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."
The Overlooked Struggles – Emotional Well-being of ADHD Moms
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime: the emotional toll of being a mom with ADHD. Sure, we hear a lot about managing chores, routines, and to-do lists, but what about the deep stuff—the guilt, the overwhelm, the constant sense of falling short?
The Hidden Weight ADHD Moms Carry: Being a mom is already a full-time mental load, but add ADHD into the mix, and it becomes a whirlwind of emotional highs and lows. According to a 2022 study published in Journal of Attention Disorders, women with ADHD are more prone to anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation, especially during motherhood.
You’re not just trying to manage your own life—you’re managing little humans, expectations, and all the invisible work of motherhood with a brain that resists structure. That’s a LOT.
Emotional Struggles We Don’t Talk About Enough
Guilt: For forgetting appointments, for snapping at the kids, for not having it all together.
Shame: For comparing yourself to the “organized moms” and constantly coming up short.
Overwhelm: The mental noise is never-ending. It’s not just the mess—it’s the emotional chaos that comes with it.
Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like you’re faking this whole motherhood thing and someone’s about to expose you.
Coping Strategies That Actually Help
1. Reframe the Narrative: You’re not a “bad” mom—you have a different brain. Period. Repeat that until it sticks. Use affirmations like, “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough,” or “Progress over perfection.”
2. Therapy Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline: Consider ADHD-informed therapy or coaching. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown strong results for emotional regulation in adults with ADHD. Coaching can also offer practical, non-judgmental support.
3. Mindfulness, But ADHD-Friendly: Let's not do 60-minute quiet meditations here. Give this a try:
Five-minute guided meditations (check out Insight Timer)
Walking meditations
Doodling or journaling with some tunes playing
4. Join Your Tribe Community is key: Get in touch with other ADHD moms (online or locally). Begin with communities like the Chatterbrain Mommy Podcast community—we keep it real, unfiltered, and judgment-free.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Kathleen Nadeau (clinical psychologist, ADHD) states, "When women feel understood and supported emotionally, their executive functioning improves. Connection reduces shame and motivation."
Netta's Point from Chatterbrain Mommy Podcast "I used to cry in the bathroom just to have five minutes of peace. As soon as I quit pretending to do it all and started getting help, life lightened up. Not perfect—just lighter.".
If you're nodding your head, then I wrote for you. Get my ADHD mom survival eBook, Focus, Energize, and Thrive. It's half pep talk, half toolkit, and all heart.
Also, check out my Amazon list of emotional wellness goodies—from weighted blankets to fidget rings. Because soothing your nervous system is a form of self-love.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust!
Being Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: ADHD and New Motherhood
You recognize that shot in all the motherhood montages of laundry scattered all over, the dinner burning on the stove, the phone constantly ringing, and the baby bawling? Picture that.
But your head is trying to open all the tabs at the same time—new motherhood with ADHD.
ADHD does not magically disappear when we have a baby.
In fact, it goes into hyperdrive.
The sudden removal of routine, the constant demands, the lack of sleep—it can all be fuel on an already burning five-way brain.
For many moms with ADHD, the postpartum experience is a whirlwind of overstimulation, guilt, and self-doubt.
You may catch yourself sobbing because you forgot the diaper bag for the umpteenth time, yelling at your partner because the pacifier was misplaced, or freezing in place because your mind just ceased functioning.
It's not laziness.
It's not incompetence.
It's executive dysfunction, sensory overload, and hormonal shifts hitting all at once.
And guess what? You're not alone.
Most mothers aren't aware they have ADHD until after their baby is born.
School and work tend to camouflage symptoms—but motherhood lays them bare.
It exposes your coping mechanisms, challenges your routines, and pushes you into survival mode.
So, how do you manage?
Here are a few truths from the trenches:
Routine is your ally. Even a loose rhythm can anchor your day.
Lower the bar. Done is better than perfect. Your baby doesn’t care if the bottles are color-coordinated.
