Asking The Big Question: Is It Personality, or ADHD & Menopause?

Welcome to an enlightening episode where we challenge a lifetime of self-doubt, while giving you two podcasts for the price of one. Michelle and her guest, Jami Shapiro, the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, author of This Explains So Much, and host of the Grandma Has ADHD podcast engage in a unique and revealing conversation for both podcasts, about how a whole generation of women have been missed or misdiagnosed because ADHD symptoms in girls and women present differently than in hyperactive boys, often leading to internal struggles and burnout rather than visible behavioural issues. Jami's journey of discovery in midlife, prompted by her child's diagnosis, has sparked a massive "lightbulb moment" for thousands of women finally connecting the dots between their struggles and ADHD, especially as they navigate perimenopause and menopause. This episode offers powerful validation for anyone who has felt foggy, forgetful, emotional, or drained, or who has spent their entire life masking their true self just to cope. Listen to a conversation full of honesty, expert insights, and the deep, shared relief of finally understanding what’s really been going on. Jami Reveals How many women are only now discovering their ADHD because their symptoms often involved internalising struggles Why women with ADHD are more likely to experience severe PMS or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) Why hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can intensify existing ADHD symptoms, making them more noticeable How the lack of recognition for female ADHD is tied to historical societal pressures for women to "hold it together." Why this legacy links back to figures who were often institutionalised or even persecuted for behaviours now associated with midlife hormonal changes and neurodiversity How finding out about ADHD later in life can bring a period of grief, but also immense relief and acceptance. BEST MOMENTS "The reason you felt scattered, sensitive, or like you're just too much your whole life wasn't personality, but undiagnosed ADHD made worse by hormonal shifts." "You have been cobbling it together your entire life. Like, you didn't even know that you were building accommodations for yourself." "There's a forgiveness that comes, a gentleness that comes with yourself. That grace." "Don't try and get that person who you were before. You're evolving. You want to literally look forward and say, 'Right, who am I now?'" GUEST LINKS Jami Shapiro - https://www.jamishapiro.me HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk