I am always led back to the brain when determining the root cause of neurodivergence in women. When girls with ADHD see a doctor, they often have hyperactive symptoms. Doctors often report a medical history of fetal distress during birth. For example, the umbilical cord has been wrapped around the infant’s neck. This condition is called a nuchal cord. It can slow the baby’s heart rate during contractions and reduce oxygen to the brain. This oxygen deprivation can affect the developing brain, particularly areas involved in motor control, attention, and impulse regulation. Additionally, if the infant is swollen or bruised after a traumatic delivery, it suggests a brain injury.

There’s research to support that birth trauma can increase the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. Nevertheless, ADHD is a complex condition. While birth complications can play a role, it’s often caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Pinpointing the exact root cause is tricky because the brain’s wiring is so intricate, and multiple systems are involved.

One crucial aspect of ADHD, especially in girls, is that it often presents differently than in boys. Girls are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Their symptoms don’t always match the hyperactive, “bouncing off the walls” behavior commonly linked to ADHD in boys. When girls do have hyperactivity, they tend to seek help sooner. Even then, the process of diagnosis can be challenging.

Personally, I experienced this with my daughter, Amelia. She was born via C-section, and when she arrived, she wasn’t breathing. The doctors acted quickly, and thankfully, they managed to resuscitate her. But those moments of panic are still with me. Knowing she went through that brief period without oxygen has always made me wonder about its potential impact on her brain development.

Amelia does show signs of ADHD now, although not quite enough for a formal diagnosis. She struggles with focus and impulse control at times. We’re in that waiting period where the signs are present. Yet, they are not enough to meet the diagnostic criteria. It’s frustrating, as a parent, to be in that gray area. You’re not sure if something more is going on or if it’s just normal behavior.

Understanding the potential connection between birth trauma and ADHD has helped me make sense of my own concerns. While Amelia’s signs aren’t “enough” for a diagnosis right now, I’m keeping a close eye on how things develop. It’s comforting to know that, as we learn more about ADHD. We’re uncovering the many factors that can contribute to it. These include those first moments of life that can leave lasting effects.

The journey to understanding ADHD is still ongoing. We are learning more about how birth trauma plays a role. Genetics and the environment also influence it. By sharing these insights, I hope to help others understand that ADHD is far more than just restlessness. It’s a condition that’s deeply embedded in how the brain functions. And for many of us, the roots go back to early life events, long before we realized what was happening.

Girls with ADHD are diagnosed differently from boys because their symptoms often don’t match the expected “hyperactive” stereotype. Instead of disruptive behavior, girls with ADHD might exhibit daydreaming, anxiety, grief, inattention, shyness, and difficulty maintaining friendships. These traits can easily be misinterpreted as personality quirks, making ADHD harder to spot. Many girls try to mask their struggles. They minimize or compensate for them to avoid standing out. They fear being labeled as “the strange girl who can’t get anything done.”

For females with ADHD, this “hidden” disorder often remains undiagnosed for years. Their symptoms are less obvious than in boys. While boys with ADHD may show external signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls are more likely to internalize their struggles. They might cry easily, become easily irritated, get distracted, or be forgetful. Girls often develop inattentive or combination ADHD, where both focus and hyperactivity are issues.

An underdiagnosis in girls can have serious emotional consequences. Their coping strategies—like becoming compliant, “people-pleasers,” or withdrawing—can mask their ADHD. Many girls realize something feels off but face societal pressure to appear normal, so they work harder to fit in. The longer ADHD goes undiagnosed, the greater the risk of secondary issues. These include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even eating disorders. Emotional difficulties and feelings of underachievement tend to grow, especially if girls lack the support or understanding they need.

One of the most powerful ways to help young girls with ADHD is to teach them to ask for help. This should be done early. It’s crucial to empower them to advocate for themselves, so they don’t have to hide their challenges. Learning these skills will improve their ability to cope with ADHD. It will also help them grow into confident, self-aware women. They can manage their symptoms more effectively.

Amelia’s signs of ADHD, although not enough for a formal diagnosis right now, are a reminder of this. Like many girls, her symptoms might be subtle, making it easy to overlook. But staying aware of the different ways ADHD shows up in girls is important. Supporting her in speaking up about her struggles is crucial. This will ensure she gets the help she needs if those signs persist or intensify.

