ADHD in Women

The Unseen Struggles: Understanding ADHD in Women

When you picture ADHD, what comes to mind? Often, it’s the image of a hyperactive young boy. However, this stereotype significantly overlooks a large and often struggling population: women with ADHD. For too long, ADHD in women has been misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or entirely missed, leading to years of unseen struggles and challenges.

At Morkare Natural Clinic, we believe in shedding light on these vital topics to foster understanding and empower individuals to seek the support they deserve. Our Women’s Health Naturopath specialises in taking a holistic approach to various aspects of female health, including the complex interplay of factors that can influence how ADHD manifests in women.

Why ADHD Often Goes Undetected in Women

The classic presentation of ADHD, with overt hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour, is more common in boys. In contrast, ADHD in girls and women often presents more subtly, leading to symptoms that are internalised and less disruptive in external settings. This can make it harder for parents, teachers, and even healthcare professionals to recognise.

Common reasons for delayed or missed diagnosis in women include:

• Internalised Symptoms: Instead of physical hyperactivity, women might experience internal restlessness, a racing mind, or excessive talking. Inattention might manifest as being a “daydreamer” or disorganised, rather than overtly disruptive.
• Masking and Societal Expectations: Women are often socialised to be organised, compliant, and responsible. Many learn to mask their symptoms by overcompensating, striving for perfection, or developing elaborate coping mechanisms, often at significant personal cost to their mental well-being. This can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Misdiagnosis as Other Conditions: The symptoms of ADHD in women can overlap significantly with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or even hormonal imbalances. Many women are diagnosed and treated for these co-occurring conditions, while the underlying ADHD remains unaddressed.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Estrogen plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are implicated in ADHD. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life – puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and especially Perimenopause – can significantly impact the severity of ADHD symptoms, making them more pronounced or difficult to manage.

The Impact on Women’s Lives

Living with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD can have a profound impact on a woman’s life. It can affect:

• Relationships: Difficulty with communication, emotional regulation, or impulsivity can strain personal relationships.
• Career and Education: Challenges with organisation, focus, and time management can hinder academic performance and career progression, leading to feelings of inadequacy or underachievement.
• Parenting: The demands of parenting, combined with ADHD symptoms, can lead to overwhelm and increased stress.
• Self-Esteem and Mental Health: Years of feeling “different,” disorganised, or “not enough” can significantly erode self-esteem, often leading to chronic anxiety, depression, and a heightened risk of burnout.

For some, the cognitive changes and increased struggles experienced during Perimenopause can be the catalyst that finally brings their long-standing ADHD symptoms to light, as previous coping strategies become insufficient. Similarly, the challenges of managing life and emotions, particularly around significant life events like Fertility planning or pregnancy, can highlight the need for support.

How a Naturopathic Approach Can Offer Support

While a Brisbane Naturopath at Morkare Natural Clinic cannot diagnose ADHD, we offer holistic support that can be incredibly beneficial for women managing ADHD symptoms, working in conjunction with conventional medical care. Our approach focuses on the whole person, addressing underlying imbalances that may exacerbate symptoms and supporting overall well-being.

Our Women’s Health Naturopath can assist by exploring:

• Nutritional Optimisation: Identifying dietary triggers, nutrient deficiencies (e.g., magnesium, zinc, Omega-3s) that impact brain function, mood, and energy. We can help craft a balanced eating plan to support stable blood sugar and neurotransmitter health.
• Stress and Adrenal Support: Chronic stress can worsen ADHD symptoms. We can provide strategies and natural remedies to support the nervous system and adrenal glands, helping to improve resilience and reduce overwhelm.
• Hormonal Balance: Given the significant role of hormones, particularly during Perimenopause, a naturopath can help to support hormonal balance through diet, lifestyle, and targeted herbal or nutritional interventions, potentially alleviating the intensification of ADHD symptoms during these transitions.
• Gut-Brain Axis Health: Research increasingly points to the connection between gut health and brain function. Addressing gut imbalances can positively impact mood, cognition, and overall health.
• Sleep Optimisation: Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function. We can help develop strategies to improve sleep patterns, which often pose a challenge for individuals with ADHD.

Our holistic perspective also allows us to address co-occurring conditions that women with ADHD may experience, such as Eczema flare-ups due to stress, or general fatigue and anxiety. Whether you are looking for a Children Naturopath for your daughter or seeking a Paediatric Naturopath for comprehensive family support, our team at Morkare Natural Clinic is here to guide you.

Seeking Your Best Naturopath in Brisbane

Recognising the nuanced presentation of ADHD in women is a crucial step toward seeking appropriate support. If you suspect you or a woman in your life may be experiencing ADHD symptoms, or if you’re already diagnosed and seeking complementary support for your overall health and well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The team at Morkare Natural Clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualised care. As a leading Naturopath near me in Brisbane, we are committed to helping you navigate your health journey with expertise and understanding.

Contact us today to book a consultation with our Best Naturopath and take a proactive step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.