Perimenopause Has Entered the Building…and Now Undiagnosed ADHD Is Kicking Your Butt
There you were, minding your own business - juggling life, family, work, maybe even thriving (or at least functioning) - and then, perimenopause waltzed in uninvited like an overly dramatic house-guest.
Suddenly, you're forgetting where you parked the car (again), walking into rooms with zero recollection of why, and feeling emotionally unhinged because someone used your favourite tea mug.
But here’s the plot twist nobody warned you about: it’s not just hormones - or maybe it is, but they’ve brought along their troublemaker friend: undiagnosed ADHD.
Wait, ADHD? At My Age?
Yep. ADHD isn’t just for fidgety school kids. In fact, many women sail through life undiagnosed, having mastered the fine art of masking, people-pleasing, and chronic overthinking. You've probably always been the “busy brain” type - always moving, always planning, always feeling one step behind and one cup of tea short of calm.
Then perimenopause hits, and your ability to juggle it all falls apart in the most dramatic fashion. Because guess what? Oestrogen - your brain’s trusty sidekick - is declining, and it’s taking dopamine and serotonin along for the ride.
Suddenly, You’re…
Forgetting appointments (even the ones you wrote down… somewhere?)
Emotionally raw one minute, raging the next
Losing hours doom-scrolling while your to-do list multiplies
Crying over misplaced keys… again
Feeling like you’ve completely lost control of your brain
You’re not losing it. You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re quite possibly a woman with ADHD navigating perimenopause.
So What’s Actually Happening?
Here’s the nutshell version:
ADHD brains thrive on dopamine.
Oestrogen helps boost dopamine.
Perimenopause = less oestrogen, which means even less dopamine for your already-dopamine-deficient brain.
Add in progesterone chaos, poor sleep, and a lifetime of over-stimulation, and it’s no wonder you’re suddenly overwhelmed by laundry, life admin, and the sound of people breathing too loudly.
The Call to Action (Because You Can’t Live Like This Forever…)
Get curious: If this all sounds a little too familiar, it might be time to explore whether ADHD is part of your picture. Getting clarity can be life-changing. Send me a DM!
Support your hormones: Natural remedies, diet, lifestyle, and herbs can soften the perimenopause storm - and calm your nervous system too.
Feed your brain: Omega-3s, magnesium, protein, and a solid breakfast go a long way toward better brain function. (Yes, breakfast. Coffee alone doesn’t count.)
Build your support crew: Whether it’s a naturopath (me 😉), a counsellor, a psychologist, a wise friend, or all of the above - you don’t have to figure this out alone. I can guide you and support you through the journey.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause is real, ADHD is real, and you are not alone in this wild midlife mash-up.
The good news? With the right tools, support, and a bit of humour, you can ride this wave and come out stronger, wiser, and a little less unhinged (maybe 😉)!
Now - where did you put your tea mug?
Want more support? I help women unravel the hormone-brain connection naturally—because you deserve clarity, calm, and to feel like yourself again. Reach out for a chat or check out my resources on ADHD and perimenopause support.
Send me a message or using the booking link below to secure an online consultation:
I’m a Bachelor Degree qualified Naturopath with a Diploma in Health Science (Midwifery), and a proud member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA). As a homeschooling mum, grandparent, and someone who walks by faith, I have a deep passion for supporting families through all stages of life.
My special interests include brain and nervous system health, reproductive health, immune support, gut and digestive complaints, metabolic health, mood challenges, fatigue, and sleep issues. I offer online naturopathic consultations Australia-wide.
Disclaimer: The information I share on this website is for educational and research purposes only. It’s not medical advice and doesn’t take into account your unique health history or needs. Please seek individualised professional advice before making any changes to your health care.
