Adderall side effects in women are similar in many categories to side effects in men. However, there are certain side effects that are exclusive to women, and some of them can be pretty significant.
Regardless of male or female, nervous-system stimulant drugs like Adderall have short and long-term consequences on the mind and body.
Women who take Adderall run the risk of several adverse effects and should be aware of the presence of these risks.
Estrogen is a huge factor when it comes to the efficacy of Adderall used by women. During times when estrogen levels are elevated, these effects may be even more significant. Effects may also be more intense during puberty, menopause, ovulation, or pregnancy.
When taking Adderall during these times, a large percentage of women have reported feelings of intoxication. Because of the euphoric feelings of the high, this can also increase a woman’s odds of addiction and physical dependence.
Besides this increased risk of addiction, what are some other side effects of Adderall in females?
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Side Effects of Adderall In Females
It’s true that additional, more unique side effects exist in women and are more common. However, women will still experience some of the more serious short-term effects. The following list includes many of these potential symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Elevated levels of anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in bowel movement
- Changes in pregnancy
- Increased body temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased sex drive
- Rapid weight loss
It’s important that pregnant women make every effort to discontinue Adderall during pregnancy. Research, although limited, has indicated that amphetamines during pregnancy can be detrimental to the unborn child.
Risks include premature birth, physical harm or disabilities, low birth weight, and possible withdrawal symptoms after birth. There is also a much higher chance of infant mortality if the use of amphetamines is present.
Extended periods of Adderall use can also pose dangerous challenges in the future. Negative symptoms of Adderall in females over a long-term period include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Issues with blood vessels
- Kidney disease
- Damage to internal organs
- Death in people with heart issues
- Issues in parts of the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure
- Risk of heart attack
- Unhealthy weight loss
- Changes in brain structure
- Significant emotional challenges
- Injury to the vascular system
- Heart muscle damage
- Lung damage
- Heart disease
Negative drug interactions with other medications may also take place. If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heart rate you should never take Adderall.
There can also be consequences when it comes to female libido. Adderall side effects in women sexually include the following:
Adderall Side Effects In Women Sexually
Relieving impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and depression sound positive; these effects may also lead to a lower sex drive in women. Additionally, women may find it increasingly difficult to achieve orgasm and possible natural lubrication challenges.
Alternatively, some women experience an increase in libido while on Adderall. The sexual side effects women experience while taking Adderall heavily depend on their bodies.
Some women will take higher doses of Adderall to experience higher levels of sexual desire. However, there are much healthier ways to achieve this without taking additional medication.
If a woman wants to promote a healthier libido, she must first find out. Seeking advice from a sex therapist provide benefits as well.
Adderall Side Effects In Females’ Periods
Recent studies have proven that Adderall has different effects during different menstrual cycle stages. The follicular phase of a woman’s cycle is the very beginning. It starts on day one and lasts for about two weeks. It ends when ovulation occurs.
The luteal phase is the next sequence, lasting until the end of the cycle. Scientists found that the effects of Adderall are more intense during the follicular phase. During this phase of studies, women felt euphoric and felt a “high” from the drug.
Women actually had stronger challenges with addiction during this stage of the menstrual cycle. It seems that estrogen is at the center of these effects, given that the concentration of this chemical is higher in the blood during the follicular phase.
Estrogen produces higher releases of dopamine in the brain, which is the primary form of action of stimulant-based prescriptions. This means that estrogen increases the intensity of amphetamines.
Amphetamines could also affect the actual length of the female’s period. Amphetamines increase the intensity of dopamine releases. Dopamine also increases the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which intensifies the release of chemicals that moderate the menstrual cycle. These two chemicals are known as Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FHS) from hypophysis.
In simpler terms, since amphetamines and the menstrual cycle increase the release of dopamine, this could be the cause of menstrual disorders while prescribed Adderall.
Does Adderall Affect Your Period?
After reviewing all of the studies and research cases regarding Adderall and the female menstrual cycle, it’s easy to deduce that Adderall does affect a woman’s period. In fact, it works both ways.
