Women, Hormones & ADHD
Women, Hormones and the impact of ADHD
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is very close to our hearts here at The Dr Jenni Clinic.
If you’ve found your way here you will probably already know that ADHD is a way of thinking and processing information that’s different from the typical way most people’s brains work. If you have ADHD you will have unique strengths (amazing superpowers!) but will also find some things more challenging, like staying focused, managing time, or organising tasks. This can create obstacles, especially if your ADHD goes unnoticed or undiagnosed during childhood.
Our team is passionate about helping both men and women at all stages of their ADHD journey, what we’re especially attuned to is the challenges faced by women as they transition through perimenopause and menopause. Research has shown that many women first experience ADHD symptoms during these times of hormonal change, with 83% reporting new or worsening symptoms like memory issues, overwhelm, and focus problems. This is likely because ADHD involves dopamine dysregulation, which is closely connected to oestrogen. As oestrogen fluctuates and declines during perimenopause, it impacts the release and maintenance of key brain chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, heightening ADHD symptoms.
With the right support and understanding from us at The Dr Jenni Clinic, you can absolutely learn to manage these challenges and create an amazing life that works for you, with more compassion towards yourself as well. It’s never too late to get the help you deserve and find strategies that make your days a little easier.
Compassionate ADHD Care, Clinical Expertise
At The Dr Jenni Clinic, we’re dedicated to supporting you at every stage of your ADHD journey in perimenopause– whether you’re seeking an assessment for a brand new diagnosis or need ongoing care and guidance after being diagnosed. We’re here to provide the expertise and compassionate support you need to understand your ADHD and thrive.
The importance of getting an ADHD diagnosis can’t be overstated! Far too many people are struggling with symptoms, continually coping and adapting (which is exhausting!), unaware that there are multiple methods and therapies that can successfully support and manage all aspects of your life.
Why Choose Us?
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to seeing you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms AND to not just diagnose you and let you go without any next steps. We believe in celebrating your uniqueness and helping you lead the life you truly deserve.
Our expert clinical team who you have access to includes:
- Our GPs with a specialist interest in ADHD and menopause: Responsible for your assessment, diagnosis, prescribed medication, overall health and any other coexisting conditions or hormonal factors, our GPs, Dr Jenni and Dr Naomi, are directly involved in your treatment plan, with regular monitoring – especially during the initial medication adjustment phase.
- Our Nurse: Nurse Jules supports the doctors with follow ups, mental health care, and medication reviews. With a background as a mental health nurse, Nurse Jules has a wonderful sensitive approach to looking after you.
- Our Psychotherapeutic Counsellor: ADHD will have affected you in some way your entire life. Using an integrative-relational approach, Iwona, who is also a trauma specialist, will help support you if you need her on your own personal ADHD journey.
- Our Functional Nutritionist: A key player in ADHD management, the science of nutrition plays a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms. Emily is here to support and formulate nutritional and supplement plans designed around your unique body. Discover more about the science of functional nutrition.
When you choose us for your ADHD care, you’re choosing a whole team that combines the latest medical treatments with holistic support options. Dr Jenni and Dr Naomi are known not just for their expertise, but for their genuine compassion and understanding. Their unique approach that understands how closely ADHD and menopause can intersect is also an additional support to women. Every aspect of our service is thoughtfully designed to meet your specific needs, so you feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout your journey with us.
I need to know what happens after booking my appointment, what happens first?
Your ADHD journey begins with an assessment carried out by your choice of either the wonderful and caring Dr Jenni or Dr Naomi.
After your initial assessment and following detailed analysis by the wider ADHD team, you’ll attend a further diagnostic appointment. This is usually 4 weeks later. We’ll go through your diagnosis (which, it’s important to remember, may have alternative roots and not necessarily be ADHD). You’ll also receive full details in a documented report that you can keep for your records and/or share with your NHS GP.
During this appointment, if indicated, you’ll be given appropriate prescription medication. It’s also the time to schedule your complimentary counselling session that’s included in the ADHD assessment and treatment package if you would like to use it, we recommend you do even if you don’t think you’d need it, Iwona is amazing at what she does.
During this appointment, if indicated, you’ll be given appropriate prescription medication.
This will also be the time to schedule your complimentary online counselling session that’s included in the ADHD assessment and treatment package if you would like to use it. We recommend you do even if you don’t think you’d need it, Iwona is amazing at what she does and you can chat to her from the comfort of your own home.
Summary of your initial assessment:
- Book your appointment. Welcome video emailed to you.
