The Dr. Brighten Show Top AuDHD Expert: Shocking Risks of Undiagnosed Female ADHD & Autism | Dr. Samantha Hiew
Sep 25, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Samantha Hiew, a keynote speaker and founder of ADHD Girls, delves into the often-ignored nuances of female ADHD and autism. She reveals why women frequently slip through diagnostic cracks and how hormonal factors play a critical role in symptom management. The conversation touches on the challenges of ADHD medication and the impact of hormonal shifts on neurodivergent women. Dr. Hiew also shares strategies for emotional regulation during perimenopause and the importance of reclaiming authenticity after social camouflaging.
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ADHD Is A Whole-Body Condition
- ADHD is a whole-body system difference, not just attention or executive dysfunction.
- Genetic variants affect multiple tissues and shape sensitivity across brain, hormones, and immune systems.
Stimulants Can Fuel A Dysregulated System
- Stimulant medication raises catecholamines and can worsen dysregulation in people with co-occurring conditions.
- If nervous system regulation is needed, stimulants may help short-term but can later cause overheating and side effects.
COMT Links Dopamine And Estrogen Clearance
- The COMT variant both slows catecholamine clearance and estrogen metabolism in many ADHD people.
- That genetic profile explains prolonged stress hormone spikes and hormonal sensitivity across the cycle.
