On-Demand ADHD Webinars

“A Patient’s Guide to Talking with Your Doctor About ADHD and Menopause” [Video Replay & Podcast #525]

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#525), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

ADHD Expert: Lotta Borg Skoglund, M.D., Ph.D. Updated on January 13, 2025
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Editor’s note: In this webinar, we discussed the safety considerations for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). To clarify, in addition to the contraindications to transdermal MHT/HRT that were discussed (history of breast cancer and complicated diabetes), there may be other relative contraindications for oral MHT, such as a history of thrombosis or migraines. These were not fully addressed due to time constraints. Importantly, transdermal estrogen is generally considered safe for individuals with a history of thromboses, and certain formulations of local (vaginal) estrogens can be used by all women without time restraint. For specific questions and concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

Episode Description

Brain fog, emotional meltdowns, and fear of dementia. Perimenopausal women with ADHD face these and myriad other challenges to brain and body due to hormonal changes during their final reproductive years. Many women, with and without ADHD, are not fully aware of the hormonal processes that start up to 10 years before menopause. During this busy time of life, many women carry great responsibility for children, aging parents, career, and family logistics. Already burdened by stress, most women assume the physical and psychiatric symptoms of perimenopause are unavoidable. At the same time, they struggle to understand and effectively treat their changing ADHD symptoms during this time of hormonal transition, which has been largely ignored by medical research to date.

All of this is true, however many researchers and clinicians continue to dismiss patients’ concerns saying that “there are no studies exploring adult or older women” or “there is no evidence to support advice on adjustment of medication or other treatment efforts for (peri)menopausal women.” It is, of course, important to base our medical advice on the best available research. But is it ethical to allow adult women with ADHD to suffer just because researchers and clinicians haven’t paid them enough attention?

We think not! That is why I’m passionate about doing the best and the most we can and to communicate the evidence that actually exists.

In this webinar, you will learn the following information to share with your clinician:

  • How the ADHD brain reacts to fluctuating hormones in vulnerable periods of the female life
  • How you can differentiate between ADHD and menopausal symptoms
  • How the “swinging” decrease of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause can worsen ADHD symptoms and influence medication effect
  • How psychiatric and physical symptoms interplay with ADHD in (peri)menopause
  • How to treat ADHD and menopausal symptoms in adult females
  • How the ADHD life beyond menopause can look

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Download or Stream the Podcast Audio

Click the play button below to listen to this episode directly in your browser, click the symbol to download to listen later, or open in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts; Audacy; Spotify; Amazon Music; iHeartRADIO

ADHD in Perimenopause & Menopause: More Resources

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on October 16, 2024, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker

Lotta Borg Skoglund, M.D., Ph.D., is an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur from Sweden. Her specialty is in psychiatry/addiction and family medicine with a specific focus on ADHD and ADD. In 2015, she defended her thesis, When ADHD and Substance use Disorders Coexist – Etiology and Pharmacological Treatment, at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.

Dr. Skoglund currently holds a position as Associate Professor at Uppsala University, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, where she continues her research into ADHD, comorbidity, and gender influences. She is specifically interested in how hormones affect mental health across the female lifespan — a field that is not even close to being researched enough! Together with colleagues from around the world, she leads the pioneering research group GODDESS ADHD.

Listener Testimonials

“Today was so great. Such a relief to hear my symptoms discussed and validated! Thank you!”

“The list of information to take to a medical appointment was particularly helpful. Thank you!”

“Amazing speaker, so knowledgeable and up to date. Very helpful.”

Webinar Sponsor

The sponsor of this ADDitude webinar is….

 

 

“Is it ADHD, menopause, or both?” The overlap between the two can be confusing and overwhelming. At Inflow, we understand the unique challenges of managing ADHD during this transitional phase of life. Our CBT-based app program, developed by expert ADHD clinicians, provides you with effective strategies to navigate the combined effects of ADHD and menopause. From mood swings to memory lapses, we’ll help you develop coping techniques to manage your symptoms and stay on track. Don’t let the confusion of ADHD and menopause hold you back. Take the free ADHD quiz today to kick off your self-care journey.

ADDitude thanks our sponsors for supporting our webinars. Sponsorship has no influence on speaker selection or webinar content.

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