ADHD and ADD in Women – Recognition and Support Strategies for International Women’s Day
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 9
I'm an international holistic health practitioner, specialising in supporting individuals with ADHD, autism, allergies, sleep issues, and gut problems using natural medicine. I help people uncover and treat root causes so they can reclaim their health and thrive.
This Women’s Day, it’s time to recognize a condition that often goes undiagnosed in women – Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many women struggle quietly with focus, organization, and mood regulation, often unaware that their challenges may be linked to attention deficit disorders.
Why ADD and ADHD in women are often missed
In recent decades, diagnoses of autism and ADD/ADHD have increased significantly around the world. ADD and ADHD research and diagnostic criteria were largely developed based on studies of boys with obvious hyperactive symptoms, so girls and women with more subtle presentations were often overlooked for decades.
Over the past twenty years, diagnoses among females grew by over 300%, showing greater awareness and better identification of autism in girls and women, who were often missed in the past because many of them experience ADD, rather than ADHD. Women often present predominantly with inattentive symptoms, which can be internalized and less noticeable compared with hyperactive or impulsive behaviours more common in boys.
These more subtle symptoms are less likely to trigger early referrals from parents or teachers, meaning many women are diagnosed much later in life, sometimes only after their own children are evaluated.
Many girls and young women are more socially mature at an earlier age, often learning to mask or compensate for attention difficulties through heightened organization, perfectionism, or careful planning. These coping strategies, while impressive, can hide core ADD and ADHD symptoms and contribute to anxiety and delayed recognition.
Symptom masking often leads to diagnosis only in adulthood, when increased responsibilities, stress, or hormonal changes make symptoms more apparent.
Additionally, co-occurring anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions can overshadow ADHD or ADD, resulting in misdiagnosis rather than targeted support.
Hormonal fluctuations can reveal symptoms later in life
Biological factors, especially changes in hormones, can bring attention challenges and dysregulation into focus at life stages like puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Dopamine, estrogen and oxytocin pathways interact with cyclical hormonal fluctuations, meaning symptoms can vary across the lifespan.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for focus, motivation, and executive function, may function differently in women, contributing to difficulties with working memory, organization, and sustained attention.
Perimenopausal drops in estrogen have been linked to increased attention difficulties and cognitive strain.
Oxytocin, the “social bonding hormone,” plays a key role in emotional regulation and social interaction. Variations in oxytocin signaling in women with ADHD/ADD may heighten emotional sensitivity, amplify stress responses, and influence social dynamics.
Supporting these hormone pathways naturally through nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, lifestyle, and stress management can improve focus, emotional regulation, and social functioning, as seen in this parent’s testimonial.
Testimonial
“My 12-year-old daughter has always struggled with emotional regulation and impulse control. As she got older, these challenges seemed to improve, but I now believe she had simply learned how to mask them. Over the past year, after several major life changes, the symptoms returned intensely.
After our first appointment and implementing the recommended strategies, we noticed a significant improvement. My daughter even told me she could feel the difference in herself.
She has also dealt with seborrheic dermatitis since infancy, which was another issue that was successfully addressed.
Tina is wonderful to work with and incredibly knowledgeable. It’s been amazing to find someone who focuses on identifying and healing the root causes rather than simply covering up the symptoms. I’m now working with her for my other daughter and plan to work with her myself, as well as my husband.
I’ve recommended her in several Facebook groups I’m part of and would absolutely recommend her to friends and family.” − Mandy Chapman
Natural approaches and support strategies for ADD and ADHD in women
Hormonal & Neurotransmitter Support
Track symptoms across the menstrual cycle to notice patterns.
Nutrient support for dopamine and mood stability.
Homeopathic remedies or naturopathic approaches to support emotional regulation, sleep, focus, and attention.
Nutrition & Metabolic Support
Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense meals to support brain function.
Protein-rich meals, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids to support neurotransmitter function.
Balanced meals high in good quality fats to regulate blood sugar and stabilise energy and attention.
Gut health support through diet and probiotics/prebiotics as indicated.
Lifestyle, Cognitive Support & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindfulness, gentle exercise, morning light exposure regulate sleep and hormones.
Social connection, pets, and stress reduction practices to enhance oxytocin and overall mood.
Practical ADD/ADHD specific strategies for organisation, planning, and memory support.
Redefining ADD and ADHD recognition in women
Research is increasingly showing that what we often label as disorder can also reflect difference. Many women with ADD/ADHD bring creativity, intuition, problem-solving ability, and deep empathy to the world around them. When supported rather than suppressed, these traits can become powerful strengths.
This International Women’s Day, the conversation around women’s health must also include neurodiversity. Understanding how hormonal rhythms, neurotransmitter balance, nutrition, gut health, and nervous system regulation influence the brain opens new pathways for support. Natural medicine approaches, including targeted nutrition, homeopathic support, and lifestyle strategies can play a meaningful role in helping the brain and body work together more effectively, rather than trying to force neurodivergent women to fit systems that were never designed for them.
The goal is to create conditions in which their brains can function at their best. When women with ADD are understood, supported, and given the right tools, their focus, insight, and creativity can become extraordinary assets to families, communities, and the world.
Read more from Tina Horrell
Tina Horrell, Natural Health Care Practitioner
Tina Horrell is an integrative homeopath and naturopath with over 25 years of international experience. Tina supports individuals and families with a range of health concerns, specialising in autism, ADHD, allergies, gut issues, and sleep problems. She also offers targeted detox programs for heavy metals and environmental toxins. Her work blends homoeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, and detoxification to restore clients' balance and vitality, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Tina consults with clients worldwide via online video sessions and is a regular health writer for Brainz Magazine.
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