Episode

Episode 216 - Is It Brain Fog… or ADHD?

Podcast
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast
Published
May 6, 2026
Duration seconds
2780
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/
Audio
https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5fdec520-a865-45ea-a154-766961c30d65.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/the-menopause-and-cancer-podcast-5554044/episodes/episode-216-is-it-brain-fog-or-adhd
Markdown
/podcast/the-menopause-and-cancer-podcast-5554044/episode-216-is-it-brain-fog-or-adhd.md

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Summary

In this episode, I’m joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Helen Wall, and we’re exploring something that so many of you have been talking about in our community — struggling with brain fog, focus, memory, total overwhelm, and that feeling of just not feeling like you can manage anymore. We often call it brain fog. But what if, for some of us, it could be something more? Today, we’re diving into ADHD in women, and how it can show up — or become more noticeable — during menopause and after, especially cancer treatment. Because the reality is, many women are only being diagnosed later in life. And for those of us navigating sudden menopause, hormonal changes, and the impact of cancer treatment, it can feel even more confusing to understand what’s really going on in our brains. This episode is here to help you make sense of it all. We also talk about: How do I know what’s what? Does lifestyle help my ADHD brain? Can you take ADHD medication after cancer? And so much more. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:55 Discussing menopause and mental load 10:04 Navigating neurodivergence and perimenopause 16:24 ADHD, oestrogen, and perimenopause link 17:58 The impact of menopause on brain function 22:38 Lack of education on female hormones 25:43 Understanding ADHD in women and girls 28:07 Challenges with post-cancer employment and support 34:08 ADHD medication challenges and support 39:24 ADHD and diet considerations 44:45 Navigating ADHD and menopause You can find Helen’s book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X And this is Helen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorhelenwall/ Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website:  www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menop…