- Initial assessment with Dr Jenni or Dr Naomi
- Diagnostic appointment 4 weeks later
- Prescription written (if indicated)
- Session with Iwona (if you’d like to) to discuss emotions around a diagnosis and any other issues that might come up for you
And that’s the initial assessment process complete!
What Happens Next?
If you choose to go ahead with starting medication, your doctor will discuss with you what’s known as the ‘adjustment phase’. When your prescription is given to you, it will be at the lowest dose and gradually increased over weeks until the desired effect with the least side effects is achieved. Pricing for your adjustment phase is below.
You will also unlock many other support options at this stage:
- Perimenopause and menopause support, such as a consultation with Dr Naomi via The Menopause Company at The Dr Jenni Clinic.
- Therapeutic support, such as functional nutrition appointments
- Further psychotherapeutic counselling support
- The ADHD Success Membership: a members-only subscription community designed to provide you with expert guidance, practical tools and a supportive environment that you need to thrive. COMING SOON
Why is ADHD Care so Important to Us?
- Dr Jenni: “ADHD is very close to my heart. I am deeply passionate about helping adults get an ADHD diagnosis without waiting months (and sometimes even years), whilst suffering with symptoms that might be affecting their home life, their job and mental wellbeing. To make a positive difference in people’s lives is my life’s work. Together we will raise awareness and dispel the myths surrounding an ADHD diagnosis.”
- Dr Naomi: “My passion for ADHD comes from a desire to help people live their best life. In many areas, access to Adult ADHD assessments is limited, and I believe everyone deserves the support they need. As a specialist in menopause, I’ve seen how perimenopause can unmask ADHD symptoms, which makes my work in both fields deeply connected and meaningful. I will be assessing, making diagnoses, prescribing medication, following up and supporting patients.”
- Nurse Jules: “I am passionate in providing individuals with knowledge, tools, and the confidence to embrace their unique thinking styles, and empowering them to achieve their full potential. I support patients as they navigate milestones and life experiences by providing a personalised and holistic approach to care.”
- Iwona: “Counselling and support play a vital role in helping men and women newly diagnosed with ADHD find their footing and feel understood. The diagnosis can often bring a whirlwind of emotions—relief, confusion, and even grief for what might have been missed in their past. As a trauma specialised psychotherapeutic counsellor, I love creating a warm, accepting space where people feel truly heard for the first time. I am passionate about guiding them to better understand their unique experiences and strengths, helping them embrace the possibilities that come with newfound clarity. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing clients grow more confident, kinder to themselves, and empowered to take on the world. This work fills me with hope and purpose because I believe everyone deserves to feel seen and supported exactly as they are.”
- Emily: “The extent to which whole-body nourishment, including nutrition, can support neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD is becoming more and more apparent. Our bodies are a wonderful web of inter-dependant systems, all working in tandem with one another all the time. The physical affects the mental and emotional, and vice versa (the gut-brain axis is a fabulous example of this; we know that our gut health is intricately linked with our mental health and the way we ‘see’ the world, and vice versa). My mission in life is to help support as many people as possible to live a vibrant, joyful life by assisting them with bespoke nutrition and lifestyle approaches to their health and wellbeing, taking into account their own unique biochemistry and enabling them to get the very best out of their precious bodies and minds.”
I’m Not Sure If I Have ADHD: What Should I Do?
We understand that if you’re at the stage of seeking an ADHD diagnosis, you’ve likely done a lot of research and already recognise many of the symptoms in yourself. You might be ready to take the next step and book an assessment.
We’re currently working on our own ‘Do I Have ADHD?’ quiz to help you get a better sense of whether booking an assessment is right for you. In the meantime, we recommend trying this online resource. Remember, while quizzes can be a helpful starting point, they aren’t a diagnosis – but they might give you more clarity on your next steps!
I think I am perimenopausal and may have ADHD, what should I do?
If you think you’re experiencing perimenopause and may also have ADHD, a great first step is to book an initial menopause consultation with Dr Naomi. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss all your concerns in detail. Dr Naomi can provide tailored support, address any symptoms you’re facing, and offer guidance on whether an ADHD assessment with us could be helpful for you. One of the wonderful aspects of being under the Dr Jenni Clinic is that we’re able to provide a truly holistic, joined-up approach – our team understands the close link between perimenopause and ADHD, and we’re here to support you through every step.
Take the First Step Towards a Better Life
It doesn’t matter what age you are or how many years you’ve coped. There is always a benefit to getting a definitive diagnosis and treatment, even if you don’t want to explore medication as an option.
No matter where you might be on your ADHD journey – from exploring potential symptoms to a definitive diagnosis and optimal treatment plan – the focus is on relieving symptoms and helping you to lead your best life.