⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains a brief discussion of suicidal ideation at 17mins.
🚛 You survived pregnancy. You survived newborn chaos. You survived years of exhaustion.
Then perimenopause hit — and it felt like your ADHD exploded overnight.
If perimenopause has made your ADHD feel impossible — you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not the only one.
In this raw and relatable episode, Jane sits down with Dr. Sunita Chelva (Hero Menopause & Women’s Health) to unpack what happens when fluctuating hormones collide with ADHD brains. From brain fog and rage to misdiagnosis and burnout, this conversation shines a light on what women are really experiencing — and why it’s not “just Mum life.”
What We Cover in This Episode
- How estrogen and progesterone shifts in perimenopause impact dopamine and ADHD symptoms
- Why burnout, brain fog, rage, and emotional reactivity spike in the late 30s–50s
- The overlap between ADHD and PMDD — and why up to 70% of ADHD women are affected
- Why women are often offered antidepressants instead of hormone support
- How masking, multitasking, and guilt fuel emotional depletion
- Red flags when seeking help — and why you may need second or third opinions
- Practical steps: symptom tracking, seeking hormone-aware providers, and building support
This Episode Is For You If
- You feel like your ADHD has worsened in perimenopause
- You’ve experienced brain fog, rage, exhaustion, or guilt that doesn’t feel like “just Mum life”
- You’ve been told to try antidepressants but suspect hormones are playing a role
- You want to understand why PMDD and perimenopause hit ADHD women so hard
- You need validation, language, and next steps to advocate for yourself
References & Resources Mentioned
Related ADHD Mums Episodes
✨ Listen now: HORMONES: When Hormones Hijack the Mind — ADHD, Perimenopause & Emotional Burnout — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because hormones may hijack your brain, but they don’t get to define your life — and you deserve support that actually works.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!
FOLLOW FOR MORE:
Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube
LEAVE A REVIEW:
Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.
COLLABS:
For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.
MORE RESOURCES:
Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.
