Welcome to 2019!I hope you all got through the holidays with more joy than pain.

In my last newsletter/blog post,I talked about my own Top 10 New Year’s Resolutionsand I’d love to hear what your thoughts are about resolutions and how ADHD fits- or doesn’t fit- into all of this. After all, we’re known to have a tough time with transitions and changes. If you didn’t read my piece, I hope you will. Hint: it’s HUMOR.

Today, I’m doing something different. Instead of blabbing about myself, I want to hear from YOU. I get tons of emails from people asking me just about anything having to do with their challenges dealing with ADHD. Below are a few that have come in that might resonate with you.But….for my NEXT newsletter issue and blog post, I’m inviting you to email me with YOUR question. The only caveat is that by doing so, you give me permission to use it (and my response, which I’ll email back to you) in an upcoming newsletter and blog post.Just tell me if you’d like to use a pseudonym.

This is what you need to do:

  1. Email your (BRIEF) question (and please make it one that you think will be helpful to my readers) to meat terrymatlen@ADDconsults.com. If you can, please use this in your subject line—>  QUESTION FOR TERRY
  2. Tell me what first name you’d like to use, if not your own.
  1. Tell me what city/state/country you live in.
  1. Feel free to send a photo of yourself (OPTIONAL).

I will answer a few of the questions I receive, email my responses to you, and will post them in my next newsletter and blog.

PLEASE remember:my newsletter goes out to over 12,000 subscribers who often send it to friends, therapists, etc. I also post the newsletter here on my blog and on social media. So….think carefully about your question and if you want to use your real name or not.

Watch for my next newsletter/blog post! Wait, you don’t subscribe? Well sign up NOW(and get a free mini eBook on Tips for Women with ADHD). Maybe you will be in it! In the meantime, check below for a few questions that have already come in. And bookmark this page so you can read all of my blogs!

*Note:Those who respond will be signed up for my free newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. *

ASK ME ANYTHING ABOUT ADHD!

Heather, from Spokane, WA asks:

Dear Terry,

I am reaching menopause age (I’m 42) and notice that my memory is getting worse. In particular, word retrieval. Am I developing dementia? Please help!

Terry’s response:

Hi Heather,

This is a common concern for women with ADHDwho are approaching menopause. I hear from attorneys, doctors, professors, stay at home moms, retirees, factory workers, teachers, and more…who are terrified that they are looking at possible Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. Suddenly, words escape them. They can’t remember names. Finding the right word becomes a real challenge, and they end up describing the noun they are looking for.

It’s scary!

But fear not. For the great majority of women with ADHD in this age range (and older), cognitive function often changes, just as it does for many women *without* ADHD. But since we’re already struggling with certain brain functioning, we may notice it more or have a rougher time with memory than others.

What’s happening is, as our hormones change with age, there’s often a direct hit to our brain functioning.

Why?

Because of the drop in estrogen levels.When that happens, our brain just doesn’t function as well.

That does not mean you are developing dementia,though if you are super concerned or if you’re struggling terribly, it is best to consult with your health care provider.

What experts in this area suggest(read the work of Dr. Patricia Quinn) is to talk to your OB/GYN to see if hormone therapy might be helpful. Doctors assume that increasing one’s stimulant will do the trick, but that isn’t always the case.

Also, try to simplify your life.When there’s too much going on, too much stress, too many responsibilities, it makes (obviously) your brain work harder. So now is the time to consider making some changes in your life.

Hope this helps!

– Terry

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Cindy, from Cleveland, OH asks:

Dear Terry,

I have anxiety along with my ADHD. My doctor wants to put me on medication, but what should I take? Meds for both?

Hi Cindy,

Though I am not a medical doctor, I have heard from medical professionals that usually (but not always), the symptoms that are most problematic are targeted first. So if your anxiety, say, is keeping you away from social events or affecting your work, etc., your doctor may want to start you on a med for anxiety. However, many with ADHD are anxious *because* of their untreated ADHD. So your doctor may elect to treat the underlying ADHD first. Sometimes, the anxiety lifts, but in many cases, meds for both conditions will be needed.

Hope this helps!

-Terry

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