If your ADHD traits feel like they’ve gotten worse - with more anxiety, brain fog, rage, and exhaustion - you might be dealing with something no one warned you about: perimenopause.

For late-diagnosed ADHD mum Haylee, hitting 40 brought a wave of unexpected struggles that left her questioning everything. Doctors dismissed her. Anxiety came out of nowhere. Her executive function took a nosedive. And the rage? Next level. It wasn’t until she became her own advocate that she found answers.

In this episode: 

• Why ADHD mums experience perimenopause more intensely
• The warning signs doctors miss (or dismiss)
• How hormone shifts impact ADHD traits like executive function & mood regulation
• Why brain fog, intrusive thoughts & anxiety can hit harder in your late 30s+
• The truth about hormone therapy & how to advocate for yourself

Why this matters: 

Perimenopause isn’t just “the lead-up to menopause” - it can massively impact your brain, emotions, and daily life, especially if you’re ADHD or autistic. Yet, most doctors aren’t trained to recognise it early. This episode arms you with the knowledge and tools to push back, get the right support, and stop feeling like you’re losing yourself.

Resources mentioned: 

ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook

ADHD Mums Facebook Group

Beyond the Likes with Amy Gerard

Australasian Menopause Society

WellFemme

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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!

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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.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD, perimenopause, ADHD mums, ADHD women, ADHD and hormones, ADHD burnout, brain fog, ADHD anxiety, ADHD rage, executive dysfunction, hormonal changes, menopause, early menopause, neurodivergent women, late-diagnosed ADHD, ADHD symptoms worsening, medical gaslighting, ADHD and estrogen, hormone replacement therapy, ADHD overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, ADHD mental health, ADHD emotional dysregulation, ADHD and aging, ADHD and mood swings, ADHD self-advocacy, ADHD misdiagnosis, ADHD and depression, ADHD and anxiety, ADHD and executive function, ADHD and self-care, ADHD support for mums, ADHD podcast, neurodivergent mums, ADHD community.

Mentioned in this episode:

ADHD Pre Diagnosis Workbook for Women and Mothers

If you’ve ever wondered whether your ADHD traits are changing - or if you’ve been questioning whether you have ADHD at all - understanding how it actually shows up for you is the first step. That’s exactly why I created the ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook, a tool designed to help women and mums navigate this journey before even stepping into a psychiatrist’s office.

ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Worbook