ADHD in Older Women

Understanding how ADHD presents in women over 40

Why ADHD Often Goes Unnoticed in Women

ADHD in women has long been underdiagnosed – especially for those now in their 40s, 50s or 60s. Many grew up in a time when ADHD was thought to be a condition only affecting hyperactive boys. As a result, countless women have gone through life without realising their difficulties with focus, memory or organisation were actually due to undiagnosed ADHD.

Menopause can make these challenges more visible, as hormonal changes reduce the brain's ability to compensate. What was once manageable becomes increasingly disruptive.

Common Symptoms of ADHD in Older Women

If you’re wondering whether ADHD might be part of your experience, here are the most common signs in midlife:

  • Forgetfulness
    Frequently losing items, missing appointments, or walking into a room and forgetting why.

  • Difficulty focusing
    Zoning out in conversations, struggling to read or follow instructions, and feeling overwhelmed by detailed tasks.

  • Chronic disorganisation
    A cluttered home, messy digital inboxes, unfinished projects, and trouble sticking to routines.

  • Procrastination
    Putting things off until the last minute, even when you have the time and intention to do them earlier.

  • Restlessness or internal agitation
    Not necessarily physical fidgeting, but a constant mental busyness or feeling like you can’t sit still.

  • Mood swings and emotional sensitivity
    Easily frustrated, tearful or reactive – often feeling things more intensely than others around you.

Is it ADHD or Just Ageing?

It’s normal to experience some changes in memory and attention with age, but ADHD is different.

Look for these signs that it may be more than just ageing:

  • You've experienced many of the above symptoms since childhood or early adulthood, but they’re now worse.

  • You've always had to “try harder” to stay organised or focused compared to others.

  • You have a lifetime of coping strategies (lists, routines, overpreparing) that no longer seem to work.

  • You feel like something has changed during or after menopause that’s made everyday life harder to manage.

Why Menopause Can Unmask ADHD

During menopause, falling oestrogen levels affect brain chemicals like dopamine – which plays a key role in attention and executive function. For women with undiagnosed ADHD, this hormonal shift can make symptoms much more noticeable.

What was once chalked up to “just being forgetful” may now become daily struggles with basic organisation, memory, or emotional regulation.

The Emotional Impact of a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Many women feel relief when they finally receive an ADHD diagnosis. It often explains a lifetime of feeling different, overwhelmed, or like they were “underachieving.”

But it can also bring:

  • Grief over lost time or missed opportunities

  • Anger at not being recognised or supported earlier

  • Frustration that it took so long to be taken seriously

All of these responses are valid – and part of the healing process.

What You Can Do Now

If the symptoms above sound familiar, don’t ignore them.

Consider these next steps:

  • Track your symptoms and how long you’ve experienced them

  • Speak to a professional who understands ADHD in women, especially during midlife

  • Don’t dismiss your concerns – menopause and ADHD often interact, and both deserve attention

We’re Here to Help

At Attention to Health, we offer dedicated ADHD assessments for women 40+, led by a menopause specialist who understands the unique challenges of this stage of life.

You're not alone – and it’s never too late to seek answers, support, and a better quality of life.