Outsource and delegate. No shame in asking for help or using delivery services.
Use your tools. Timers, sticky notes, whiteboards—whatever helps offload mental clutter.
Honor your rest. Sleep deprivation magnifies ADHD symptoms. Nap when you can.
Mothering is tough.
ADHD does not make it any easier.
But you are doing something wonderful—and messy and beautiful.
You're raising an individual while wending your way through a neurodivergent brain.
Are you an ADHA mom?
What was your biggest challenge in the first few weeks?
How did you manage—or what would you have said to yourself sooner?
Mother’s Day Reflections: Embracing the Chaos and Joy of Motherhood with ADHD
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, caregivers, guardians, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, and teachers who look after hundreds of children as their own each year.
With Mother's Day today, I sit here pondering the beautiful chaos that comprises my life. Being a mother with ADHD is a life of one-of-a-kind challenges and surprises of delight.
I homeschool my children, work the night shift as a postpartum doula, and operate both an online and bringing our reselling business back to life after my husband’s detrimental accident last year.
It's a life that calls for flexibility, determination, and a sense of humor.
The Dance of Homeschooling with ADHD
Homeschooling with ADHD is like playing an orchestra where each instrument has its own mind. Some days it's beautiful; other days it's a distraction symphony. I've learned that rules are necessary, but so is flexibility. We have a routine, but it's more of a plan than a schedule. If a lesson isn't going well, we change gears. If the sun is shining too brightly to be ignored, we go outside and learn.
Visuals are my favorite things. Bulletin boards, colored charts, and checklists remind us to stay on track. I also use alarms and reminders to help us make it through topic transitions. These are not just for my children—they're for me as well.
Night Shifts and the Art of Adaptation
Working at night as a postpartum doula is another aspect of my already complicated existence. Helping new mothers navigate their most vulnerable moments is immeasurably fulfilling, yet it means my sleep cycle is irregular. I sleep when possible and survive on caffeine and sheer willpower.
This nightlife style requires organization. I precook meals in advance, set study materials out in advance, and talk frankly to my family members about our unique timetable. We're in it together, and I appreciate that they accommodate my schedule.
Building and Rebuilding: The Entrepreneurial Spirit
It's both exciting and exhausting to have an online business and revive my reselling business. ADHD gives rise to a torrent of ideas and the urge for creativity but renders it challenging to concentrate and stay organized.
I've learned to utilize a hyperfocus period for productive time and forgive myself during distraction periods. I organize projects through task management tools to remain on top of tasks and create realistic goals so that I do not end up being burned out. Small successes remind me to remain encouraged and also understand the progress achieved.
The Power of Nature and Daily Grounding
Amidst the turmoil, nature is where I get my sanity. Every day, I spend a minute to step outside, get the grass between my toes, and inhale deeply. It is this little act that grounds me, allowing me to get a moment of peace and concentration. It's a reminder every day that, despite the chaos, there is beauty and peace to be found.
These little doses of the great outdoors aren't just a corrective thing—necessities. They get me back to me and facilitate the emotional grounding required to care for my loved ones and pursue my vocation.
Embracing the Journey with Love and Laughter
Motherhood with ADHD is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unshakeable love. It's learning to love the imperfections, finding beauty in small moments, and laughing through the chaos. I've learned to be compassionate with myself, to seek help when needed, and to honor the unique gifts that ADHD brings to my life.
This Mother's Day, I honor all mothers on their individual paths. Your creativity, resilience, and love are the threads that sewn together make up the beautiful tapestry of your family's story.
🌸 Celebrate Mother's Day with Empowering Resources 🌸
In honor of Mother's Day, I'm excited to offer two resources designed to support and empower mothers like you:
Brain Bloom Bootcamp: A comprehensive program tailored for mothers managing ADHD, homeschooling, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Join now and receive a special 50% discount during our Mother's Day presale! (Send “Bloom” to chatterbrainmommy@gmail.com)
eBook – Focus, Energize, and Thrive: Discover practical strategies to enhance focus, boost energy, and thrive in your multifaceted life. Available now on Amazon: Focus, Energize, and Thrive
Step into these tools to feed your well-being and keep on your journey with confidence and joy.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe can add value, especially for ADHD brains like ours. Thank you for supporting this blog!
