Imagine feeling like an outsider in your own mind for 44 years, only to discover that ADHD was the silent architect of your struggles. On this episode, I recount my deeply personal journey of navigating ADHD medication while balancing my career as a functional and holistic practitioner. We’ll unpack the stigma and shame often associated with ADHD, and the exhausting act of masking to fit into societal norms. My late diagnosis flipped my world upside down, compelling me to explore what life could be like with--and without--medication.

In this episode, I share the emotional tug-of-war between fearing addiction and craving mental clarity. Delve into my extensive research on stimulant medications like Adderall, the potential side effects, and nutrient depletions that come with them. I reflect on how being a smart girl was like a tax that masked my struggles for so long, delaying not just my diagnosis, but the relief I could have felt sooner.

We’ll also discuss the practical side of managing ADHD medication, from dealing with side effects like headaches and sleep disturbances to deeper issues like cardiovascular health. I emphasize the importance of regular health check-ins, especially during perimenopause, and how these insights can educate other women going through similar journeys.