On this week's Summer ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit Episode, Kate is joined by Elizabeth (Lizzy) Swan, a teacher, coach, and education consultant with over 20 years of experience in neurodiversity and SEND education. As a former headteacher and qualified SENDCo, Lizzy now supports children and families navigating neurodivergence, specialising in ADHD, autism, executive functioning, and emotional wellbeing.
In this conversation, Lizzy shares her journey with undiagnosed ADHD and how it shaped her experiences with PMDD, perinatal depression, and mood dysregulation. We explore the emotional toll of feeling out of control, and how understanding the link between hormones and ADHD can lead to better support, self-advocacy, and wellbeing, for ourselves and the next generation.
My new book, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, is now available, grab your copy here!
What You'll Learn:
- The link between ADHD in women, migraines, sleep issues, and risky behaviours
- How PMDD and hormone fluctuations (such as progesterone and oestrogen shifts) intensify ADHD symptoms
- The impact of premenstrual mood changes on emotional dysregulation
- The importance of finding the right ADHD medication, titration, and exploring HRT for hormonal balance
- How supportive GPs and tailored treatment plans can transform care for women with ADHD
- Research connecting ADHD to perinatal or postnatal depression, including third-trimester anxiety
- Tools for managing ADHD and hormones, such as mood tracking apps, dietary changes, and working with specialists to reduce shame and increase support
- The power of self-belief, education, and trial and error are key to ADHD wellbeing
Timestamps:
- 1:50 – Lizzie’s Personal Experience of Hormonal Changes and ADHD
- 4:58 – The Emotional Impact of Living With PMDD
- 6:32 – Understanding Hormone Fluctuations Across the Menstrual Cycle
- 8:00 – How to Get Better Medical Support for ADHD and Hormonal Health
- 9:19 – ADHD Medications and Hormonal Considerations
- 12:37 – Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to Support ADHD Symptoms
- 13:34 – Research Exploring ADHD and Perinatal/Postnatal Depression
- 17:45 – Tips for Managing Hormonal ADHD Symptoms
If you’ve ever felt lost in your cycle, dismissed by professionals, or unsure how to support yourself or your daughter, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Links and Resources:
- Join the Waitlist for my new ADHD community-first membership launching in September! Get your exclusive founding member offer [here].
- Find my popular ADHD workshops and resources on my website [here].
- Follow the podcast on Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_pod
- Connect with Elizabeth via her website or find her on