When Lucy Lambert took her 11-year-old son to a medical appointment to discuss his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), she did not anticipate that the visit would lead to her own diagnosis with the condition. The incident took place after her son, Oliver, was diagnosed in 2022 and had been facing challenges at school. During a 2024 consultation with her son's specialist, the doctor observed behaviors in Lucy—such as fidgeting and frequent interruptions—that are characteristic of ADHD, prompting the suggestion that she consider assessment for the disorder.

Intrigued and seeking clarity, Lucy conducted extensive research before pursuing a formal diagnosis privately in July 2025, electing this route due to lengthy National Health Service (NHS) waiting times. At 47 years old and living in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, Lucy had previously attributed her difficulties managing daily tasks and emotional overwhelm to perimenopause and burnout. However, she found that many of her symptoms—including forgetfulness, disorganization, and restlessness—aligned with ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition typically diagnosed in childhood.

Lucy’s experience echoes a broader trend identified by healthcare professionals who observe a growing number of women being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Dr. Helen Wall, a general practitioner who runs a menopause clinic in Bolton, explains that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate or reveal underlying neurodivergence that went undetected earlier. Dr. Wall noted that many women experience a decline in executive function and emotional regulation during these periods, often linked to undiagnosed ADHD.

The recognition of ADHD in women has lagged behind that in men, partly because the condition often presents differently. Traditionally associated with hyperactivity and disruptive behavior—more commonly seen in boys—ADHD symptoms in females tend to be less overt. Women often exhibit inattentiveness, internal restlessness, and difficulties with focus and organization, which can be mistaken for anxiety, stress, or depression. Lucy’s academic and professional achievements, including earning a master’s degree and a career in teaching, masked the challenges she faced internally, as she struggled to maintain concentration and manage her workload.

ADHD affects an estimated 2.5 million people in England, but many adults remain undiagnosed, especially women who may have spent decades coping without support. Dr. Wall emphasizes that women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond have historically been underdiagnosed and sometimes dismissed when presenting symptoms later in life.

Lucy’s story highlights the growing awareness of adult ADHD and the importance of recognizing the condition across the lifespan, particularly as hormonal changes can bring symptoms to the fore. For many women, receiving a diagnosis can provide clarity and access to strategies that improve daily functioning and wellbeing.