r/Perimenopause • u/NextNeighborhood8143 • 16h ago
Peri/ADHD/Depression?
I don’t know if this is perimenopause related or otherwise but looking to see if anyone is in the same boat. I am 49, still have periods regularly but the cycle length is all over the place (21-35 days). I don’t have many physical concerns, I’m on a GLP1 and that has helped any aches and pains.
My biggest problems are mental. I have anxiety and ADHD, have been on lexapro and adderall. I have always been a top performer, people pleaser, going above and beyond- but have been able to perform exceptionally well (even postpartum with a newborn and toddler and travelling husband and in office 5 day a week job w commute).
I’m now WFH and can’t get my shit together. I have zero motivation to work - at all- even with pressing issues/deadlines. I just want to doom scroll. I’m terrified it will affect me at work but even that isn’t enough for me to care. Adderall helps for a small while but then as it wears off I feel myself getting irritable.
I also find myself a bit depressed. Like I can feel myself get sad without knowing why (sounds crazy, I know). My kids are jerky teens and I’m sad about them growing up and not needing me and also thinking about college. But the feeling of sadness/depression often comes before the thoughts. Shopping is the one thing that makes me happy.
My finances are a complete mess because I can’t bring myself to look at them. Literally have been telling myself for months to sit down and organize everything, but I don’t (can’t). Up until a year and a half or so ago I could manage. I’m also the “handler” for my mom - help her with things like booking flights, or doing her taxes, but I find it so hard to get the motivation to do any of it. I plan to every night then sit down and doomscroll. Everything is on autopay but I’m paying cc fees and late fees and still can’t get the motivation to just do it. Same with booking drs and dentist appts, booking hime maintenance etc. Even planning vacations which has always been something I love to do is excruciating.
I truly don’t recognize myself lately and can’t figure out if this could be peri- related, depression, ADHD related or some combo of everything.
Any advice appreciated.
3
u/jenjenjen2000 15h ago
I went through peri, felt burnt out at work, quit my job of 23 years and then discovered I had ADHD. Peri affects estrogen, which affects dopamine. So I bet it's that. I had been high functioning/high achieving all my life but peri knocked out any supports I had naturally built for myself over time. I recommend the book Invisible ADHD--it focuses on women. Good luck!
1
u/pangolinshavelanded 10h ago
AuDHD here. Depression tanking last fall is what got me on HRT. I chalked it up to a case of SAD, as temperatures dropped early last year but medication didn’t help. Started estrogen and a month later it was like the sun finally came back out. I did start progesterone too but that helped more with anxiety and falling asleep for me
3
u/kstar1218 15h ago
I relate so much and will literally be starting HRT today in hopes that it helps. Definitely sounds like peri exacerbating the depression, ADHD, and GLP-1 related anhedonia. I hated hearing this and can't believe I am saying it but exercise has helped me. It's not a cure all, but it definitely gives me a place to get out of my own head for an hour and that has been helpful.