Bitesize: How Hormones Impact on Women with ADHD & How to Balance Hormones without Medication
Nov 16, 2024
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Adele Wimsett, a specialist in supporting girls and women with ADHD, dives into the intricate relationship between hormones and ADHD traits. She discusses how hormonal changes—particularly during the menstrual cycle—intensify ADHD symptoms and emotional sensitivity. Using engaging metaphors, she illustrates the cyclical nature of female hormones. Adele also offers practical strategies for adapting lifestyles during hormonal fluctuations, especially for young women navigating puberty and perimenopause, empowering them to manage their well-being naturally.
Understanding the impact of hormonal fluctuations on mood and mental health is crucial for women with ADHD, especially during specific menstrual phases.
Tracking hormonal changes allows women to proactively manage symptoms and make lifestyle adjustments, fostering better mental health and relationship communication.
Deep dives
Understanding Hormonal Dynamics in Women
Women's hormonal cycles involve complex fluctuations that significantly impact their mood and overall wellness. Unlike men, whose hormone levels remain relatively stable, women's hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the month, influencing various systems in the body. For instance, estrogen, often likened to a vibrant, social figure, enhances cognitive functions and mood during its dominant phase, while progesterone acts as a calming counterbalance in the latter half of the cycle. These hormonal changes can lead to varying emotional states, which may cause confusion and distress, particularly in the lead-up to menstruation.
The Intersection of Hormones and ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD experience unique challenges related to their hormonal cycles that can influence their symptoms and overall mental health. The fluctuation of hormones can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and criticism, particularly during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, leading to increased anxiety and feelings of burnout. Despite this, the relationship between hormonal changes and ADHD symptoms is often overlooked in diagnosis and management, leaving many women without crucial information to effectively cope with their unique physiological experiences. By acknowledging and tracking these hormonal influences, women can adapt their lifestyles to create a more supportive environment for their mental health.
Empowering Women Through Hormonal Awareness
Understanding and tracking hormonal changes can help women manage their health and well-being more effectively. Strategies such as hormone tracking visually map out emotional and symptom fluctuations against menstrual cycles, enabling women to anticipate challenging times ahead, especially during phases dominated by progesterone. This proactive approach allows for lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing stress and avoiding social obligations at peak challenging times, ultimately leading to a more balanced and sustainable routine. Furthermore, fostering this awareness not only enhances personal health but also strengthens communication and understanding in relationships, particularly for partners navigating these hormonal ebbs and flows.
Adele Wimsett has a specialist interest in supporting girls & women with how their hormones affect their (un)diagnosed ADHD traits, and how to balance then naturally.