ADHD, Women’s Health, and Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Jolene Brighten (Ep 99)

Episode 99: ADHD, Women’s Health, and Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Jolene BrightenWhat if the brain fog, overwhelm, forgetfulness, trouble focusing, or emotional intensity you’ve been blaming on hormones or autoimmune disease has another layer to it?In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and bestselling author Dr. Jolene Brighten for a conversation about ADHD through the lens of women’s hormones, brain health, and autoimmune disease.Together, they explore why ADHD can look different in women and why so many women aren’t diagnosed until later in life. They discuss how ADHD symptoms can shift throughout the menstrual cycle and become especially challenging during perimenopause, as well as the complex relationship between hormones, inflammation, the gut, and the brain. Dr. Brighten also shares her perspective on hormone replacement therapy for women with ADHD, practical ways to support the microbiome, and simple strategies for making nutrition, movement, and daily life more ADHD-friendly.In this episode, you'll learn:Why ADHD often looks different in women and can go undiagnosed for decadesWhat’s happening in the ADHD brain beyond problems with attentionHow estrogen, progesterone, and the menstrual cycle can influence ADHD symptomsWhy perimenopause may reveal ADHD that was previously masked or well-compensatedWhat women with ADHD should know about hormone replacement therapyWhat we know about the relationship between ADHD, inflammation, and autoimmune diseaseHow gut health and food sensitivities may interact with ADHD symptomsPractical strategies for nutrition, movement, and reducing overwhelm with ADHDResources:Book: ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene BrightenADHD and Women resources and bonuses: drbrighten.com/adhdinwomenPodcast: The Dr. Brighten ShowFollow Dr. Jolene Brighten: @drjolenebrightenEpisode Timeline:00:00 – ADHD, hormones, and autoimmune disease01:59 – Introducing Dr. Jolene Brighten04:10 – How ADHD presents in women06:48 – What is going on in an ADHD brain?11:19 – How ADHD symptoms change throughout the menstrual cycle16:42 – How perimenopause affects ADHD24:57 – How HRT can affect the ADHD brain33:44 – The relationship between autoimmune disease and ADHD37:58 – How to “microdose your microbiome”43:12 – Food sensitivities and ADHD45:54 – How to tackle overwhelm with ADHD49:40 – Wrap-up and closing