|
Ask the ADD Medical Expert:
Patricia Quinn, M.D.
ADHD Symptoms and Menopause
Q:
"My ADHD has gotten worse since I stopped taking Prempro for menopause. Is there something in the medication that alleviates symptoms?"
A:
Estrogen, one of the components of Prempro, promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine. When estrogen levels fall during menopause, symptoms of depression (lowered serotonin) and ADHD (lowered dopamine) sometimes increase. The estrogen in Prempro may have masked a gradual worsening of your ADHD symptoms. Ask your physician about taking a stimulant to treat your ADHD. You may also want to discuss taking estrogen alone for most of the month if you do not have any known contraindications.
Patricia Quinn, M.D. is a developmental pediatrician in Washington D.C. She is also a co-author of Understanding Women with AD/HD, and co-founder of the National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD.
 3 Comments:
-
Posted by
EOG
-
Oct 2 2009 @ 12:32 PM
The Change changed me
So grateful to read this article. Before I hit the change I was a "Mistress of the Universe" and was 150 mph with my hair on fire . This was a good thing since I was a criminal defense attorney with a huge caseload. In my late 40's I was diagnosed with hypothroidism and about a year later with menopause. WoW ! was I ever humbled !! I went from in control to inept at life. OVERWHELMED was my middle name. Estrogen patch and antidepressent did help but still had difficulty making decisions and
wasn't completely up to snuff. Got off the estrogen after 5 years b/c of the new info re heart disease etc. Then just antidepressants and thyroid meds. OMG without estrogen I was coping but barely. Finally diagnosed with ADHD last years and began regimin of prozac and concerta. Glory Allelluia ! Also taking fish oil.
I never really "suffered" from memeory loss etc until I hit the change. I have developed a new respect for estrogen !
-
Posted by
newroutines
-
Jul 24 2009 @ 3:00 AM
Prempro/Ritalin...????
Hi Dr. Quinn...You are on my facebook. However,
I take both Prempro, Ritalin, Wellbutrin XL, and other meds... I notice that sometimes the Ritalin makes me feel tired occasionally and other times I feel really focused. I have been otld that I speak allot and sometimes fast.... My ADHD seems to be getting worse as I am getting older, yet I am more aware of my symptoms. The combo of the meds I sometimes find it hard to evaluate and other times I feel regulated.... Yet I like to stay up too late and need to follow a schedule better... I have too much to write about my disability and just acquired a new one of being moderately hard of hearing.
-
Posted by
Jan Edelen
-
Jul 5 2007 @ 1:48 PM
Menopause
Are there any natural hormone replacements that would work?
|
|
|
|
|