The real challenge is that society’s expectations often paint a very narrow picture of ADHD, focusing mainly on hyperactive boys. This leaves girls at a disadvantage, struggling in silence and feeling unseen. Every year without a diagnosis can lead to more emotional difficulties, relationship issues, and a growing sense of underachievement. We need to change that narrative, giving girls with ADHD the tools and support to thrive.

Essential Trace Minerals

Zinc, iron, and magnesium are the 3 most studied trace minerals and are imperative for brain development and function.

Essential trace minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium play a vital role in brain development and function. This is especially true for those with ADHD. These minerals have been widely studied and show direct impacts on brain health and behavior.Essential trace minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium play a vital role in brain development and function. This is especially true for those with ADHD. These minerals have been widely studied and show direct impacts on brain health and behavior.

Iron

Iron plays a critical role in dopamine production and metabolism. This is especially relevant to ADHD. Dopamine is the key neurotransmitter affected in the disorder. Low iron levels can affect how the brain processes dopamine. This may contribute to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, fatigue, and even tachycardia (elevated heart rate). Children with ADHD who struggle with sleep often have abnormal iron levels. Iron deficiency is especially concerning for kids taking stimulant medications. These medications can suppress appetite, leading to inadequate nutrient intake, which in turn impacts iron levels. In cases where ADHD children have sleep difficulties, iron supplementation can help improve sleep quality.

Zinc

Zinc is a key “cofactor” in neurotransmission, meaning it assists in the transmission of signals between nerve cells. It is essential for healing and the proper functioning of the immune system. It also helps protect both the gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier. When zinc levels are low, these barriers can be compromised, which may worsen symptoms of ADHD. Studies show that individuals with ADHD often have lower zinc levels. Supplementation has been found to improve symptoms like hyperactivity. It also helps with impulsivity. However, it doesn’t seem to have the same effect on inattention. Interestingly, children who show signs of impulsivity and aggression are often found to have a high copper-to-zinc ratio. For those with low zinc levels, pediatricians may recommend zinc supplements as part of a treatment plan.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. It is crucial for numerous biochemical processes, including bone metabolism, nerve function, neurotransmitter release, and immune regulation. One of its most important roles is regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which influences the brain-body connection during stress. Children with ADHD, as well as those with autism, frequently have lower levels of magnesium in their blood. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to heightened symptoms of ADHD. Supplementation can help reduce hyperactivity, improve focus, and support overall neurological function.

A woman’s sex hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a significant role in influencing mood, energy, and ADHD symptoms. These hormonal fluctuations become obvious as girls grow and can drastically affect how ADHD manifests and how treatments work.

Estrogen is like the key that unlocks happiness and satisfaction in the brain, helping to regulate mood and cognitive function. On the other hand, progesterone acts like a calming agent, often compared to a martini for the brain. It enhances the effects of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that has calming, even sedative, effects. Together, these hormones balance mood and help regulate energy levels, which is especially important in managing ADHD symptoms.

At birth, a newborn girl has relatively high levels of estrogen and progesterone. These drop to low, steady levels soon after. This consistent hormonal environment makes treating ADHD in childhood more straightforward. However, when puberty hits, there’s a surge in both estrogen and progesterone, which can dramatically affect ADHD symptoms. For some girls, this hormonal shift can make ADHD medication less effective. This leaves them unprepared to manage the added emotional and mental challenges of adolescence.

As women grow older, mood and energy levels can fluctuate wildly throughout the menstrual cycle. This directly impacts ADHD symptoms, which can vary from one part of the month to the next. For some, the week before menstruation—when progesterone is high and estrogen drops—may exacerbate symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, or emotional dysregulation. This hormone-driven inconsistency can make it difficult for women to feel in control of their ADHD symptoms.

Pregnancy adds another layer of complexity. During pregnancy, hormone levels fluctuate even more dramatically. Estrogen and progesterone surge, and these changes can cause fatigue, mood swings, and a noticeable shift in ADHD symptoms. For women advised to stop taking their stimulant medications during pregnancy, managing ADHD can feel unmanageable. The exhaustion that comes with pregnancy, combined with increased ADHD symptoms, often creates new challenges.

