Why are so many women being diagnosed with ADHD in midlife? and what does menopause have to do with it?

In this episode, Michelle chats with Women’s Psychologist Leanne Mulheron about the rising awareness of ADHD in midlife women, and how it often overlaps with menopause. As more women begin to wonder if their symptoms are more than just hormonal changes, there’s a growing understanding that ADHD may be part of the picture.

Leanne shares why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life, and what that means emotionally, socially, and medically. They also explore the link between ADHD and PMDD, the role of hormones and medication, and therapeutic strategies that can help women feel more in control and supported.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it just brain fog - or something more?” this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• ADHD symptoms in women are frequently masked, which can delay diagnosis.
• Medication is not one-size-fits-all and must be carefully managed.
• Social interactions can be draining and overwhelming for women with ADHD.
• PMDD and ADHD share neurotransmitter dysregulation and often overlap.
• Therapeutic strategies can improve quality of life and emotional regulation.
• Many with ADHD excel in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Empathy and resilience are common characteristics in those with ADHD.
• Cortisol levels can impact the ability to relax and sleep effectively.

If you’d like to connect with Leanne to learn more, you can reach her at Affinity Psychology

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend or someone who might need to hear this conversation. The more we talk about ADHD and midlife, the more supported women will feel.

I’d also love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com.

If you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

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• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Imagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities. How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown? Well, today’s guest is anything but scared of having a go. Monique van Tulder took the leap. She stepped away from her busy life, not to escape, but to reconnect with herself, recharge, and rediscover who she truly is.

Monique’s gap year wasn’t about running away from life, it was about creating the time and space she needed for self-reflection and personal growth. Her journey not only gave her the clarity she needed but also inspired her to write A Grown Up’s Gap Year. In her book, Monique shares how taking time for yourself, embracing change, and stepping into the unknown can lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want from life.

Monique offers practical advice for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed, reminding us that it’s never too late to make a change. Sometimes, all it takes is asking, "Why not now?"

To follow Monique’s journey and get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year, visit her on Instagram.

Takeaways:

• Self-care is essential for personal well-being.
• Traveling alone can be a transformative experience.
• Midlife is a time for self-discovery and change.
• Confidence grows when you prioritise your own needs.
• It’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve you.
• Asking 'why not now?' can motivate action.

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

So many women in midlife find themselves thinking, “What happened to my sex drive?” Whether it feels like it’s gone on a long holiday or disappeared completely, it’s something that’s often joked about, but rarely talked about honestly.

In this episode, I chat with Amy Campbell, a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and author of The Mindful Sex Guide, about the very real challenges women face around sex, desire, and intimacy during midlife. We explore everything from the impact of menopause and hormonal shifts, to the mental load, body image, and relationship dynamics that can quietly affect your libido.

Amy shares what’s really going on beneath the surface, how to start reconnecting with your sexual self, and why it’s never too late to redefine what pleasure and intimacy look like. We also unpack the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire (hint: if you're waiting to feel like it, you might be waiting a looooooooong time).

This conversation is all about removing the shame, breaking down myths, and giving women the tools to feel empowered and connected, both to themselves and their partners.

Key takeaways:
• Libido changes in midlife are common and normal.
• Menopause isn’t the only factor impacting desire.
• Stress, relationship dynamics, and body image all play a role.
• Understanding responsive vs. spontaneous desire is key.
• Pleasure doesn’t have to mean performance or pressure.
• Intimacy can (and should) evolve as we age.
• Many women were raised with shame around sex.
• Communication and curiosity are vital in long term relationships.
• Mindful sex can help women feel more present and connected.
• Your sexuality doesn’t disappear with age - it can deepen.

This episode is an honest, empowering reminder that it’s okay to ask questions, get curious, and prioritise your sexual wellbeing, no matter what age or stage you're at. So here’s to discovering more sexy time in midlife!

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Michelle x