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The Model Health Show · October 5, 2026 · 1h 1m

Why ADHD Looks Different in Women and How Your Period and Menopause Affect Symptoms - With Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten explains why ADHD often manifests differently in women, with symptoms like inattention, emotional sensitivity, and internal restlessness rather than outward hyperactivity. She details how estrogen and progesterone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, postpartum, and perimenopause can intensify ADHD symptoms and contribute to underdiagnosis. The conversation covers the connection between ADHD and conditions like PCOS and PMDD, the misnomer of the ADHD label, and how untreated ADHD can reduce life expectancy. Brighten also discusses nutritional strategies, sleep hygiene, and supplements to support focus, offering a roadmap for women to align their daily routines with their neurobiology.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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ADHD presentation in women often differs from the classic male stereotype00:08:32
ADHD in women frequently appears as inattention, emotional sensitivity, and internal restlessness rather than outward hyperactivity, leading to frequent underdiagnosis.
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Hormonal fluctuations directly modulate ADHD symptoms00:09:55
Estrogen and progesterone changes across the menstrual cycle affect dopamine and norepinephrine activity, altering ADHD symptom severity.

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