How to Manage ADHD Without Losing Your Mind
Treating ADHD is not about fixing a "broken" brain; in fact, treating ADHD is about learning how your own brain works and preparing yourself for success.
There are tested and true strategies that can make a big difference, but what works for one person won't necessarily work for another.
Because living well with ADHD is definitely possible, following are some helpful tools and methods that will serve you well, whether you've just received an official diagnosis or simply wish to bring your daily life under control.
1. Medication (It’s Not a Magic Pill, But It Helps)
Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall equalize the dopamine levels so that it is simple to focus. Non-stimulants like Strattera also work for some people. Medication is not for everybody, yet for many, it is a game-changer.
2. Behavioral Therapy (Because Your Brain Needs a Personal Trainer Too)
Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, is helpful in improving emotional control, reprogramming negative thoughts, and creating healthier habits. Structure and accountability can also be achieved by consulting with an ADHD coach.
3. Lifestyle Hacks for ADHD
Move Your Body: Exercise makes ADHD brains concentrate in addition to being healthy for your physical body. Even a walk makes a difference.
Hack Your Sleep: ADHD and sleep issues go together. Develop a bedtime routine, do not use screens right before bed, and, if you get distracted easily, use white noise.
Feed Your Brain Properly: High-protein diets, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates can all help manage energy and focus. (That mid-day sugar crash? Not your friend.)
4. Productivity Hacks (Because Traditional To-Do Lists Don’t Work for Us)
The Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then break for 5 minutes. Repeat. It prevents your brain from checking out.
Use Alarms & Reminders: Set timers for literally everything—meetings, meals, taking out the trash, you name it.
Body Doubling: Having someone to work with (even virtually) can keep you on track.
Visual Cues: Post-it notes, whiteboards, and color-coded calendars can make tasks easier to follow.
Do the Hard Stuff First: Do difficult tasks first when your brain is most alert (usually at the beginning of the day).
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ADHD, but with the proper mix of tools—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and productivity techniques—you can develop a system that works with your brain, not against it. Improvement isn't about perfection; it's about purpose.
Want a place to track your routines, hacks, goals, and wins in an ADHD-friendly way?
Check out my ADHD Planner—designed specifically for brains like ours. It's not just a planner; it’s a lifeline to structure, support, and self-compassion.
Check out my eBook, Focus, Energize, & Thrive, for holistic tips and practical tools for managing ADHD and finding calm in the chaos.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe can add value, especially for ADHD brains like ours. Thank you for supporting this blog!
How I Overcame Decision Fatigue on My Birthday (And How You Can Too)
Okay, let's talk about something real: decision fatigue. If you have ADHD, you'll know exactly what I'm saying.
It's that mental burnout that happens after making one too many decisions—big or small. You've probably had it happen when you're deciding what to wear, deciding what to eat for the day, or even deciding what to do on your birthday.
And trust me, that last one can get pretty messy.
I recently reached rock bottom with decision fatigue while trying to organize my birthday.
The short version: it was a hot mess.
But after all the hemming and hawing, I managed to sort out a way to wrestle the chaos back into control and push forward.
So I decided to share with you my story and how you can apply these techniques to remain out of the decision spiral.
Decision Fatigue + ADHD = A Recipe for Disaster
Decision fatigue sets in when your brain gets depleted from having too many options.
And if you have ADHD, that depletion is even greater because your brain is already working in overdrive to maintain focus and deal with tasks.
Small decisions turn into mountains. And the more decisions you must make, the worse it is.
I experienced this myself when I was planning to prepare for my birthday.
My original plan? A trip to Florida. Then a massive flight crisis struck as a result of one plane crash after another, and my anxiety skyrocketed completely.
