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."
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.
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