Adderall use may affect a woman’s period and cause more physical side effects regarding menstruation.
Additionally, the effects of a woman’s period in regard to estrogen cause more intensity during Adderall dosing.
In turn, this causes a higher chance for addiction challenges in women who take Adderall.
Can Adderall Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
Adderall causes issues with a woman’s hormone balances in several stages of life. These imbalances may cause complications for teenage girls that take Adderall.
Additionally, it’s well-known that Adderall plays a significant role in estrogen production. Initially, it seemed like a positive interaction. Estrogen is known to promote better memory function and cognitive elements.
Does Adderall Increase Estrogen Levels?
Adderall does increase estrogen levels in women. While estrogen increases verbal memory and has a profound effect on a woman’s mood and mental condition, this could have a negative effect overall.
When women take Adderall for a good portion of their lives, the body gets used to the increased dopamine releases caused by the combination of amphetamine AND estrogen.
Once women reach the age of menopause, this causes significant complications because they are unable to produce even baseline levels of dopamine, let alone above-average levels required to combat the side effects of menopause.
The lack of dopamine levels during menopause can cause mental health issues, reduce energy levels, and potentially lead to bipolar disorder.
Natural Alternatives to Adderall
Because of the negative side effects that Adderall and other prescription stimulants produce in women, it’s not a bad idea to look for a suitable, more natural alternative. There are several over-the-counter alternatives to Adderall that may benefit women that don’t produce hazardous side effects.
Each of the following substances produces some of the favorable effects of Adderall:
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC increases acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that assists with the attention and learning process. It’s also been known to have positive effects on focus and concentration.
Gingko Biloba
This herb is one of the most heavily used in the supplement industry for its brain benefits. Ginkgo actually protects the balance of several neurotransmitters in the brain. It also helps to keep healthy levels of acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin levels, and norepinephrine. Overall, this product helps promote attention span and eliminate impulsive behaviors.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is a non-essential amino acid that has several benefits similar to Adderall. It’s also known to help with anxiety because of its ability to increase GABA and glycine. These two neurotransmitters reduce certain activity in the brain and promote a relaxed and calm feeling.
If you’re looking for a more robust option for relief from the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there’s another product that’s considered the most effective Adderall alternative on the market.
This natural alternative to Adderall contains only five simple ingredients but provides all of the same benefits as the prescription drug without the nasty side effects.
Vyvamind
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If you haven’t been introduced to Vyvamind but are looking for a natural alternative to Adderall, you should seriously consider adding this supplement to your list.
Vyvamind contains a powerful blend of five ingredients that are heavily researched and backed by clinical studies that prove its effectiveness in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
This nootropic is one of the most efficient brain supplements on the market so far. This natural alternative to Adderall is otherwise known as the Natural Vyvanse and provides intense focus and excellent memory retention.
The value of this supplement is incredible, and it commands the most results. Vyvamind provides benefits in the following areas:
- Memory
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Brain function
- Decreases jitters
- Mental energy
The five powerful ingredients include L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Vitamins B6 and B12, and a pinch of caffeine. Vyvamind provides the following benefits for users:
- Most supplements and stimulant medications for ADHD cause jitters because of the stimulant properties. Vyvamind actually reduces stress instead of increasing it, and may actually reduce blood pressure.
- It eliminates the chances of physical and mental crashes long after the caffeine has stopped working.
- It’s safe for long-term use without the common side effects of the prescription medication Adderall such as abdominal pain, chest pain, heart palpitations, or a chance of developing a heart condition.
- With a stronger mind and body, you’ll experience benefits while exercising or during mentally demanding activities.
- No emotional side effects or potential to develop a mental health disorder.
This is hands down, the best natural alternative to Adderall on the market. If you’re looking for a supplement with a simple formula that doesn’t increase blood pressure or cause addiction – put Vyvamind on your list, and you can most likely take Adderall off.
Hi, I’m Pablo Garduno. I am a biohacking enthusiast, and Head Writer of SanDiegoHealth.org. I write the majority of the content on this site, and appreciate you taking the time to read my work.