07/23/2025
I see this so often in my practice with women in midlife! Dr. Haver's book, "The New Menopause" is a must-read for women in and approaching perimenopause. Highly recommend!
In my clinical practice, I’ve lost count of the number of midlife women who come to me saying, “I don’t feel like myself.”They’re struggling with disorganization, forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, poor sleep, and the crushing weight of overwhelm. Often, they’re misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. But there’s something else we’re finally starting to name: ADHD—unmasked by menopause.
New research confirms what many of us have seen for years: estrogen plays a critical role in dopamine regulation, the very neurotransmitter that drives attention, motivation, and executive function. When estrogen begins to decline in perimenopause, the brain’s ability to manage focus, mood, and memory suffers—especially in women with underlying or undiagnosed ADHD.
In a 2022 survey by ADDitude, 70% of women with ADHD said their symptoms became “life-altering” during perimenopause, with working memory, time management, and emotional regulation hitting new lows. And yet, most of these women were never screened, never diagnosed, and never offered tailored treatment. They were told to meditate, journal, or just ride it out.
We must stop pretending that cognitive decline in menopause is just “normal aging.” It’s not. It’s a combination of neurotransmitter disruption and hormone withdrawal. And for neurodivergent women, it can be devastating.
I’ve seen HRT change lives. I’ve seen ADHD medications give women back their clarity. But we’re only scratching the surface. We need more research, more awareness, and more compassionate, hormone-informed care.
🧠 Midlife doesn’t have to mean losing your edge.
⚡It might just mean finally getting the diagnosis—and support—you’ve always deserved.
📚 Kooij JJ et al. Front Psychol. 2024
📚 ADDitude Magazine Survey, 2022
