Episode #370: PMS, Pregnancy, Perimenopause: How Estrogen Hijacks the ADHD Brain

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Dr. Patricia Quinn

About This Episode

This is one of the most downloaded episodes of the I Have ADHD Podcast—and for good reason.

In this powerful conversation, Kristen sits down with Dr. Patricia Quinn, a leading expert on ADHD in women and girls, to unpack the missing link so many of us were never taught about: estrogen and the ADHD brain.

If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms fluctuate wildly throughout the month, worsened during pregnancy or postpartum, or suddenly became unmanageable in your late 30s or 40s—this episode explains why. Dr. Quinn breaks down how hormonal changes directly impact neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and what that means for focus, mood, emotional regulation, and medication effectiveness.

Even though this episode was recorded a few years ago, the information is timeless—and still deeply validating for women navigating ADHD across different life stages.

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Learning About My Brain...

Changed Everything

Hi, I’m Kristen Carder—ADHD expert, podcast host, and certified coach who’s been exactly where you are. Diagnosed at 21, I spent years cycling through planners, courses, and systems that never quite worked. Everything changed when I discovered the power of understanding my ADHD brain and the transformative impact of community support.

Now, after 15+ years of research and experience, I’ve helped thousands of adults with ADHD thrive. I’m here to show you how understanding your brain can transform your life, just like it did for mine.

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