ADHD & Hormonal Imbalance: The Hidden Struggle in Women
Let's get into it, sis—hormones. They are the ones pulling the strings, and when they are out of whack? Whoa, it's a rollercoaster ride with no seatbelt.
What Is Hormonal Imbalance, Then?
Hormones are your body's chemical messengers, and when they are out of kilter, it's a domino effect in the form of symptoms.
The Endocrine Society reports that hormonal imbalance affects nearly 80% of women throughout their lifetime, and most of us don't know it.
The Signs That Your Hormones Might Be Off Balance
Mood swings like none other
Fatigue, which no nap can cure
Heavy or Irregular Periods
Weight gain (especially in the abdominal area)
Brain clouding and forgetfulness
Depression, anxiety, or irritability
Does it ring a bell for you?
It's not your imagination. It might be your hormones.
Regular Offenders of Imbalance in the
Chronic stress can disrupt cortisol levels and upset the estrogen-progesterone balance.
Poor Sleep: Your body regulates hormones while it sleeps. Without sleep, there's an imbalance of hormones.
Processed food and sugar: These can also trigger increased insulin resistance and inflammation.
Postpartum Changes: Giving birth puts hormones through the wringer.
Perimenopause: the gradual lead-up period towards menopause, most commonly in your 40's or 30's.
How to Know for Sure
You can ask your doctor for the following tests, which measure:
Levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
TSH, T3, and T4 are
Cortisol levels
Blood sugar level and insulin sensitivity
Pro tip: Speak up for yourself. If you're not feeling right, speak up for testing. You know your body best.
Treatment Options—Because You Deserve to Feel Good
Medical Therapies: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), thyroid medication, the pill (depending on the condition).
Lifestyle Change: Adopt sleep hygiene, healthy diet, and stress management as practiced by royalties
Supplements include magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and adaptogens
Holistic Practices: Yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture, and mindfulness
Personal Note by Netta (aka Chatterbrain Mommy)
I didn't know my mood swings, insomnia, and anxiety were linked with hormonal shifts until the day I visited a functional medicine physician for the first time. It was a game-changer. Monitoring my period taught me my body's rhythm—and broke the habit of judging myself as "moody."
