Episode 60: Hormones And Hidden Neurodivergence

Menopause can feel like you woke up in a different brain, but what if the real story is that your brain has always worked this way and hormones are simply turning up the volume? We sit down with leadership coach and R.E.A.L Women founder Chellie Adler to talk about the often-missed link between perimenopause, menopause, and neurodivergence, especially ADHD in women and autism in women who were never identified in childhood.

We dig into what happens when estrogen shifts disrupt dopamine regulation and executive functioning, why your carefully built “scaffolding” of coping tools can suddenly collapse, and how that can show up as distractibility, emotional reactivity, sensory overload, and the infamous string of “side quests” that derails the day. Chellie also explains why many women finally recognize the pattern when their kids get evaluated, and how to think about screening tools like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) as a starting point rather than a diagnosis.

From there, we zoom out to the workplace: masking fatigue, burnout, and why so many experienced midlife women leave roles they’re actually great at. We talk practical supports for individuals (qualified evaluation, therapy with ADHD/autism training, medication options, executive function support, and how hormone therapy may help some women) and concrete accommodations employers can make, from lighting and temperature to benefits and culture.

If this conversation hits home, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more women can find the support and language they’ve been missing. What’s one change that would make your workday easier right now?

Chellie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in supporting women navigating ADHD and AuDHD, particularly those who have spent years feeling overlooked or misunderstood while appearing “fine” on the outside. Her work focuses on helping women better understand their brains through a neurodivergent-affirming lens so they feel validated, empowered, and supported.

At Everlasting Wellness LLC, Chellie provides ADHD assessments and therapy using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, executive functioning skill-building, and practical strategies to help clients manage anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and major life transitions.

Earlier in her career, Chellie worked across multiple areas of human services in New York, including at-risk youth, geriatric mental health, community colleges, and DOJ/OMH collaborations. Today, she is especially passionate about helping high-achieving individuals who carry significant responsibilities yet feel stretched thin find clarity, resilience, and sustainable ways to thrive.

Website: https://www.kristinswansonconsulting.com/

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

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