top of page

ADHD Symptoms in Women: The Signs That Are Often Missed, Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed

ADHD symptoms in adult women


Key takeaways

  • ADHD symptoms in women often present differently to in men

  • Women often mask or compensate for their ADHD often reaching adulthood without a diagnosis

  • The menopause transition is one of the most common life stages when women seek an ADHD assessment

  • Functional medicine offers a framework to identify imbalances that maybe amplifying ADHD symptoms




Table of contents



The Often Missed Reality of ADHD in Adult Women

For many women, ADHD is hiding in plain sight. Maybe you’ve spent years feeling overwhelmed with every day tasks. Perhaps you’ve always been described as "too emotional", "too sensitive", "disorganised", "scatterbrained" or someone who never quite reaches their potential despite trying incredibly hard.

 

You may have developed sophisticated coping strategies that allow you to appear successful on the outside while internally feeling exhausted, anxious and constantly behind.

 

Women frequently become experts at masking their difficulties.

They work harder.

Prepare more.

Double-check everything.

Stay up late to finish tasks.

Overcompensate for forgetfulness.

Hide overwhelm from others.

 

Then menopause arrives with a host of unwelcome surprises: hot flushes, disrupted sleep, mood changes and brain fog. But for an increasing number of women, another question emerges during this life stage:

 

"Why do I suddenly feel unable to cope with things that never seemed difficult before?"

 

Perhaps you're forgetting appointments, struggling to focus in meetings, losing track of conversations, feeling emotionally overwhelmed or finding it impossible to stay organised. While these challenges are often dismissed as "normal menopause symptoms," they may actually point to something else.

 

Historically considered a condition affecting hyperactive young boys, ADHD in women has been significantly under-recognised but many women are discovering that the cognitive changes they experience during menopause are linked to previously unrecognised ADHD.

 

In fact, menopause has become one of the most common life stages when women seek an assessment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For some, hormonal changes expose underlying ADHD traits that have been present since childhood. For others who already have a diagnosis, symptoms become significantly more noticeable during perimenopause and menopause.

 

 

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent differences in attention, executive functioning, impulse control and emotional regulation.

 

Despite the name, ADHD is not simply a disorder of attention.

It involves differences in:

  • Dopamine signalling

  • Executive functioning

  • Working memory

  • Emotional regulation

  • Motivation systems

  • Cognitive flexibility

 

Many adults with ADHD can focus intensely on topics they find interesting while struggling with routine tasks that feel less stimulating.

 

Although ADHD is often associated with hyperactive young boys, ADHD in women frequently presents differently. Many women experience predominantly inattentive symptoms rather than obvious hyperactivity. This means female ADHD symptoms are often overlooked, misdiagnosed or attributed to personality traits such as being "scattered," "emotional" or "disorganised."

 

Common ADHD symptoms in women include:

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Poor working memory

  • Chronic procrastination

  • Time blindness

  • Difficulty prioritising tasks

  • Losing important items

  • Emotional sensitivity

  • Mental restlessness

  • Overwhelm

  • Difficulty completing tasks

  • Forgetfulness

  • Chronic feelings of underachievement

Because these symptoms are often internalised rather than disruptive, many women remain undiagnosed until adulthood.

 

Why Do So Many Women Reach Adulthood Without an ADHD Diagnosis?

Historically, ADHD has been viewed as a predominantly male condition.

Research suggests boys are diagnosed with ADHD approximately two to four times more frequently than girls during childhood. However, this gap narrows significantly in adulthood, suggesting many girls are simply not being recognised when they are younger.

 

A systematic review by Stibbe et al. found that while boys are diagnosed far more frequently during childhood, adult prevalence appears considerably more balanced, with many women only receiving a diagnosis later in life.

 

Researchers now believe this discrepancy reflects diagnostic bias rather than true differences in prevalence. Girls and women are more likely to:

  • Present with inattentive symptoms  - instead of physical hyperactivity, the brain feels constantly stimulated and it manifests as chronic disorganisation, losing items and zoning out during conversations.

