Menopause, ADHD & the Hidden Cost of Masking: What Every Midlife Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Helen Wall

What's in this episode

I'm joined by Dr. Helen Wall, a GP and registered menopause specialist from England, and author of the new book ADHD and Menopause (May 14th, 2026). Dr. Wall speaks out about the intersection of ADHD, neurodivergence, and hormonal changes in women. In this episode, we get into the science behind why estrogen fluctuations destabilize dopamine signaling in the brain, and why that matters so much more for women with ADHD (diagnosed or not). We talk about masking, the hidden costs of over-functioning, why women and girls are still being missed for decades, and how progesterone sensitivity can make things even more complicated. We also explore the connection between ADHD and PMDD, and what options exist for women who are navigating both menopause and neurodivergence. This episode offers the science, the validation, and the compassion to help you understand what's going on. I also share my own experience being diagnosed with ADHD at 19 and then watching it "unmask" when perimenopause crash-landed at 37. This one gets personal, and I think you'll feel seen. About Dr. Helen Wall: Dr. Helen Wall is a GP and registered menopause specialist with the British Menopause Society. She advocates fo