Ever feel like your executive function completely packed its bags and left? If you are an AUDHD adult riding the hormonal rollercoaster, you are not losing your mind. Your hormones are just messing with your brain chemistry.
This week, we are diving into the chaotic intersection of ADHD, AuDHD, and perimenopause. Spoiler alert: this is not a dry medical lecture. We are talking real, lived-experience chatter about what actually happens when estrogen drops and ADHD traits dial up to eleven. From sensory overloads and catastrophic brain fog, to why your usual coping strategies suddenly stop working, we are breaking down the unfiltered reality of mid-life hormonal shifts. We also look at how this impacts the parenting journey, why women are fighting for testosterone access, the reality of manopause, the hidden pink tax on female hormones, the anxiety ADHD autism pipeline, why perimenopause absolutely counts as an acquired form of neurodivergence, and why you do not need an official diagnosis to start advocating for your health.
We can guarantee you’ve never heard ANYONE talking about estrogen and dopamine like this! What did she say?? Dopamine does what??
Whether you are officially diagnosed, self-identified, or just trying to figure out why everything feels ten times harder lately, pull up a chair. Let's figure out what the hell is happening together.
Timestamps
00:00 Catch ups, spring cleaning, and life updates
03:00 Late diagnosed neurodivergence and the hormonal storm
04:24 Keeping it real: Our official non-medical disclaimer
05:44 Overwhelm, frantic schedules, and a car crash update
13:37 Pushing through severe vertigo, double vision, and the 2011 Brixton riots
18:50 The core science: Estrogen, dopamine, and diagnosis peak at age thirty-seven
22:50 The layperson guide to brain chemistry: Dopaminergic neurons, inhibitors, and estrogen lube
28:40 Survival strategies, the DSM-5, and adult diagnosis history
33:04 Testosterone and the pink tax
36:15 The big debate: Is perimenopause a temporary or acquired form of neurodivergence?
40:06 Hormone testing, MHT, and clinical myths
47:13 Pregnancy and the anxiety, ADHD, autism connection
49:42 How to talk to your doctor and medical gaslighting
59:30 Final side quest: MySpace, old emo pages
1:05:55 See you next time!
Connect With Us
Email: fthemfish@gmail.com
Find us on YouTube and Instagram at AuDHD for Grownups: F Them Fish
Callie's Website: https://executivefunctioning.com.au/
LinkedIn: Callie: www.linkedin.com/in/callie-elward-barrett-263068142 Jayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-gurton-/
References
Medical Disclaimer
We are not doctors, medical professionals, or scientists. We are just two AuDHD grown-ups sharing our experiences, research, and frustrations. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) updates shared here are purely for conversational purposes. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
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