Perimenopause, ADHD, and the Power of Knowing: Could This Be You?
- Breakthrough Psychology
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Do you ever feel like your mind is in a constant fog, you’re always playing catch-up, and your “to-do” list is a revolving door of unfinished tasks? Do deadlines creep up on you, or do small things like finding your keys somehow take up half the morning? You used to be more structured, efficient and focused, but for some reason now, it's plausable that when you go check your phone for a two-factor verification code for your email, and 30 minutes later you 'wake-up' to the fact that you're absorbed in some reel on your socials.
If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s and noticing these frustrations more than ever, it may not just be “getting older” or “being busy.” It might be…Drumroll… ADHD. You might be thinking, like many other women who were in your shoes, there is no way I can get to this age and not know something so profound about myself, how wouldn’t have I noticed throughout my life if this were the case?
Well research published by Cambridge University Press has shown that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can amplify ADHD symptoms, including overwhelm, poor memory, procrastination, inattention, and disorganisation, to the point of being life altering for many women. In their large survey, 61% reported ADHD symptoms were most disruptive between ages 40–59, and nearly half were first diagnosed during the perimenopausal years . Anxiety and depression were common companions, adding even more complexity to daily life.
Here’s the catch: For many women, these signs go unnoticed or mislabelled as stress, overly sensitive, burnout, or “just hormones.” Yet understanding the true cause matters. An adult ADHD diagnosis can bring transformative benefits:
Validation: A diagnosis reframes challenges as differences in brain wiring, not personal weakness.
Tailored Support: Access to therapy, lifestyle strategies, coaching, and when needed, medical treatments.
Self-Compassion: Knowing you have ADHD changes the internal dialogue from “why can’t I?” to “how can I work with my brain?”
Better Relationships: Insight allows for more open communication and realistic expectations at home and work.
And here’s where the workplace comes in... because late-diagnosed ADHD doesn’t just live in your head; it impacts your career too. Flexible start times, remote work options, sensory-friendly environments, and a focus on strengths can turn ADHD from a constant struggle into a source of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving brilliance.
So, if this sounds familiar — the brain fog, the overwhelm, the endless juggling act — maybe it’s time to stop blaming yourself and start asking the question: Could it be ADHD?
Feel free to contact our friendly staff at Breakthrough Psychology for any ADHD related enquiries, we are located in Sydney's West-Pennant Hills area and our Psychology Practice provides assessments, diagnosis, Adult ADHD workshops and individual therapy.
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