Mar 9 • 22:11 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Perimenopause arrives earlier in women with ADHD

A new study finds that women with ADHD may enter perimenopause up to 10 years earlier than those without the diagnosis.

A recent study highlights a concerning correlation between ADHD and the onset of perimenopause, suggesting that women diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may experience this transitional phase significantly earlier, by as much as a decade. The research reveals that between the ages of 35 and 39, women with ADHD report intensified symptoms of perimenopause compared to their counterparts without the disorder, who generally begin experiencing these symptoms later, typically between the ages of 45 and 49.

Symptoms associated with perimenopause range widely and include psychological issues such as irritability, fatigue, depression, and anxiety; urogenital problems like vaginal dryness, bladder concerns, and discomfort during intercourse; and physical disturbances like sleep disorders, joint pain, headaches, and digestive issues. The study highlights that women with ADHD face a higher prevalence of these symptoms, particularly during the earlier onset of perimenopause, which could exacerbate existing challenges faced by these individuals.

Despite its significant findings, the study is not without its limitations, primarily because it comprised only a specific demographic of women aged 35 to 55 from Iceland. This raises questions about the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. Nonetheless, it marks a pioneering effort to explore the intersection between ADHD and perimenopause, attracting attention to the need for more comprehensive research in this area to better understand the implications for women's health, especially for those living with ADHD.

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