycle. Day one is the day you start your period. Then, rate your overall mental function on a scale of 1 to 5 (we found that this is less confusing and more accurate than using a scale of 1-10). You may want to make a note like “irritable,” “insomnia” or some other symptom that may later show up as a reliable pattern.
It may take a few months of tracking, but eventually you will be able to see patterns in your functioning. THEN, you may be able to plan activities around your cycle, knowing, for example, that you will have an easier time on day 12 of your cycle than you will on day 15. Even if demands at work are the same every day, you might think twice about taking something personally if you know that you have a tendency to be more sensitive on certain days.
Have Your Hormone Levels Checked
For women of all ages, hormone imbalance can be a major factor that contributes to underfunctioning. Your doctor can order tests to check your hormone levels. When your hormones are balanced, it’s one less thing to take YOU off balance.
There is a new trend toward using bio-identical or natural hormones, so if you have ruled out more conventional treatments like birth control pills or HRT, don’t despair – there may be more options for treating your symptoms. Ask your doctor for information, or for a referral to another doctor who is knowledgeable about this sort of treatment.
Look Into Medication
Women often have a tendency to put themselves last on the list. It sounds like an elementary thing to consider medication for AD/HD, yet not everyone seriously considers it as an option. It’s important to make a conscious choice. If you really don’t want to take medication (or are not ready to try it) that’s one thing, but don’t decide to go without it just for the martyr points. You are worth the time, money and effort that it takes to go for an AD/HD evaluation and/or take medication if it will improve your functioning. The right medication can make a huge difference.
So, if you are already diagnosed but are not taking medication, or if you are self-diagnosed and have been meaning to have an AD/HD evaluation “one of these days”…. write it down on your calendar NOW. You owe it to yourself to take action.
Footnote:
*Pregnancy can be a time of relief from AD/HD symptoms, but that depends on the woman. Some AD/HD women say that during the months of pregnancy and breastfeeding, their mental functioning improved. However, some find that just the opposite occurs, which is doubly disabling when stimulant medication is discontinued due to the pregnancy. Continuing to work during a time such as this can be extremely difficult. As you can tell, we are still a little bitter.
Recommended Books:
PMS: Solving the Puzzle - Sixteen Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome and What to Do About It – Linaya Hahn
Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and Live Life with Exuberance – Uzzi Reiss, MD, OB GYN
Copyright 2005 Consider Coaching
