Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast Hormones, ADHD & the Chaos in Between with Dr. Dara Abraham
May 29, 2025
Dr. Dara Abraham, a board-certified psychiatrist and women’s mental health expert, dives into the vital connection between hormones and ADHD. She sheds light on how hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause uniquely affect ADHD symptoms and medication. Emphasizing the importance of estrogen for brain health, she discusses the often-dismissed struggles women face when seeking help. Listeners gain practical tips for managing ADHD alongside hormonal changes, including the benefits of strength training and self-advocacy.
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Postpartum Hormone Overwhelm
- Nikki Kinzer shared a postpartum experience of uncontrollable crying triggered by her baby's distress.
- This story highlights how intense hormonal effects on emotions can feel overpowering and uncontrollable.
Estrogen's Role in Female ADHD
- Estrogen helps regulate dopamine, improving ADHD attention and concentration in females.
- Monthly estrogen fluctuations cause worsening ADHD symptoms during puberty and menstrual cycles.
Advocate and Manage Hormonal ADHD
- Advocate for yourself by ensuring your healthcare provider listens to your hormone-ADHD concerns.
- Use coaching, executive skills training, and behavioral management to support ADHD when meds fluctuate.