I’ve always known I wanted to write something meaningful—something that could help people feel seen, understood, and empowered. But I never imagined that I’d be combining two of the most personal and challenging aspects of my own life—ADHD and perimenopause—into a book that speaks to the unique struggles women face when both collide. This journey of writing has been a deeply reflective one, forcing me to confront not only my own experiences but also how they affect the people around me: my partner, friends, and family.
So why write a book on ADHD during perimenopause?
The truth is, not many people are talking about it. ADHD in women is already under-diagnosed, under-researched, and misunderstood. Throw in the hormonal upheaval of perimenopause, and the challenges can feel monumental. Yet, so many women are experiencing this intersection of life events and struggling quietly. I’ve felt that struggle too—feeling like my mind is betraying me in new ways, all while trying to keep up with daily life. And I know I'm not alone.
The Personal Becomes Universal
As I started to put pen to paper (or, more accurately, fingers to keyboard), I realised how personal this book and another that I am currently writing was going to be. Writing about ADHD and perimenopause wasn’t just about presenting facts and figures. It was about sharing lived experiences and encouraging women to embrace their messy, beautiful lives, even when it feels like everything is out of control.
I’ve been there—frustrated with myself for forgetting things, feeling overwhelmed by mood swings, struggling to finish tasks, and wondering why my focus is even worse than usual. These feelings are compounded by the transition of perimenopause, where hormonal shifts make everything more unpredictable. Writing this book has been as much about self-compassion as it is about research. It's a reminder that none of us have to go through these phases alone or in silence.
The Ripple Effect
One chapter that has really stood out to me during the writing process is the chapter on the effect on partners, friends, and family. This section has been particularly eye-opening, both personally and in terms of research. While ADHD and perimenopause are challenging for the individual, the ripple effect they have on those around us is significant. Partners, children, close friends, and even co-workers often feel the impact of fluctuating moods, memory lapses, and emotional outbursts.
Exploring how to maintain healthy relationships during these challenging times felt crucial. Our support systems matter more than ever, but relationships can become strained if our loved ones don’t understand what we’re going through—or if we can’t find the right words to communicate it. Writing about this has forced me to look inward at my own relationships and to appreciate how important communication and empathy are, especially when things get hard.
Self-Acceptance and Advocacy
A recurring theme in both books is the need for self-acceptance. Women with ADHD often carry the weight of feeling “not enough”—not focused enough, not organised enough, not calm enough. When perimenopause comes into the picture, it can amplify these insecurities. Writing this book has been a constant reminder to myself, and to the women who will read it, that these challenges don’t define our worth. ADHD is a neurological condition; perimenopause is a natural life transition. Neither should be a reason to feel guilt or shame.
One thing I’m particularly proud of in these books are the sections on advocating for yourself. Navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating, especially when symptoms of ADHD or perimenopause are dismissed or downplayed. I’ve found through my own experiences, and those of others, that learning to speak up for yourself is a skill that can change everything—from getting the right diagnosis to receiving compassionate treatment. Empowering women to advocate for their health and well-being has become one of my key goals with this book.
Moving Forward
Writing these books has been an exercise in vulnerability and growth. It’s been difficult, cathartic, and empowering all at once. I’m sharing stories, tips, and research, but I’m also hoping to create a space where women can feel understood and validated. If you’ve ever felt like your brain is working against you or that your emotions are spiraling out of control, these books are for you. If you’ve struggled to explain what you’re going through to your partner or your kids, these books can be for them too.
As I continue this journey, I’m excited to see where it will lead and how many women I can reach. Because, at the end of the day, we all deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported as we navigate ADHD, perimenopause, and everything in between.
Stay tuned for more updates as I keep writing. I can't wait to share this work with you as an EBook!
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