In this enlightening and deeply relatable episode, Michelle Ford sits down with Dr Helen Wall - GP, women’s health advocate and neurodiversity specialist — to unpack why so many women are being diagnosed (or self-diagnosing) with ADHD in midlife.
Together, they explore how fluctuating hormones, juggling life in the sandwich generation, and seeing their children diagnosed are prompting many women to finally recognise traits in themselves. But this isn’t about “jumping on a trend” - it’s about understanding how ADHD can show up differently in women, and why it’s been hidden for so long.
Dr Helen shares how similar symptoms in peri menopause - like forgetfulness, mood swings and overwhelm - can make things even more confusing, and offers surprising insight into how your old school reports might actually hold the key to telling the difference.
From practical advice on getting the most out of your GP appointment to discovering the positives of an ADHD brain - creativity, energy and empathy - this conversation is empowering, informative and full of lightbulb moments.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggles with focus, organisation or burnout could mean more than “just hormones,” this episode will help you make sense of it all - and take practical steps toward understanding yourself better.
🎙️ Key Insights:
- Why so many midlife women are only now recognising ADHD
- How to tell the difference between ADHD and perimenopause symptoms
- The upsides of an ADHD brain (and how to make them work for you)
- How to prepare for and navigate your doctor’s appointment
- Why diagnosis can be the first step toward empowerment and self-compassion
Resources:
📘 Learn more about Dr Helen Wall’s work and advocacy: drhelenwall.com Her book Menopause and ADHD: How to navigate hormone flux and neurodivergence is out in May 2026.
📸 Follow Dr Helen on Instagram: @doctorhelenwall
Connect with Us:
🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com
📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc
🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo
📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting
🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0
🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.
👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.
🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
Keywords: ADHD, women with ADHD, burnout, masking behaviour, neurodiversity, mental health, societal expectations, undiagnosed ADHD, gender and neurodiversity, women’s health, empowerment, female ADHD, midlife women, healthcare inequality, Two Women Chatting podcast
👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.
Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com
Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...
Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook
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