In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University London. Her research investigates the developmental course of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span.

In this episode we discuss what the research states when it comes to ADHD and hormonal transitions and fluctuations, including:

• Puberty and menstruation
• PMDD
• Hormonal contraception
• Pregnancy
• Sleep
• Perimenopause and menopause

We also cover the basics:

• What is ADHD?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How does it affect women and girls differently?
• Why is there such a delay in diagnosis for girls and women?
• Medication in the menstrual cycle and pregancy

Dr Agnew-Blais current study focuses on ADHD among girls and women, and the role of times of hormonal change, including puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition, in functioning among women with ADHD..

The books Dr Jessica Agnew referenced in this episode include:

• Lotta Skoglund's books and resources (via her website)
• https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/
• https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/literature/adhd-girls-to-women/
• Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais also recommends “Understand ADHD in Girls and Women” edited by Joanne Steer.

Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais works with www.adhdlifelab.com and people can find out about getting involved with research here: https://www.adhdlifelab.com/get-involved-1

Follow Dr Agnew-Blais, her work and affiliated organisations:

@adhdlifecourselab @bluesky @adhdlifecourselab.bsky.social

Linkedin: ADHD Lifecourse Lab

In this third episode on endometriosis, we speak with Dr Karolina Afors, a Consultant Gynaecologist at University College London Hospitals, with over 17 years of experience in the NHS (the public healthcare system for England and Wales). She specialises in pelvic pain and endometriosis, including conducting surgery on patients suffering from Endo.

Dr Afors provides us with the stats, facts and practical advice when it comes to endometriosis. She has a unique perspective, as she values and includes guidance on holistic living and nutrition as part of her work with her patients, and as part of this epsiode, alongside other medical and surgical inventions.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is endometriosis (and adenomyosis)
• Why it is so painful for sufferers
• How the medical community defines / classifies endometriosis
• Innovations within the endo space she is especially excited about
• Why this is a delay is diagnosis
• Advice she has for sufferers and what questions they can ask their GP

More on Dr Karolina Afors

She is actively involved in clinical research, medical education, and surgical training. She regularlyteaches at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and holds a seniorcommittee position within the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). She alsocontributes to the Pelvic Pain Special Interest Group of the European Society for Gynaecological

Endoscopy (ESGE).Beyond her clinical practice, Dr Afors plays a leading role in women’s health innovation,working in drug development to design and deliver therapies that address significant unmetneeds. She also serves as a health educator and advisor, consulting across digital health platformsto integrate technology with personalised, holistic care, promoting accessibility and equity inhealthcare delivery.

You can find more info: https://www.karolinaafors.com/

In this episode, I speak with Raphy about her living hellth journey with Endometriosis and chronic illness.

Raphy has been diagnosed with PCOS, Endometriosis, Adenomiosis and chronic fatigue.

She’s undergone multiple surgeries, chemical menopause and two rounds of egg freezing - all before the age of 27.

She a 27-year-old part-time content creator and women’s health advocate from London. After years of living with chronic pain and feeling dismissed by doctors, she began sharing her story online, what started as a personal outlet has since grown into a supportive space where others can connect, feel seen, and swap experiences.

Her content is honest, relatable, and sometimes sprinkled with humour, because she believes that even in the chaos of chronic illness, endometriosis and more, there’s room for humour and connection.

In this episode, we chat through:

• What puberty and her first cycle were like - when did she see the first signs? What was her experience with hormonal contraception?
• Life leading up to her PCOS diagnosis, how she was able to get that diagnosis
• How she advocated for health and pushed for answers
• Her symptoms and what daily life can look like with chronic illness
• Life before and after her Endo diagnosis
• How she juggles work, friendships and dating
• Key tips and advice for Endo sufferers

Follow Raphy on her platforms, Instagram:@endounveiled and TikTok @Endounveiled where she shares helpful information, tips and her experience in an effort to give women’s health deserves more honesty, less stigma and reframe the conversation around chronic illness and reproductive health - so that no one feels isolated in their body or their experience.