I suddenly didn't know where I was heading or even what I would do.
Should I stick near home?
Should I be traveling somewhere else?
Should I just cancel everything and take a nap?
I was paralyzed by choice.
How I Survived My Birthday Decision Fatigue
This birthday choice started off with a whole lot of "What the heck am I going to do?" I couldn't figure out if I wanted to chill, relax, or some place more active but crowded.
Procrastination came in next. I was continually flipping my brain back and forth, but something didn't feel right.
I didn't want to go too crowded or too out there in the middle of nowhere. Then it hit me: keep it simple.
After much to-and-fro, I finally settled on a low-key plan: something simple.
With my husband's prodding (thank God for him), I chose something that was not too complicated and low-key.
And guess what?
It was just what I needed.
Sometimes, overthinking just adds to the stress.
But that wasn't the initial time I was overcome with decision fatigue that day.
When I visited to get my nails done, the same thing occurred. I hemmed and hawed about colors and designs for eternity. I'm talking about eternity.
Do I be bold?
Do I be basic?
Do I go neutral or bright?
Eventually, I told the nail technician to just freestyle the design, and guess what?
It turned out great!
Having the freedom of not having to decide on everything was a lifesaver.
What You Can Learn from This Chaos
I get it, options can appear to be piling up and you don't know how to break free from the madness. But there are ways of managing decision fatigue so that it doesn't manage your life.
Below are some tips that work for me, and they can work for you, too:
1. Limit the Decisions You Make
This is huge for people with ADHD. The fewer choices you make, the higher. Start off by simplifying your routines—what you eat, what you wear, entertainment. For example, prepare all of your food for the week so you're not faced with making a daily choice of what to eat. If you plan out your wardrobe in advance, you won't be left spending hours gazing at your closet.
2. Use Tools to Stay Organized
Get some structure into your life. Checklists, calendars, and even ADHD-sanctioned apps can save you from spiraling. Writing down your to-do's keeps you organized regarding what needs to be done without needing to make a decision every time you think about it. Further, using timers or the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then break for 5 minutes) can keep you focused and work through tasks without being overwhelmed.
3. Just Prioritize
Not everything has to be a priority. It's easy to get overwhelmed in attempting to decide everything at one time. Rank what really does matter. Cut through the chaos and get on with the serious stuff first. Trust me, you don't need to muddle through all the decisions. My birthday? I made it easy because I knew the rest of the choices would just upset me.
4. Let Someone Else Take the Wheel Sometimes
This is a doozy. If you're in a rut, ask for help. Don't be afraid to let someone else handle something. I was trying to figure out what to do on my birthday, and my husband rescued me by pointing me in the direction of something low-key. Whenever possible, have someone else handle a decision or two, even something as minuscule as picking a nail color or where to eat dinner.
5. Use a Framework for Big Decisions
Having a plan helps a lot. If you're going to make a bigger decision (like travel plans or something work-related), use a simplified model to decide. If you're taking too long to decide, divide the decision into parts. I like to put time limits on decisions. If I don't figure it out within 10 minutes, I make a choice and stick with it.
6. Take Breaks—Seriously
Your brain needs rest, especially when you’re juggling a million decisions. Take frequent breaks throughout your day. Step away from work, take a walk, or even just lie down for a few minutes. This helps clear your mind and avoid feeling totally drained.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Say “I Don’t Know”
You don't have to make all of your choices perfect. Every once in a while, you can just let off the pressure. If you are stuck, feel free to say "I don't know" and try something else. The world won't end if you didn't select the perfect birthday vacation spot or nail color. Actually, accepting imperfection might make you less tense.
To sum it all up, decision fatigue isn't funny, especially when you have ADHD. But it doesn't have to control your life.
The trick is to keep it simple, have boundaries, and realize that not every decision needs to be "the right decision."
From my birthday adventure to getting my nails done, I learned that the best choices happen when you refrain from overanalyzing and simply let go of needing to be perfect.
