Episode 339: Invisible ADHD in Women: Dopamine, Overthinking, and Why Symptoms Spike in Perimenopause with Shanna Pearson

Host Erin Kerry Erin sits down with Shanna Pearson, founder of the world’s largest ADHD coaching company, to unpack the hidden reality of ADHD in women—especially those who have gone undiagnosed for decades. They explore how ADHD often presents differently in women, why it’s frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression, and how hormonal changes in perimenopause can intensify symptoms due to shifts in dopamine and estrogen levels. You’ll learn how mental restlessness, overthinking, and emotional dysregulation are connected to brain chemistry—not personal failure—and why managing ADHD requires more than just willpower or hormone support. This conversation also dives into practical tools for managing overwhelm, improving focus, working with your natural rhythms, and creating systems that actually work for the ADHD brain. If you’ve ever felt scattered, overstimulated, or stuck in cycles of overthinking, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next. Key Topics: - How ADHD shows up differently in women - Misdiagnosis: ADHD vs anxiety and depression - Dopamine, estrogen, and perimenopause - Mental restlessness and overthinking cycles - Emotional dysregulation and low dopamine - Stimulus-seeking behaviors (doom scrolling, distraction) - Time management and working with your energy rhythms - Sleep, ADHD medication, and nervous system impact - Practical systems for email, tasks, and home overwhelm - Why ADHD management is skill-based—not just hormonal Links Mentioned: Website: adhdcoaching.com Book: Invisible ADHD Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/