  • Mask difficulties

  • Develop compensatory coping strategies

  • Experience anxiety or depression alongside ADHD

  • Internalise emotional distress

As a result, many women spend decades wondering why life feels harder than it seems for everyone else.

 

Why Are More Women Now Receiving a Diagnosis in Adulthood?

Awareness of female ADHD presentations has increased dramatically over the past decade. Several factors contribute to rising diagnosis rates:

 

Improved understanding of female ADHD

Research increasingly shows that ADHD in women often presents differently from traditional stereotypes. Instead of obvious hyperactivity, many women experience:

  • Inattention

  • Internalised distress

  • Emotional sensitivity

 

Increased public awareness

Social media, podcasts, books and advocacy groups have helped many women recognise their experiences for the first time.


Greater recognition among healthcare professionals

Although gaps remain, awareness among clinicians is improving.

 


What Challenges Do Women Face Getting an ADHD Diagnosis?

However, despite increasing awareness, significant barriers remain to women getting an ADHD diagnosis.

 

Long waiting lists

Many women face lengthy delays accessing assessment services.

 

Diagnostic criteria based largely on male presentations

Historically, ADHD research focused predominantly on boys. As a result, female presentations have often been overlooked.

 

Masking and compensation

Many women become highly skilled at concealing difficulties. Externally they may appear successful and organised. Internally they may feel overwhelmed.

 

Misdiagnosis

Women with ADHD are frequently diagnosed with:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Borderline personality disorder

  • Eating disorders

  • Chronic stress-related conditions

 

Poor mental health due to lack of support

Years of struggling without understanding why can have profound effects on wellbeing.

 

Internalised negative beliefs

Many women develop beliefs such as:

  • "I'm lazy."

  • "I'm not trying hard enough."

  • "I'm not good enough."

  • "Everyone else seems to cope better than me."

 

These beliefs can become deeply entrenched over time.

 


ADHD Symptoms in Women: What to Look Out For

ADHD symptoms in women can be subtle and highly individual. However, common themes consistently emerge:

 

Daydreaming and zoning out

Many women describe frequently drifting into their thoughts and struggling to remain present.

 

Forgetfulness

This may include:

  • Missing appointments

  • Forgetting conversations

  • Losing important items

  • Missing deadlines

 

Low self-esteem

Repeated experiences of underperformance can gradually erode confidence.

 

Relationship difficulties

ADHD can affect communication, emotional regulation and consistency.

 

Emotional regulation challenges

Many women report experiencing emotions intensely and finding them difficult to manage.

 

Being labelled "oversensitive"

Emotional responses may be misunderstood by others.

 

Chronic stress and overwhelm

Everyday demands can feel disproportionately exhausting.

 

Feeling inadequate

Many women describe feeling as though they are constantly falling short of expectations.

 

A sense of missed opportunities

There can be a persistent feeling that potential has not been fully realised.

 

Fear of losing control

Periods of overwhelm can create fears about coping.

 

Anger and irritability

Frustration may build more quickly, particularly during periods of stress.

 

Auditory processing difficulties

You may hear words but struggle to process them immediately.

This can lead to:

  • Asking people to repeat themselves

  • Missing details in conversations

  • Difficulty following verbal instructions

 

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often a coping strategy developed to avoid mistakes.

 

People-pleasing

Fear of disappointing others can become deeply ingrained.

 

Impulsive spending

Many women struggle with impulse purchases and inconsistent financial habits.

 

Hyperfocus

While attention can be difficult to direct, it can also become intensely fixed on highly engaging activities.

 

Time blindness

Underestimating how long tasks will take is extremely common.

 

Constant mental noise

Many women describe feeling as though multiple thoughts are running simultaneously.

 


 Why do ADHD Symptoms Often Become More Noticeable During Menopause?

One of the most fascinating discoveries in recent years is the relationship between female hormones and ADHD symptoms.

 

Many women report that their ADHD symptoms become dramatically worse during perimenopause and menopause.

 

The reason lies largely in the relationship between hormones and neurotransmitters.

 

The Oestrogen-Dopamine Connection

ADHD is associated with alterations in dopamine and noradrenaline signalling within the brain.

