This isn’t moodiness. This is medically induced rage—and it’s f*cking valid. In this episode, Sarah and Chrissy dive into the volcanic emotional fallout when perimenopause meets ADHD emotional dysregulation. We’re talking cortisol chaos, estrogen withdrawal, and a lifetime of masking suddenly going nuclear. Rage isn’t your enemy—it’s your data. And sometimes? It’s your power source. Topics covered:

• How dropping estrogen affects serotonin, cortisol, and your chill

• Why ND women hit the burnout wall HARD in midlife

• The connection between masking, medical gaslighting, and explosive emotion

• How rage becomes a message, not a malfunction

• Tools for using anger as clarity, not collateral damage

• Research cited:

  • Dr. Jen Gunter on hormone literacy and emotional dysregulation; Rage as valid emotional data

• • Dr. Louise Newson on midlife mood and HRT; motional regulation during hormonal decline, cortisol/serotonin impact

  • Rebecca Traister’s Good and Mad (cultural commentary on women’s rage)

  Feel like setting something on fire? Hit play first. Your rage isn’t too much—it’s exactly what this broken system needs to hear.

WE'RE ON A MISSION, and WE CAN'T DO IT ALONE.

ADHD PERI PUNKS is the rebel podcast set to empower women and lend support to those around them as they navigate the wild expedition of ADHD and perimenopause/menopause.
Blowing the roof off the stigma surrounding this arena, it's about embracing these natural states of being by owning your rant, accepting yourself, and raising awareness through shared experiences and knowledge.
We aim to create a punk community where authenticity reigns, and you can safely celebrate and express your neurodivergent, hormone-rockin' self.
Find us on Instagram @adhdperipunks

Your ADHD didn’t just get worse for no reason—your hormones set your dopamine supply on fire.
Perimenopause tanks estrogen, and estrogen is the unsung hero of your dopamine regulation. ADHD + per/menopause isn’t just a mess—it’s a biochemical betrayal.
We break it all down in this episode of ADHD PeriPunks—raw stories, real science, and survival tools.
🎧 Hit play, tag a fellow queen of chaos, and remember: you’re not batshit crazy... You’ve just been (hopefully just temporarily lol) hormonally hijacked.

• Dr. Lisa Mosconi – Research on menopause and brain function

  • The Menopause Brain (book)

  • Studies on estrogen and dopamine in female brains (e.g., Mosconi et al., 2017, Nature Reviews Neuroscience)

• Dr. Louise Newson – Hormonal influence on ADHD symptoms and need for HRT in perimenopause

  • www.balance-menopause.com

  • Podcast: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

• Dr. Jen Gunter – The Menopause Manifesto (book)

  • Critical of misinformation, emphasizes medical accuracy

• Other Scientific Concepts Mentioned:

  • Estrogen’s role in regulating dopamine and serotonin

  • Executive dysfunction exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations

In part 2 of this unfiltered two-part episode where Sarah and Chrissy get raw about what it’s really like trying to balance ADHD, perimenopause, and mental health while society screams “just try harder,” they continue to discuss various supplements and herbal remedies they have tried and/or currently take to help manage their ADHD and peri/menopause symptoms. They talk grief, hormones, autism crossovers, COVID brain fog, and why mindfulness isn’t a cure-all, and in part 2 you get a bonus tangent rant on capitalism, and of course, we can't seem to get through an episode without talking tits! No, we didn't know boobs would come up, but they somehow always do, so let's just proceed accordingly moving forward with this knowledge! This is your permission slip to burn the productivity rulebook, get curious about what works for you, and say fuck it to shame.

Part 2: Topics and key words include hot flashes, word recall, brain fog, early onset dementia, hair loss, autoimmune challenges, capitalism, and ... boobs.

Medications, Supplements, and support strategies mentioned:

NMN, NAD, Wellbutrin, Black cohosh, Turmeric, Moringa, DIM, Nutrafol, oral minoxidil (Rogaine), Vitamins D, K, and Omega 3, Cod liver oil, Collagen peptides, Verisol, Fortibone and Fortigel collagen types.

Reminder and disclaimer: The meds, supplements, natural remedies, and other support strategies mentioned in ADHD Peri Punks are not meant to replace professional medical advice. These conversations are based on the lived experiences of both Chrissy and Sarah, and their health interventions are their individual choices based on their unique body chemistries, specific health circumstances, and consultations with their individual physicians and therapists.

On the heels of episode 6 where Sarah shared about her biopsy for endometrial cancer, Sarah and Chrissy give a real-time health update from both their sides. Sarah discusses the most current test results and next steps, and only these two punks can turn potentially serious problems and stress into morbid comic relief with their maniacal laughter. This 12-minute bonus tidbit is tailor-made for us ADHDers... so short, we think even YOU might be able to get through the whole 12 minutes without zoning out and having to restart it. We believe in you!

Summary:

In this unfiltered two-part episode, Sarah and Chrissy get raw about what it’s really like trying to balance ADHD, perimenopause, and mental health—while society screams “just try harder.” From sleep-deprived chaos to med titration meltdowns, they rip into the stigma around ADHD meds, the fear-mongering around HRT, and the bullshit idea that supplements alone can “fix” you. They talk grief, hormones, autism crossovers, COVID brain fog, and why mindfulness isn’t a cure-all—but it sure beats yelling at your family. This is your permission slip to burn the productivity rulebook, get curious about what works for you, and say fuck it to shame.

Part 1: Topics and key words include stimulant meds, Bioidentical HRT (hormone replacement therapy), sleep, COVID, meltdowns, hormonal imbalances, ADHD, Autism, the fear and stigma surrounding medication, meditation, yoga, breath work, OCD, and supplements.

Medications, Supplements, and support strategies mentioned:

Ritalin (fast acting methylphenidate), Concerta (Extended release methylyphenidate), Estrogel, progesterone, magnesium cream, mushroom tinctures, black cohosh, chase tree

Reminder and disclaimer: The meds, supplements, natural remedies, and other support strategies mentioned in ADHD Peri Punks are not meant to replace professional medical advice. These conversations are based on the lived experiences of both Chrissy and Sarah, and their health interventions are their individual choices based on their unique body chemistries, specific health circumstances, and consultations with their individual physicians and therapists.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

This episode includes a discussion of a recent endometrial cancer scare, medical procedures, and the emotional toll of waiting for test results. We also explore themes of medical gaslighting, hormonal changes, and the mental health challenges faced by neurodivergent women. Please take care while listening.

Episode 6 summary:

In this powerful episode, Sarah shares the story of a recent endometrial cancer biopsy and the internalized urge to stay silent in order to protect others. Chrissy and Sarah unpack how women—especially ND women—are often conditioned to minimize their pain and navigate peri/menopause alone.

Together, they explore:

• The emotional strain of waiting for medical results

• Why women delay or avoid sharing serious health concerns

• The intersection of ADHD, hormonal shifts, and medical gaslighting

• The importance of self-advocacy, regular check-ups, and speaking up

• How partners, friends, and communities can show up with real support

• And why breaking the silence around women’s health isn’t just important—it’s life-saving.

This one’s honest, raw, and a reminder that none of us should have to suffer quietly. 💥

Episode 5 SUMMARY:

In this episode of ADHD Peri Punks, we dive into our journey of launching the podcast, discussing the intersection of ADHD and peri/menopause. We explore the importance of communication with partners, the impact of hormonal changes on mental health, and the need for education and awareness surrounding these topics. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we also emphasize the significance of open conversations and support systems for women navigating these challenges and the importance of not resisting and/or lying about our need for rest!