When Perimenopause Unmasks ADHD with Dr. Jen Wolkin
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If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, why can’t I just get it together anymore?, this conversation will feel like a deep breath of relief. Dr. Jen Wolkin, a Harvard-trained neuropsychologist, joins me to unpack how perimenopause can turn up the volume on ADHD symptoms that have been there all along, as well as why compassion (not willpower) is the key to finding focus again.
We talk about the perfect storm of hormonal shifts, collapsing coping strategies, and the mental load that makes midlife feel impossible at times. But we also explore how understanding your biology can replace shame with clarity and help you build new scaffolding that actually fits this season of life.
You'll Learn:
- Why ADHD doesn’t suddenly “appear” in midlife, and why so many women were missed for decades
- How estrogen fluctuations intensify time blindness, working memory slips, and emotional reactivity
- The connection between dopamine, food, and the binge–restrict cycle in ADHD
- What “primal hunger” and interoception have to do with eating and self-regulation
- Practical ways to lower the bar on meal planning, nourishment, and asking for help at home
Key Quotes:
“When the masks of perfectionism and people-pleasing collapse, it can feel like falling apart, but it’s really a chance to rebuild differently.”
“Compassion isn’t a cop-out. It’s science. Because without it, your brain stays in threat mode.”
📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause will be out on October 21st, 2025. Pre-order your copy today and help get the word out!
Connect with Dr. Jen Wolkin
Instagram: @adhd_with_drjen, @drjenwolkin
Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!
- Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & Menopause
- Finding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine Chessman
Thank you for listening!
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