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Menopause

Estrogen Depletion and ADHD Worsening

04/14/2011

Question:

I am a 51 year old female with lifelong ADHD and have taken stimulant medication(ADDerall)for eight years mostly effective for me. For the past year or a little less I have been in perimenopause and have noticed my ADD symptoms (attention and impulse control especially)are getting more frequent, severe and frustrating. What can help with this? Would hormone supplementation therapy(Specific to the ADD brain`s needs) be helpful or if not, what has research found to be helpful??

Answer:

I'm not aware of any studies specifically looking at ADHD during menopause. Depression is more common during that time, and needs to be treated with antidepressants. Hormone therapy is not effective. I would see your psychiatrist for an adjustment of your medications. 

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Response by:

Cynthia B Evans, MD Cynthia B Evans, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University