ADHD overwhelm and shutdown phases intensify during perimenopause, leaving midlife women feeling mentally paralyzed, emotionally volatile, and physically fatigued—a cycle that’s not just common, but increasingly recognized by medical experts.

Why Does ADHD Feel So Hard in Perimenopause?

As hormones shift, dopamine and executive function decline. Memory lapses, distractibility, and disorganization blend with mood swings; stress loads peak, affecting work, relationships, and everyday wellness.

Core Symptoms to Watch For

• Cognitive fog and forgetfulness

• Emotional overwhelm, withdrawal, or feeling “shut down”

• Fatigue and motivation loss

• Heightened disorganization, losing track of tasks

Key Triggers and Root Causes

• Hormonal fluctuations reducing dopamine

• Life stress (work, caregiving, health changes)

• Sleep issues, insomnia, and anxiety

• Usual coping skills collapsing under pressure

How to Reclaim Clarity Using The Radiant Five Pillars

The Radiant Five (Sleep, Sunshine, Hydration, Nutrition, Movement) is the science-backed framework for thriving through neurodiverse midlife transitions.

• Sleep: Design a calming routine—wind down, try magnesium, honor recovery.

• Sunshine: Step outside for ten minutes daily; reset energy and mood naturally.

• Hydration: Drink water intentionally—reduce headaches, brain fog, and fatigue.

• Nutrition: Prioritize omega-3s, leafy greens, and magnesium-rich meals for brain health.

• Movement: Match activity to your energy—choose restorative yoga, gentle walks, or dance breaks.

Start Your Radiant Rewrite

Ready for true clarity and calm? Download your free Radiant Five Guide, the first in the groundbreaking Midlife Rewrite E-Magazine Series and join the Midlife Rewrite movement—your first step to thriving, not just surviving, every cycle and season.

Sources/Citations

• Brain fog or ADHD? How perimenopause can make symptoms worse — Evernow

• ADD and Menopause: How Hormones Exacerbate Your ADHD — ADDitude

• Menopause Symptoms Exacerbate ADHD in Women — ADDitude

• Perimenopause and ADHD — Wellfemme

• How Does Menopause Affect ADHD? — WebMD

• Navigating ADHD During Perimenopause and Menopause — Autism ADHD Centre