Nadine Araksi, journalist and coach, joins Dr. Fiona Lovely to discuss women and ADHD, exploring symptomatology, challenges, reframing mindset, and the importance of self-care and support during menopause. They also touch on the connection between estrogen fluctuations and ADHD symptoms in women, the benefits of coaching for individuals with ADHD, and the influence of gendered expectations on self-acceptance.
ADHD symptoms in women differ at midlife and can be influenced by factors such as hyperactivity in girls with neurodiversity and trauma response.
Estrogen fluctuations during different stages of a woman's life, including perimenopause, can worsen ADHD symptoms and impact cognitive functions, mood regulation, and memory.
Coaching is a valuable support system for women with ADHD, offering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and tools to navigate challenges, make choices, and build a supportive community.
Deep dives
ADHD and Neurodiversity in Women
This podcast episode delves into the topic of ADHD and neurodiversity in women. The conversation highlights how ADHD symptoms differ in women, especially at midlife, and explores the role of hyperactivity in girls with neurodiversity. The podcast also explores the connection between ADHD and trauma response, emphasizing the overlap between ADHD behaviors and habits developed as a result of trauma. Additionally, the podcast discusses the impact of the pandemic, perfectionism, and perimenopause on neurodiversity, shedding light on how these factors can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and coaching as valuable tools for managing ADHD in women.
The Influence of Estrogen on ADHD Symptoms
This podcast episode examines the influence of estrogen on ADHD symptoms in women. It discusses how estrogen fluctuations affect ADHD symptoms during different stages of a woman's life, such as puberty, reproductive years, and menopause. The conversation highlights how women with ADHD tend to experience worsened symptoms during PMS and PMDD due to estrogen declines. It further explores the impact of lowered estrogen levels during perimenopause, discussing the potential intensification of ADHD symptoms and the challenges it poses in cognitive functions, mood regulation, and memory. The episode underscores the importance of hormonal optimization, medication, and lifestyle modifications as potential strategies for managing ADHD symptoms related to estrogen fluctuations.
The Power of Coaching for ADHD Women
This podcast episode emphasizes the power of coaching for women with ADHD. It discusses how coaching provides valuable support in terms of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and creating positive change. The conversation emphasizes the need for incremental changes and sets realistic expectations to avoid overwhelming oneself with multiple goals. It also highlights the role of coaching in helping women envision their future selves, make choices, and build a supportive community. The episode encourages women to prioritize self-care, reframe their beliefs around productivity and perfectionism, and recognize the power of choice in shaping their outcomes. Coaching is presented as a valuable resource to help ADHD women navigate challenges, develop strategies, and uncover their personal power.
Managing ADHD and Perimenopause
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the importance of managing ADHD symptoms and perimenopause-related challenges. The speaker emphasizes the need for individuals with ADHD to find strategies to make their daily lives easier and more manageable. This can involve seeking support, reaching out to others for assistance, and recognizing that they are not alone in their experiences. Additionally, the speaker highlights the significance of addressing the emotional and cognitive impact of perimenopause, emphasizing the brain-based nature of the symptoms. They discuss the need for personalized approaches, such as therapy, coaching, and medication, to effectively manage ADHD symptoms and navigate the challenges of perimenopause.
Self-Care, Pleasure, and Mindfulness
Another key point covered in the podcast is the importance of self-care, pleasure, and mindfulness in managing ADHD and perimenopause. The speaker suggests engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure, as these can act as acts of resistance and positively impact mental well-being. They encourage individuals to prioritize their own needs and identify activities that light them up. Engaging in physical activities, such as walking or dancing, can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and quiet their busy minds. Mindfulness practices, such as guided meditation or simply being present in daily activities, can also help individuals observe their thoughts and redirect their focus. Overall, the speaker recommends incorporating deliberate pursuits of pleasure and joy into daily routines as a means of self-care and community care.
Dr. Fiona Lovely is a health and wellness expert with specialties in restorative endocrinology, functional neurology and functional medicine. Speaking to the topics of women's health around peri-menopause and menopause. Today, Dr. Lovely is having a chat with journalist and coach, Nadine Araksi. We are talking on the subject of ADHD for women and the experience of brain health for women at midlife. This chat is packed full of useful info for women, many of us question where our brain health is going at perimenopause! Please listen, learn and share.
You can find out more about Nadine her website: nadinearaksi.com
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