These neurotransmitters are heavily involved in:

  • Attention

  • Motivation

  • Working memory

  • Planning

  • Emotional regulation

  • Executive functioning

Oestrogen plays a significant role in dopamine production and signalling.

 

Research suggests oestrogen can:

  • Increase dopamine synthesis

  • Improve dopamine receptor sensitivity

  • Support serotonin signalling

  • Enhance prefrontal cortex function

  • Promote neuroplasticity

During perimenopause, oestrogen levels fluctuate significantly before eventually declining. For women with underlying ADHD, these hormonal shifts may further reduce dopamine activity, making symptoms more difficult to manage.

 

Hormonal Changes impact the ADHD Brain

Oestrogen also plays an important role in maintaining brain function and structure.

Studies suggest it supports:

  • Prefrontal cortex activity

  • Hippocampal function

  • Synaptic plasticity

  • Cerebral blood flow

  • Neuroprotection

 

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions such as planning, organisation, decision-making and impulse control. As oestrogen declines, these cognitive networks may become less efficient, contributing to the brain fog, forgetfulness and overwhelm commonly reported during menopause.

 

For women with ADHD, these changes can feel particularly pronounced. Emerging evidence suggests that women with ADHD experience menopause differently from women without ADHD. Research published in 2025 found women with ADHD experienced significantly higher rates of severe menopausal symptoms than women without ADHD. They were also more likely to report worsening cognitive symptoms, emotional difficulties and reduced quality of life during the menopausal transition.

Other studies suggest that many women identify their 40s and 50s as the period when ADHD has the greatest impact on their daily functioning.

 

A Functional Medicine Approach to ADHD

While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, a functional medicine approach recognises that many physiological systems influence how symptoms are expressed. Imbalances in each of these systems can exacerbate symptoms. The goal of functional medicine is not to cure ADHD but to identify factors that may be amplifying symptoms and reducing resilience.

 

The menopause transition creates the perfect storm: declining hormones, increased stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies and cumulative health challenges all converge at the same time.

 

At Re Clinic, we understand that imbalances in these interconnected physiological systems can worsen ADHD symptoms. We use functional testing alongside nutritional and lifestyle strategies to investigate the status of these systems and devise and action plan to bring these systems back into balance.

 

Hormones

Hormonal changes are often the primary driver behind worsening ADHD symptoms in women, typically before menstruation, postpartum and during the menopause transition.

 

Whilst oestrogen can affect dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline signalling, progesterone, cortisol and thyroid hormones also affect cognitive performance.

Hormone imbalances make it harder to concentrate, stay organised and regulate emotions.

 

Potential investigations may include:

  • Thyroid function and antibody tests

  • Female hormone profiles

  • Cortisol rhythm testing

  • Metabolic health assessment

 

Support strategies for hormonal balance may include:

  • Menopause-informed medical care

  • Discussion of hormone replacement therapy where appropriate

  • Resistance training

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Stress management

 

 

Energy Production and Mitochondrial Function

Many women with ADHD describe chronic fatigue alongside difficulties with attention and focus.

 

The brain represents approximately 2% of body weight but consumes around 20% of the body's energy. Executive functioning, emotional regulation and sustained attention are energy-intensive processes.

 

Mitochondria are found within almost every cell in the body and create cellular energy. As neurons require huge amounts of energy to process information and transmit signals, they contain significantly more mitochondria than most other cells in the body. When the mitochondria and cellular energy production is compromised, symptoms can mimic or amplify ADHD.

 

Several nutrients involved in mitochondrial energy production have been linked with ADHD symptom severity, including:

·       Iron (low iron status and ferritin levels are particularly noteworthy because iron is required for dopamine synthesis)

  • Magnesium

  • Zinc

  • Vitamin B12

  • Folate

  • Coenzyme Q10

 

Potential investigations include:

  • Full blood count

  • Ferritin

  • Iron studies

  • Vitamin B12

  • Folate

  • Vitamin D

  • Thyroid function testing

 

Support strategies to optimise mitochondrial health may include:

  • Correcting nutrient deficiencies

  • Optimising protein intake

  • Strength training

  • Aerobic exercise

  • Sleep restoration

 

 

Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis. Emerging research suggests that microbes in the gut influence inflammation, neurotransmitter production and cognitive function. Studies have shown that there are differences in the bacterial populations of the gut in ADHD cohorts and neurotypical controls.

