659. ADHD, Neurodivergence and Your Hormones

ADHD… it’s not just a buzzword and I would know. 

Growing up as a neurodiverse child meant constantly feeling like I wasn’t measuring up, especially in traditional school environments. My family, particularly my older sister, was full of "smart" people, and I felt like the odd one out. I wasn’t bad at school, but it wasn’t until I was 16 that I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. Before that, I was missing questions on assignments simply because I couldn’t visually process them the same way others did.

One critical aspect of ADHD that often goes unnoticed is how hormones impact brain function. As women, our bodies are constantly cycling through hormonal changes—whether it’s the monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause—and each phase can significantly affect our focus, mental clarity, and emotional health. 

For example, I noticed that during certain phases of my cycle, I would experience brain fog or decreased focus. My ability to stay on task would shift, and I had to be even more intentional about managing my diet, stress, and self-care.

My biggest breakthrough came when I went gluten-free at 23. I didn’t realize how much my diet was affecting my brain function until I made the switch. Suddenly, I felt clearer, more focused, and less scattered. It was a game-changer. From there, I became more intentional about supporting my brain health through nutrition and stress management.

If you feel like your brain is overwhelmed, start by changing your schedule. Sleep and stress management should be priorities. Shift your life so you’re not racing through every moment. It’s okay to say, “In two months, I’m going to give myself more space.” The world will keep turning without you constantly pushing it.

When it comes to diet, eliminating processed food, artificial ingredients, and especially gluten can make a world of difference. Gluten is strongly linked to brain inflammation, which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Instead of focusing on superfoods like blueberries, start with removing inflammatory foods first.

Finally, hormones play a significant role in how your brain functions. As women, our focus and energy levels can vary throughout our cycles. If you have a big project during your luteal phase (week 4), plan accordingly. Give yourself more space before and after intense tasks. 

ADHD doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you; it means you need different tools.

And remember, understanding yourself is a superpower.

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