『Episode 15 - The hormone stuff IS the ADHD stuff』のカバーアート

Episode 15 - The hormone stuff IS the ADHD stuff

Episode 15 - The hormone stuff IS the ADHD stuff

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Is It PMS… or Is Something Else Going On? Have you ever felt like you become a completely different person for one or two weeks every month? Maybe you're more emotional, more reactive, more overwhelmed, less productive, or struggling with rage, anxiety or depression that seems to disappear almost as quickly as it arrives. In this episode, Alisha and Rhiannon dive into the growing body of research exploring the connection between ADHD, hormones, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), perimenopause and emotional wellbeing. The conversation begins with a raw and honest discussion about parenting through illness, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion before exploring why many neurodivergent women may be experiencing hormone-related challenges that have been dismissed, misunderstood or misdiagnosed for years. The episode also unpacks a recent study involving more than 600 women that found significantly higher rates of menstrual irregularities, severe PMS symptoms, postpartum depression and menopausal symptoms among women with ADHD. Most importantly, it's a conversation about understanding yourself better, advocating for your health, and recognising that suffering through hormonal symptoms isn't something you simply have to accept. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • Parenting through overwhelm, sickness and emotional exhaustion • The importance of self-awareness and self-compassion • What PMDD actually is (and how it's different from PMS) • Why ADHD and hormones are not separate conversations • The luteal phase and how it can impact mood, energy and executive functioning • Why ADHD medication can feel less effective at certain times of the month • Tracking your cycle, moods and energy levels • Perimenopause and hormonal changes in women over 35 • The latest research linking ADHD and hormonal health • Different treatment options that women are exploring • Learning to work with your body instead of against it • Why "normal" doesn't always mean healthy 🧠 What Is PMDD? PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a recognised clinical diagnosis that goes far beyond typical PMS. While PMS may involve symptoms such as bloating, sore breasts and irritability, PMDD is characterised by much more severe emotional and psychological symptoms. These can include: Intense mood swingsSevere anxietyDepressionRageFeelings of hopelessnessSuicidal ideationSignificant impacts on daily functioning A key feature is that symptoms typically occur during the luteal phase (the one to two weeks before a period) and often improve rapidly once menstruation begins. 📊 The Research We Discuss A recent study published in Archives of Women's Mental Health examined over 600 women, including 377 women with ADHD and 225 women without ADHD. The average participant age was 39 years. Researchers found that women with ADHD experienced: More menstrual irregularitiesMore severe PMS symptomsHigher rates of postpartum depressionIncreased pregnancy complicationsMore severe menopausal symptomsGreater hormonal challenges across every stage measured The findings support what many neurodivergent women have reported anecdotally for years: hormones can significantly influence ADHD symptoms and overall wellbeing. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Hormones and ADHD Are Deeply Connected Many women notice changes in focus, motivation, emotional regulation and executive functioning throughout their cycle. These changes are not "all in your head." 2. Tracking Matters You don't need to obsessively monitor every symptom, but paying attention to patterns can provide valuable insights into your moods, productivity, resilience and emotional wellbeing. 3. Your Experience Is Valid Information If you repeatedly notice severe mood changes, overwhelming emotions or significant fluctuations in functioning, those experiences are worth investigating. 4. There Are Treatment Options Different women respond differently to various approaches, including medication adjustments, hormonal treatments, antidepressants, lifestyle strategies and cycle-aware planning. 5. You Don't Need to Suffer in Silence Just because something is common doesn't mean it's normal or something you should simply endure. ❤️ A Conversation About Self-Compassion One of the most powerful themes throughout this episode is the reminder that understanding ourselves allows us to be kinder to ourselves. Whether it's recognising when you're overstimulated, identifying hormonal patterns, understanding your ADHD, or simply acknowledging that you're exhausted, awareness creates opportunities to make different choices. Sometimes the goal isn't perfection. Sometimes the goal is recognising what you need before you reach breaking point. 👩‍👧 Parenting, Emotional Regulation & Real Life The episode opens with a candid discussion about parenting through a difficult weekend, highlighting something many parents experience: Sometimes both parent and child are struggling at the same time. Alisha ...
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