 

Where clinically indicated, practitioners may consider:

  • Comprehensive stool analysis

  • Coeliac disease screening

  • SIBO testing

 

Support for gut health focuses on:

  • Mediterranean-style eating patterns

  • Fibre-rich foods

  • Polyphenol-rich foods

  • Treatment of identified gastrointestinal conditions

 

Immune Health and Inflammation

The immune system and brain are in constant communication. Emerging research has shown differences in immune markers between ADHD cohorts and neurotypical controls. Inflammatory chemicals called cytokines can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence:

  • Dopamine signalling

  • Serotonin production

  • Cognitive performance

  • Mood regulation

  • Mental energy

Chronic inflammation may impair neurotransmitter signalling and cognitive function.

 

Potential investigations include:

  • High-sensitivity CRP

  • Full blood count

  • Vitamin D

  • Ferritin

  • Autoimmune screening when appropriate

 

Support strategies for immune balance include:

  • Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns

  • Exercise

  • Sleep optimisation

  • Stress reduction

 

Toxic Load and Environmental Exposures
Environmental exposures are increasingly recognised as potential contributors to neurological symptoms. The brain is particularly sensitive to:
  • Air pollution

  • Heavy metals

  • Pesticides

  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Whilst the research relating to ADHD is limited, there is emerging evidence that these chemicals can contribute to increased ADHD symptoms.

 

A functional medicine assessment may explore:

  • Environmental exposure history

  • Occupational exposures

  • Water-damaged buildings

  • Toxic burden factors

 

Support strategies include reducing exposure to environmental chemicals and supporting detoxification pathways. The goal is not to suggest that toxins cause ADHD, but rather to identify environmental stressors that may increase cognitive burden and worsen symptoms in susceptible individuals.

 

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Many women with undiagnosed ADHD have spent years blaming themselves for difficulties that stem from neurobiology rather than character flaws. By menopause, many are carrying decades of perfectionism, burnout, anxiety and self-criticism.

Mental and emotional wellbeing support may include:

  • ADHD-informed cognitive behavioural therapy

  • Coaching

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Nervous system regulation strategies

  • Social support

For many women, receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be profoundly validating and transformative.

 

Female ADHD Symptom Checklist: Could ADHD Be Part of the Picture?

If you've noticed worsening symptoms during perimenopause or menopause, consider whether any of the following resonate:

  • Chronic forgetfulness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Frequently losing items

  • Procrastination

  • Difficulty finishing tasks

  • Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities

  • Emotional sensitivity

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Poor time management

  • Chronic disorganisation

  • Mental restlessness

  • Repeated burnout

  • Anxiety or depression that has not fully responded to treatment

While this ADHD in women checklist cannot diagnose ADHD, it may indicate that further assessment is worthwhile.

 

Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Strategies for ADHD

Lifestyle interventions cannot replace professional assessment or treatment but can provide meaningful support.

 

Prioritise protein at breakfast

Protein provides amino acids needed for neurotransmitter production and may support focus throughout the day.

 

Support blood sugar stability

Large blood sugar fluctuations can worsen concentration and mood.

Aim for:

  • Protein

  • Fibre

  • Healthy fats

  • Balanced meals

 

Prioritise sleep

Sleep deprivation significantly worsens ADHD symptoms.

 

Exercise regularly

Physical activity can improve:

  • Dopamine signalling

  • Mood

  • Executive function

  • Stress resilience

 

Use external systems

Many women benefit from:

  • Calendars

  • Visual reminders

  • Task management tools

  • Body doubling

 

Try the 1-3-5 Rule

The 1-3-5 rule is a strategy designed to reduce overwhelm and improve productivity. The principle is that each day you have just 9 tasks on your to do list:

  • 1 high priority major task – this is a high impact task that requires focus and concentration and takes 2-4 hours to complete.

