Why Girls and Women with ADHD Often Go Undiagnosed

By Mechelle Kennedy, NP

Have you ever felt like your brain is always busy, it’s hard to focus, or you’re easily overwhelmed — but no one ever noticed when you were younger? You might have ADHD, and you’re not alone. Many women and girls have ADHD but don’t get diagnosed until they’re adults. Why? Because ADHD can look different in females — and hormones play a big part.

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects how the brain pays attention, controls impulses, controls emotions, and stays organized. While many people think of little boys bouncing off the walls, ADHD in girls often shows up as daydreaming, forgetfulness, mood swings, or feeling anxious.

It can also be older women who have never been diagnosed but can’t seem to keep their day scheduled like they used to, get overstimulated quickly, need more reset or alone time, don’t feel like themselves, and are shutting down. These signs can be missed or misunderstood.

How Hormones Make a Difference

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone do more than just control your period — they also affect your brain. Estrogen helps you focus and feel good by boosting a brain chemical called dopamine. Progesterone, on the other hand, can make it harder to think clearly or stay calm.

Throughout the month, hormone levels change. Some women notice they feel more distracted, emotional, or forgetful right before their period. That’s because estrogen drops and progesterone rises — causing ADHD symptoms to feel worse.

When ADHD Symptoms Show Up or Get Worse

• Teen years: Hormones begin changing, and emotions can feel out of control.
• Motherhood: Life gets busy, and many moms realize they’ve been struggling for years — especially after their child gets diagnosed.
• After childbirth: Hormones crash after delivery, which can cause major brain fog and overwhelm.
• Menopause: Estrogen slowly fades, making focus, memory, and emotions harder to manage.

What Can Help?

At Adaptations Wellness, we look at the whole picture — including your hormones, stress levels, and brain chemistry. Here are some things that may help:

• Nutrients like L-tyrosine and Omega-3s for focus and brain health
• Gentle herbs called adaptogens to calm stress and boost energy
• Bioidentical hormones to balance your cycle
• Healthy habits like exercise, good sleep, and mindfulness
• Lab testing like our NeuroHormone Complete Plus Profile to find the root cause

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You’re not broken — and you’re not alone.

If your symptoms have ever been brushed off as “just stress” or “just hormones,” it may be time to dig deeper. At Adaptations Wellness, we see you, we listen to your story, and we can help you find answers that make sense for you.

Changing Healthcare One Client at a Time

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Reference:
Hobson, R. (2025, June 25). ADHD in Women: A Neuroendocrine Lens on a Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

Seed oils, such as canola, soybean, corn, and sunflower oil, are commonly found in processed foods, restaurant meals, and even so-called “health” products. While they may seem harmless, these oils are highly processed, often extracted using chemical solvents, and prone to oxidation, which can lead to inflammation in the body.

Why Are Seed Oils Harmful?

1. High in Omega-6 Fatty Acids – An excess of omega-6s can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
2. Highly Processed – The refining process involves chemicals and high heat, which can create harmful byproducts.
3. Easily Oxidized – When exposed to heat and light, seed oils break down into harmful compounds that may contribute to cellular damage.

Where Are Seed Oils Hiding?

Seed oils are found in many everyday products, including:

• Packaged snacks (chips, crackers, granola bars)
• Salad dressings and sauces
• Fried foods (French fries, fried chicken, fast food)
• Plant-based and dairy-free alternatives
• Baked goods (bread, pastries, cookies)

How to Avoid Seed Oils

• Cook with healthier fats like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed butter.
• Read ingredient labels and avoid products with canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, or grapeseed oil.
• Choose whole foods and prepare meals at home to control ingredients.
• Opt for pasture-raised meats and dairy that contain a better balance of healthy fats.

By being mindful of your food choices, you can reduce inflammation, support overall health, and avoid the hidden dangers of seed oils. Want to make the switch? Start small by swapping out processed foods and opting for whole, natural ingredients!

Did you know magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Magnesium is involved in over 300 functions in the body including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, managing blood pressure, improving sleep, increases energy levels and improves mood. Magnesium can also help regulate hormones, decrease stress, improve hair and nails and plays a vital role in digestive health.

Low levels of magnesium have been linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mood disorders and migraines. This mineral is easy to replace with a balanced diet finding adequate amounts in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seed and legumes yet most Americans do not meet their needed amount through diet. But don’t run to the nearest pharmacy or vitamin shop and grab the first bottle of magnesium you can find. Due to the many types of magnesium it’s best to consult a medical professional to establish the best form for your specific needs.

Magnesium citrate is a natural laxative to treat severe constipation but use caution when using a little can have a huge result and it can cause dehydration.

Magnesium Oxide this form of magnesium is poor absorbed in the body and typically not used to treat magnesium deficiencies. It can be used for short term treatment for heartburn, indigestion or constipation. Using this treatment for indigestion or heartburn only masks the symptoms for temporary improvement. Reversal of heartburn is key and should be the key in treatment.

Magnesium chloride is the most common form found in creams and lotions to help with sore muscles.

Magnesium lactate is mostly found as food additives to balance acid and to fortify foods. Some studies have shown this form to help with stress and anxiety.

Magnesium malate is well absorbed in the digestive track and is said to be more gentle having less laxative effects than other forms. This type has beens shown to help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia.

Magnesium L-threonate helps support brain health making it perfect for treatment of depression and memory loss.

Magnesium taurate is the best option to manage blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Magnesium sulfate also known as Epsom salt is typically used for sore muscles as a soak. Also can be used for wound treatment soaks.

Magnesium glycinate is known for its calming properties. Perfect to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Magnesium orotate may improve heart health by improving heart and blood vessel tissue but more research is necessary to make this conclusion.

M. Kennedy is a family Nurse Practitioner with a combined 24 years of nursing experience. Before starting a new supplement consult your doctor, do not use this blog as medical advice. Intended for informative uses only.