Episode 61 - ADHD or Perimenopause? The Hidden Symptoms Women Miss for Decades
Description
What if the brain fog, memory slips, overwhelm, and emotional ups and downs you’ve blamed on “getting older”…weren’t aging at all?
In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami sits down with UK-based author and menopause expert Michelle Rowlinson for a raw, funny, and incredibly validating conversation about ADHD in midlife, perimenopause, and why so many women spend decades thinking it's just them.
Together, they swap stories, compare symptoms, and unpack why women over 40 and 50 are suddenly discovering ADHD—sometimes right alongside perimenopause. From misdiagnoses to masking, burnout, emotional spirals, and the lifelong feeling of being “too much,” this conversation hits home for so many women navigating this season of life.
Michelle also shares her journey from seven years of unexplained symptoms (heart palpitations, insomnia, weight gain, panic attacks, and even memory lapses so scary she wondered if she had dementia) to discovering perimenopause and writing her bestselling book You, Me, Conquering Perimenopause and Menopause.
Whether you’re diagnosed, questioning, or simply curious, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and way less alone.
If you enjoyed this episode…Please follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.
ADHD doesn’t have an age limit—and neither does understanding yourself better. 💛
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- Michelle’s Podcast: Menopause: The Real Deal (Spotify & Apple)
- Michelle’s Book: You, Me, Conquering Perimenopause and Menopause — available on Amazon
- Michelle’s website: panaceapaws.co.uk
- Jami’s Book: This Explains So Much: Understanding Undiagnosed ADHD by Jami Shapiro — available on Amazon
- Jami’s Website: jamishapiro.me — Join the Black Friday Workshop— the most money you will ever save on Black Friday
Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.
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