Episode 96 - Understanding ADHD in Women: Diagnosis, Hormones, and Life Strategies
Why are so many women not realizing they have ADHD until their 20s, 30s, or even 40s? And why does it suddenly feel harder to manage over time? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Bailey Pilant, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified ADHD expert, who unpacks the often-overlooked realities of ADHD in women—from missed diagnoses to the very real impact of female hormones.
Together, their conversation explores the complexities of ADHD in women, especially in their 20s-40s, and the impacts ADHD can have on relationships, careers, and family life. We get into the nuances most people aren’t talking about. Throughout, Bailey shares personal insights along with practical, real-life ways to better understand and manage ADHD effectively without the shame or confusion so many women carry.
🎧Tune in now to learn about how ADHD presents differently in women, the role your hormones play, and how we can help better support those in our lives who are navigating our busy, on-the-go world with this condition.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to ADHD in Millennials
(01:54) Bailey's Journey and Specialization in ADHD
(07:51) Understanding ADHD: Stigmas and Misconceptions
(13:35) Statistics and Gender Disparities in ADHD Diagnosis
(19:08) ADHD Symptoms: Gender Differences and Life Stages
(24:22) Hormonal Influences on ADHD
(29:05) Pregnancy, ADHD, and Medication Management
(31:49) Perimenopause and ADHD Challenges
(33:03) Understanding ADHD and Hormonal Influences
(34:58) Navigating the Diagnosis Process
(38:01) Assessment and Evaluation for ADHD
(40:48) Therapeutic Approaches to ADHD
(44:42) Managing Daily Life with ADHD
(47:49) Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness
(49:41) ADHD in Romantic Relationships
(51:10) ADHD in the Workplace
(55:17) Balancing Home and Social Life
(57:08) Empowerment and Acceptance of ADHD
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
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Learn more about this episode's guest, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, Bailey Pilant at The Wave Counseling here: https://thewavecounseling.com/about
Follow her daily @ on her pages on Instagram and Tiktok.
*Bailey's Top Resources for Finding a Neurodivergent Therapist*ndtherapists.com and chadd.org
Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com