  • 3 medium-priority tasks – shorter easier to complete taking around 60-90 minutes

  • 5 small tasks that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

 

 

Your next steps if you think you have ADHD

The good news is that understanding ADHD can be transformative. With the right assessment, support and personalised approach, it is possible to better understand your brain, improve daily functioning and move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

 

Consider the following steps:

 

1.   Take a screening questionnaire

A useful starting point is the ADHD UK Adult ADHD Screening Survey:

 

2.   Track your symptoms

Keep a record of:

  • Attention difficulties

  • Emotional regulation challenges

  • Organisation issues

  • Hormonal patterns


3.   Seek professional assessment

A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether ADHD is contributing to your symptoms.

 

4.   Get in touch to explore underlying contributing factors

At ReHealth Clinic, we take a whole-person approach to ADHD, investigating the biological, hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle factors that may influence cognitive performance, emotional wellbeing and resilience.

 

Understanding factors such as hormones, inflammation, nutrient status, sleep and gut health helps to create a more personalised support plan.

 

If you suspect ADHD is affecting your life, seeking support could be the first step towards understanding yourself in an entirely new way.

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

ADHD does not suddenly develop during adulthood. Rather, chronic stress, parenthood and menopause often reveal or amplify challenges that may have been present since childhood. Many women spend years believing they are failing when, in reality, they are navigating a neurodevelopmental condition that was never recognised.

 

The encouraging news is that awareness of ADHD in women has never been greater. More women are finally receiving answers, support and treatment that can dramatically improve quality of life.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common ADHD symptoms in women?

Common ADHD symptoms in women include forgetfulness, overwhelm, emotional sensitivity, chronic stress, difficulty organising tasks, procrastination and low self-esteem.

 

Why is ADHD often missed in women?

Women often present with less obvious hyperactivity and are more likely to internalise symptoms. Many develop coping strategies that mask difficulties.

 

Can ADHD get worse during menopause?

Many women report worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause due to declining oestrogen levels affecting dopamine signalling.

 

Can ADHD cause anxiety?

ADHD and anxiety frequently occur together. Living with unmanaged ADHD symptoms can contribute significantly to anxiety.

 

Is ADHD a mental health condition?

ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition. However, it can have substantial effects on mental health and wellbeing.

 

Can nutrition help ADHD symptoms?

Nutrition cannot cure ADHD, but optimising nutrient status, blood sugar regulation, gut health and overall brain health may help support cognitive function and resilience.

 

When should I seek professional support?

If symptoms are affecting your relationships, work, wellbeing or quality of life, professional assessment is recommended. You need a formally recognised diagnosis to access workplace protections.

 

In the UK, ADHD can only be formally assessed by a UK registered psychiatrist, a specialist ADHD nurse, or “other appropriately qualified healthcare professional” [Nice Guidelines]. You should always check that the person you are seeing is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register,  You can check their register here



References and Further Reading


  1. Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2023;27(7):645-667.

  2. Young S, Adamo N, Ásgeirsdóttir BB, et al. Females with ADHD: An Expert Consensus Statement Taking a Lifespan Approach Providing Guidance for the Identification and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls and Women. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20:404.

  3. Stibbe T, Horton MK, Yang A, et al. Gender Differences in Adult ADHD: Cognitive Function Assessed by the Test of Attentional Performance. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2020;24(12):1730-1739.

  4. Ramtekkar UP, Reiersen AM, Todorov AA, Todd RD. Sex and Age Differences in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Diagnoses: Implications for DSM-V and ICD-11. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2010;49(3):217-228.

  5. Osianlis E, Quinn PO, Nadebaum C, et al. ADHD and Sex Hormones in Females: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Frontiers in Global Women's Health. 2025.

  6. Wasserstein J, Kofman M, Fitzgerald M. Perimenopause, Menopause and ADHD: Emerging Evidence and Clinical Implications. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. 2023.

  7. Kooij JJS, Bijlenga D, Salerno L, et al. Updated European Consensus Statement on Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult ADHD. European Psychiatry. 2019;56:14-34.

  8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management (NG87). London: NICE; Updated 2019.

