Have you ever felt like your brain is running on 25 tabs at once, but none of them are loading? You walk into a room, forget why, and spend the next 10 minutes doing something else entirely. Maybe you’re struggling to stay focused, manage emotions, or even finish simple tasks—and you’re not sure if it’s hormones, burnout, or something deeper.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many women entering perimenopause or menopause, these cognitive and emotional shifts might be more than just hormonal fog. They could be linked to undiagnosed ADHD and its close companion—dopamine dysregulation.
ADHD in Women: The Hidden Story
ADHD has long been mischaracterised as a childhood disorder affecting mainly hyperactive boys. But we now know that many girls—and women—go undiagnosed because their symptoms present differently. Instead of hyperactivity, they may show up as chronic daydreaming, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, or disorganisation. These traits are often mislabelled as “quirky,” “moody,” or “anxious,” rather than being recognised as signs of a brain that processes dopamine differently.
By adulthood, most women have developed sophisticated coping mechanisms. They juggle families, careers, and social obligations, often masking the mental chaos beneath. But when perimenopause hits and oestrogen levels begin to drop, those coping skills often crumble—bringing ADHD symptoms to the forefront.
Why Oestrogen Matters
Oestrogen enhances the activity of dopamine—a key neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, memory, focus, and mood regulation. As oestrogen naturally declines during perimenopause and menopause, so does dopamine function. For women with underlying ADHD traits (even if undiagnosed), this hormonal shift can feel like a cognitive crisis.
You might experience:
- Brain fog
- Emotional reactivity
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Low motivation and energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety or irritability
This is often the turning point when women seek support, recognising that something deeper than “just hormones” is happening.
ADHD in Midlife: What It Really Looks Like
Women with ADHD don’t always appear scattered or impulsive. More commonly, they describe:
- A racing mind that won’t switch off
- Difficulty prioritising or finishing tasks
- Perfectionism, procrastination, and self-criticism
- Sensory overload or sensitivity to rejection
- Poor sleep and nighttime overthinking
- Feeling overwhelmed despite external success
These are not personality flaws—they’re neurological patterns driven by differences in dopamine function.
The Body-Brain Connection
ADHD isn’t just about attention. It’s a whole-body condition involving stress regulation, gut health, nutrient absorption, detoxification, and inflammation.
Many women with ADHD traits also experience:
- IBS, bloating, or food intolerances
- Histamine sensitivity and poor DAO enzyme function
- Chronic fatigue or mitochondrial dysfunction
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, zinc, B12, omega-3s, vitamin D)
- Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
- Heightened reactions to chemicals, fragrances, and EMFs
This is why a holistic approach—one that looks beyond the brain—is essential for long-term wellbeing.
Gut-Brain Axis: Your Second Brain
Your gut plays a major role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. If you have digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, or loose stools—your mood, cognition, and focus can suffer too.
Supporting the gut microbiome, improving digestion, and addressing dysbiosis can be a game-changer for managing ADHD symptoms and restoring emotional balance.
Is It in Your Genes?
Genetic variations like MTHFR, COMT, and MAOA affect how your body makes, uses, and clears neurotransmitters and hormones. They also influence how you detoxify estrogen, manage stress, and absorb nutrients.
DNA testing can uncover these patterns, allowing for personalised support through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation.
Medication Is One Piece of the Puzzle
Stimulant medications like Ritalin or Vyvanse can be helpful for some—but they’re not the only option, and they don’t work for everyone. They can also come with side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss, and increased oxidative stress.
Whether or not you choose medication, a holistic plan can make a world of difference.
Natural Support Strategies for Dopamine and Focus
Naturopathic tools to support dopamine and ADHD traits include:
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and gotu kola to support stress resilience
- Cognitive herbs like ginkgo and galangal to sharpen focus
- Nutrient therapy with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s
- Gut healing with glutamine, aloe vera, and probiotics
- Lifestyle changes: prioritising sleep, reducing sugar, and eating balanced whole foods
- Mitochondrial support to improve energy and mood
We also look at reducing inflammatory triggers—like histamine load, food sensitivities, and environmental toxins—which can worsen symptoms.
You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired Differently
If you’ve spent your life feeling “too sensitive,” “too disorganised,” or just different, ADHD might be part of your story. The good news? It’s not a life sentence—it’s a clue. A roadmap. And understanding it can be empowering, not limiting.
At this stage of life, you don’t have to push through exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. With the right support, you can restore clarity, energy, and confidence—on your terms.
Ready to take the next step?
As part of ATMS Natural Medicine Week, I’m offering 10% of initial naturopathy personalised consultations to explore how ADHD traits, hormonal shifts, and dopamine imbalances may be affecting your health. We’ll also look at options like DNA testing, microbiome mapping, and targeted nutritional strategies to support your beautifully unique brain.
✨ Let’s decode your dopamine—and help you thrive in your next chapter.
📩 Book online to schedule your free discovery call to find out more.
