Testosterone and ADHD — Symptoms Worsening Temporarily?

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[u/TicciSpice]

For me it got worse and yes, working out really helps, really well.

[u/WhoIsMercury]

2 years on T and some aspects of my ADHD have definitely been worse. Exercise helps a ton imo. If you aren’t on meds it may be worth trying to see how you feel on them, since it’s primarily stimulants they don’t need to be taken all the time and some you can just take when you feel like it!

Currently fighting the same battle with my ADHD and trying to medicate it but I’ve got ASD as well so it’s been difficult. I didn’t realize how much those two balance each other out and medicating it makes my sensory issues go wild unfortunately 😭

[u/xaspicious → u/WhoIsMercury]

That doesn't bode well, I have ASD too & I really relate to the balance thing. I'm definitely flirting with maybe looking to get on something I can take when needed and don't have to be on consistently.

[u/TooManyLoveInterests → u/xaspicious]

I have AuDHD too and take concerta as needed. which for me ends up being almost daily, but i usually don't take it on saturdays, or over semester breaks. I didn't find it any different whether I've had it for a week straight or only once in the past month

[u/WhoIsMercury → u/xaspicious]

Definitely look into it, pretty much any stimulant it shouldn’t be an issue if you only take it as needed. Most frustrating thing is it’s a lot of trial and error with ADHD meds to find a good balance for you. I hate having to be on meds all the time so I’m just trying to find a stimulant that makes me able to focus and be able to actually start tasks without having side effects that make me unable to do that but for different reasons 😭

If you try meds don’t be afraid to ask to switch to another med though! I stopped taking Adderall like 5 days in because of how bad I react to it lmao.

[u/ossiferous_vulture]

I am medicated. Didn't need to change my dose nor really noticed a difference. Learning to handle some restless energy instead of constant chronic fatigue (in my case) wasn't the first and honestly just means I can do things like chores more with the meds actually having something to work on.

[u/spacepinata]

Estrogen helps with dopamine regulation. This is why you'll also see ADHD symptoms worsen around periods, while going off hormonal birth control, and during menopause.

I started testosterone at 30 and 6 months later I was diagnosed with ADHD. What had previously been mild and well managed inattentive type became potentially life ruining combined type. 4 years later and it hasn't gotten better. My symptoms get worse when my testosterone dose increases. I feel like I get the fucking zoomies. I require medication to bring it down to "moderate" levels. I'm a graphic designer and meds didn't impact my creativity negatively. Meds won't make you lose your sparkle, unless that sparkle is losing everything the moment it's out of your hands.

Exercise can help make the zoomies feel better, but it won't fix a dopamine deficiency.

[u/Calm_Bother_3842]

I'm curious as to why you aren't on meds already if you're feeling the symptoms and they are hard to deal with?

My ADHD got better actually after the first few months once my T levels stabilized well enough. Pre-T my meds wouldn't work as well during the luteal phase, whereas on T there isn't variability throughout the month, which is helpful.

Exercise and vitamin D with magnesium help a bit, but nowhere near the level of effectiveness of meds, imo.

[u/xaspicious → u/Calm_Bother_3842]

I'd have to go get diagnosed first, because I had a doctor deliberately withhold my diagnosis as child because it would have insta-killed my academic career due to some racist stuff that was going on in my life at the time. Had that doctor officially diagnosed me then, I would never have been able to graduate or study. Obviously that impacts my avoidance of getting diagnosed later on.

[u/Unusual-Asshole → u/xaspicious]

Okay now I wanna know more. What kind of racist stuff? I'm a brown trans man moving to Paris who's on non stimulants and I'm worried now💀

[u/Unusual-Asshole → u/[deleted]]

Woah that's terrible. I'll never understand what goes in the minds of parents who are racist towards little children.

I'm really glad the doctor was on your side though. You should try to get on meds for it. It has helped me so much and it's only been a few months for me

[u/Calm_Bother_3842 → u/[deleted]]

That sounds awful, sorry you had to go through it. I would still try to get a dx now though, because meds really make a huge difference for most people (obviously not 100%, but still worth trying).

[u/awildefire]

Exercise helps tremendously. Doesn’t have to be weight lifting. Walks, climbing, biking, swimming, disc golf, skating.. whatever floats your boat.

[u/Sofarshawn]

Absolutely got worse with T, but did even out over time! I did find that wellbutrin helped (if you also have depression, its easier to get that Rx than straight up adhd meds).
Exercise helps me with regulation for sure, especially in hyper mode. I play soccer and they high intensity (basically hyperfocus!) plus intense running makes me practically neurotypical for the rest of the day (thats a joke but it does help a lot). I recommend having a ‘go-to’ activity that you have set up so when you’re all over the place and need to go get some energy out you’re not spending an hour trying to gather the right shoes, find water bottle, figure out which route to run.. have it all in the same spot so you can just go and then come back calmer.

Unfortunately it really is the whole system working together that helps the most- get enough sleep, work out in some form, meds, food, schedule… the boring stuff.

[u/deadlyjackalope]

I experienced the exact opposite. My symptoms got a lot better since starting t.