Is it "just menopause", or has your ADHD brain reached a tipping point?

In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Sharon Worth, Menopause and ADHD Coach, plus co-author of the book Meno-Wars: Battling the Menopause with ADHD. Sharon shares her own powerful journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 49 and autism at 51, after the hormonal shifts of perimenopause made her lifelong "mask" finally slip.

For many women, the transition into midlife isn’t just about hot flushes; it can also be the stage where ADHD symptoms, which may have been managed or masked for decades, suddenly feel far more overwhelming. Sharon and Claire explore why this happens, the role hormones play, and how women can navigate this complex “tipping point” with greater clarity, understanding and far less shame.

They discuss:

🧪 The Oestrogen-Dopamine Connection: the biological link between hormones and brain chemistry, where falling oestrogen levels can disrupt dopamine regulation, making ADHD symptoms more noticeable

🎭 The Collapse of the Mask: why perimenopause often acts as a "tipping point" where the coping mechanisms women have used for years to mask their struggles, no longer work

📉 The Diagnostic Challenge: navigating a medical system that often attributes ADHD symptoms to “just the menopause”

💊 The Medication Puzzle: why ADHD medication and HRT may need re-evaluating in midlife, as symptoms change during perimenopause

🏥 Self-Advocacy at GP Appointments: practical advice for women on how to prepare for doctor’s appointments, including using tracking tools and symptom lists

🩷 Strategies for the ‘Meno Wars’: lifestyle, rest and exercise strategies to help manage midlife overwhelm, alongside adjusting expectations around productivity and capacity

✨ Finding Self-Compassion: moving from feeling like you’re “falling apart” to understanding the changes in your brain and body, while learning how acceptance and support can ease this stage of life

This conversation is a vital roadmap for any woman feeling lost in the fog of midlife. It is a reminder that you aren't "broken", it’s a reminder that you are navigating a significant neurological and hormonal shift that requires a new set of tools, greater understanding and a lot of self-kindness.

🎧 Listen to Sharon's “My ADHD Story - Battling Perimenopause" to understand why things feel harder, and how to find your way back to yourself.

Further resources and links:

• Find out more about Sharon’s work here: https://sharonworthcoaching.com/

• Read Meno-Wars: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meno-Wars-Battling-menopause-ADHD-comorbidities/dp/1919340602/

• Read The Menopause Brain https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-Brain-Empowering-Knowledge-Confidence/dp/1838957499/ 

• ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.com

• Follow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHD

The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.