  9. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Menopause: Diagnosis and Management (NG23).London: NICE; Updated 2024.

  10. NHS Digital. Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2023–24: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). NHS Digital. 2025.

  11. Smári UJ, Sigurðardóttir ÁK, Guðmundsdóttir BR, et al. Perimenopausal Symptoms in Women With and Without ADHD: A Population-Based Study. Menopause. 2025.

  12. Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al. The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-Based Conclusions About the Disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2021;128:789-818.

  13. Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al. Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of Medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children, Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738.

  14. Lopresti AL. The Effects of Psychological and Environmental Stress on Micronutrient Concentrations in the Body: A Review of the Evidence. Advances in Nutrition. 2020;11(1):103-112.

  15. Marx W, Moseley G, Berk M, Jacka F. Nutritional Psychiatry: The Present State of the Evidence. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2017;76(4):427-436.

  16. Jacka FN, O'Neil A, Opie R, et al. A Randomised Controlled Trial of Dietary Improvement for Adults With Major Depression (SMILES Trial). BMC Medicine. 2017;15:23.

  17. Silva YP, Bernardi A, Frozza RL. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2020;11:25.

  18. Cryan JF, O'Riordan KJ, Cowan CSM, et al. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Physiological Reviews. 2019;99(4):1877-2013.

  19. Erickson KI, Hillman CH, Kramer AF. Physical Activity, Brain, and Cognition. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. 2015;4:27-32.

  20. Northey JM, Cherbuin N, Pumpa KL, Smee DJ, Rattray B. Exercise Interventions for Cognitive Function in Adults Older Than 50 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;52(3):154-160.

  21. Quinn PO, Madhoo M. A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: uncovering this hidden diagnosis. Primary Care Companion CNS Disorders. 2014;16(3).

  22. Young S, Adamo N, Ásgeirsdóttir BB, et al. Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20:404.

23. Nusslock R, Miller GE. Early-life adversity and physical and emotional health across the lifespan: a neuroimmune network hypothesis. Biological Psychiatry. 2016.

24. Kessler RC, Adler L, Barkley R, et al. Patterns and predictors of ADHD persistence into adulthood. Pediatrics. 2005;115(3).

25. Biederman J, Faraone SV. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lancet. 2005;366(9481):237–248.

26. Dunn GA, Nigg JT, Sullivan EL. Neuroinflammation as a risk factor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 2019;182:22-34.

27. Aarts E, et al. Gut microbiome in ADHD and its relation to neural reward anticipation.  PLoS One. 2017;12(9).

28. Bundgaard-Nielsen C, Lauritsen MB, Knudsen JK. Children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder share distinct microbiota compositions. Gut Microbes. 2023 Jan-Dec;15(1):2211923.

29. Gędek A, Modrzejewski S, Gędek M. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio in ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Nov 14;14:1258868.

30. Jakobsdóttir Smári U, Valdimarsdottir UA, Wynchank D. Perimenopausal symptoms in women with and without ADHD: A population-based cohort study. Eur Psychiatry. 2025 Sep 4;68(1)

31. Holden E, Kobayashi-Wood H. Adverse experiences of women with undiagnosed ADHD and the invaluable role of diagnosis. Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):20945.


About the Author


Michaela newsom menopause nutritionist

Michaela Newsom, Registered Nutrtitional Therapist, mBANT, rCNHC


Michaela is a women’s health expert with a specialist interest in the impact of menopause on the female brain. Her mission is to empower women to optimise their cognitive function and mental wellbeing throughout life with a special focus on the challenges that take place during perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

 

With a Postgraduate qualification in Personalised Nutrition and advanced Functional medicine training Michaela has expertise spanning hormones, brain health, cognitive function and mood disorders.

 

Clinical Focus areas:

  • Menopause and perimenopause

  • Hormonal balance – including PMS and PMDD

  • Brain fog and cognitive clarity

  • Fatigue and low energy levels

  • Anxiety and stress management

  • Low mood and emotional wellbeing

  • Stress, burnout, and resilience building

  • ADHD in women

  • Memory support

  • Insomnia and restorative sleep

Comments


bottom of page