ADHD Women and Lost Girl Syndrome

Turning 50 has a way of pulling everything into focus, and for me, that meant finally understanding the winding, often misunderstood journey so many ADHD women walk. In this episode, we explore “Lost Girl Syndrome,” a term that describes how ADHD in girls and women is so often missed, masked, and misunderstood. From the report cards that said “she’s bright, but…” to the emotional toll of constantly trying to keep it together, we unpack why so many of us didn’t get diagnosed until adulthood, and what happens once we finally do. I reflect on my own late diagnosis, the hormonal shifts that brought everything to the surface, and insights from our past conversation with Robin Keith on how estrogen and dopamine are deeply connected. Plus, I share how I’m learning to slow down without losing momentum. This episode is a companion to our earlier conversation on identity (Episode 29) and a reminder that the detours weren’t delays, they were the trail all along.