So the next time you find yourself stuck in a decision-making mode, make it simpler. Prioritize what matters most, step away, and get help when you need it.
Trust me, it'll make a world of a difference.
Want a place to track your routines, hacks, goals, and wins in an ADHD-friendly way?
Check out my eBook below for holistic tips and practical tools for managing ADHD and finding calm in the chaos.
Check out the ADHD Planner that is designed specifically for brains like ours. It's not just a planner; it’s a lifeline to structure, support, and self-compassion.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe can add value, especially for ADHD brains like ours. Thank you for supporting this blog!
My Birthday Reflection on Growth with ADHD
Today is my birthday. And honestly, most birthdays once used to have a tinge of bitterness for me. There was always this undertone of sadness underlying the celebrations, because my mom isn't with me anymore.
Not being able to celebrate this day with her, not getting to hear her voice or catch her hug, left an aching gap which felt hard to fill.
A photo of my beautiful Momma, Dorothy W. Jones, on the right and my, her twin, Netta on the left. This is one of my favorite photos that I will always cherish♥️♥️♥️
But somewhere along the way, I've grown to accept that grief and temper it into something different—into joy, into gratitude, into living my life in her honor.
And today, I am complete. I am at peace. I am at ease. I am ready—with open arms—to welcome whatever God has in store for me.
Reflecting on 42: A Year of Miracles
Looking back over this past year of my life—age 42—I can see how far I've come.
I have accomplished more in one year than I ever could have imagined, and honestly, more than many get to accomplish in a whole lifetime. And I don't say this triumphantly—I say it gratefully.
New Callings and Creative Courage
I began a new profession (my 4th and final career) as a birth and postpartum doula, stepping in intentionally and working with families through some of their most sacred moments.
I launched two publications on Substack, Vent to Victory, where I turn vents of day-to-day life as an ADHDer, mom, wife, and Black woman in America into a victory. The main publication is ADHDventures in Homeschooling, where I talk about the life of homeschooling as a mommy with ADHD, the goods, the chaos, and gratitude.
I began a blog, a podcast (Chatterbrain Mommy), and an e-book that is deeply personal and emotional to my journey.
Connections That Became Chosen Family
With all that, I've encountered some of the sweetest souls—those who've not only advised me but who now are friends, sisters, and chosen family.
They've invested in me just as I've learned to invest in others.
The Radical Shift: Choosing Myself First
But perhaps the most revolutionary of this journey? I've learned to put myself first.
As someone with ADHD, that hasn't always been intuitive. We get pulled in by the hustle, by the whirl of overthinking and overstimulation, constantly chasing after the next thing or trying to "catch up."
But this year, I took my foot off the gas.
I learned to sleep without guilt.
I embraced quiet.
I re-established my spirituality, deepening my connection with God in a way that keeps me centered no matter what's going on around me.
I began to turn about the old habits and replacing them with intentional routines. I found joy within myself. I stopped waiting for peace and instead learned how to create it.
A photo of me as I embrace the beautiful bloom of many flowers, meaning many opportunities arise as I walk in my purpose.
A photo of me as I am so joyful. These flowers were given to me by my baby daughter on my 21st anniversary on 4/13/2025.
Walking Boldly in My Purpose
That's why I'm still strutting my stuff confidently in my ministry as an ADHD life and wellness coach. In spite of the bumps, in spite of the doubt, I know this is what I am called to do.
My coaching website will be live in a few weeks, and I'm already taking pre-appointments.
I've had single-session work that has reminded me how desperately this work is needed—and I'm just so blessed to be creating a successful business where I can come fully, not only for my clients, but for my family as well.
Welcoming 43: A Year for Blooming
This year, 43 is going to be about growth and establishment. Last year was establishing—putting the foundation down. This year is about watering the seeds that I planted last year and watching them bloom.
So stay tuned. God’s not done. I’m walking in my purpose, with love in my heart, and fire in my spirit—and I’m ready to help others do the same.