In my experience giving birth to Amelia, the hormonal changes were overwhelming. I had to stop taking stimulant medication for my ADHD during pregnancy, and the fatigue hit hard. Amelia’s birth, via C-section, was already difficult, and she wasn’t breathing when she was born. Those emotional and physical stressors, coupled with my unmanaged ADHD, made everything feel harder than I’ve imagined. Amelia shows subtle signs of ADHD now. I often wonder how the hormonal changes during pregnancy influence her symptoms. Another thought I have is about how stress might impact the development of those symptoms over time. It’s fascinating to consider the interplay between these factors. Understanding the impact of estrogen and progesterone on ADHD has been eye-opening. Not just for myself but also in considering how to help Amelia as she grows.

For women with ADHD, keeping track of hormonal changes and how they impact symptoms can be crucial for effective management. Treatment plans may need to be adjusted throughout life—during puberty, pregnancy, and beyond—to accommodate these hormonal fluctuations. Knowing how deeply hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect ADHD can help women. It can also help girls like Amelia better advocate for their needs and find strategies to thrive.

Recently, ADHD and the medications used to treat it have garnered extensive media coverage. This has led to a surge in awareness around the condition. It seems that ADHD has become the diagnosis of the moment. Many adults are attributing their struggles with focus and attention to it. In today’s fast-paced society, distractions are abundant. Demands on our attention are high. It’s not surprising that individuals are eager to seek answers.

As awareness increases, many adults are seeking treatment from psychologists or internists, hoping to find clarity about their experiences. Nonetheless, this influx of attention can sometimes lead to misconceptions about ADHD. It’s essential to recognize that ADHD is a legitimate neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. Still, not every difficulty with focus or productivity necessarily points to ADHD.

Social media platforms like TikTok have amplified discussions around ADHD, with creators like Connor Dewolfe sharing their personal experiences. These platforms offer valuable insights and help destigmatize the conversation around mental health. But, they can also contribute to a phenomenon known as “diagnosis by social media.” Individuals self-diagnose based on viral content without fully understanding the complexities of ADHD.

People must explore and seek help for their struggles. It’s equally important for them to have a comprehensive evaluation. They need to explore and seek help for their struggles. It’s equally important for them to have a comprehensive evaluation. They should seek this from a qualified professional. Understanding ADHD requires careful consideration of various factors, including personal history, lifestyle, and the broader context of one’s experiences. In this age of information, discernment is key, as not every symptom or challenge fits neatly into the ADHD framework.

As I consider this increased attention around ADHD, I think about my own experiences. I also think about those of my daughter, Amelia. The conversations sparked by social media can be enlightening but also overwhelming. They remind me of the importance of proper evaluation. It’s crucial to understand the nuances of ADHD. This is especially true for women and girls, who show differently than the stereotypical image often portrayed. The conversation surrounding ADHD is evolving. Awareness is a step in the right direction. We must make sure that it leads to informed understanding and effective support for those affected.

Despite my personal experience with ADHD, my views on psychology and mental illness stay steadfast. Throughout my life, both as a child and an adult, I’ve faced challenges related to ADHD. Over the past year, as my hormones shifted and my symptoms intensified, I began to notice a troubling pattern. Reflecting on my childhood, I realize that I often dissociated. I forgot much of my early years. This was likely a coping mechanism for the chaos my ADHD created.

I’ve struggled with maintaining friendships, managing money, and navigating my emotions. Some situations take longer for me to process than they for others. I’ve learned to embrace that my brain works at its own pace. This understanding has been crucial for me, especially in a society that often undervalues mental health.

In the U.S., mental health issues are often overlooked, and women with ADHD stay severely underdiagnosed. There’s a pervasive misunderstanding of ADHD among the general public. This misunderstanding can lead to stigmas that hinder both recognition and treatment. This course has opened my eyes to the complexities of ADHD and mental health, fostering greater compassion toward others.

I’ve come to believe that everyone has faced their own challenges and has a unique story to share. This perspective encourages me to approach others with empathy, recognizing that our experiences shape us in profound ways. By sharing our stories, we can create a more supportive environment for those grappling with their mental health. We guarantee that they feel seen and heard.