Episode 216 - Is It Brain Fog… or ADHD?

In this episode, I’m joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Helen Wall, and we’re exploring something that so many of you have been talking about in our community — struggling with brain fog, focus, memory, total overwhelm, and that feeling of just not feeling like you can manage anymore.We often call it brain fog. But what if, for some of us, it could be something more?Today, we’re diving into ADHD in women, and how it can show up — or become more noticeable — during menopause and after, especially cancer treatment.Because the reality is, many women are only being diagnosed later in life. And for those of us navigating sudden menopause, hormonal changes, and the impact of cancer treatment, it can feel even more confusing to understand what’s really going on in our brains.This episode is here to help you make sense of it all.We also talk about:How do I know what’s what?Does lifestyle help my ADHD brain?Can you take ADHD medication after cancer?And so much more.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro06:55 Discussing menopause and mental load10:04 Navigating neurodivergence and perimenopause16:24 ADHD, oestrogen, and perimenopause link17:58 The impact of menopause on brain function22:38 Lack of education on female hormones25:43 Understanding ADHD in women and girls28:07 Challenges with post-cancer employment and support34:08 ADHD medication challenges and support39:24 ADHD and diet considerations44:45 Navigating ADHD and menopauseYou can find Helen’s book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642XAnd this is Helen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorhelenwall/Connect with us:For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerFind us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/