597: The Food, Exercise, and Sleep Strategies Everyone With ADHD Should Know | Jolene Brighten, ND

ADHD in women often goes unrecognized because diagnostic criteria historically rely on the male archetype, leading to frequent misdiagnoses of anxiety or depression. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and perimenopause significantly impact symptom severity, as estrogen and progesterone influence neurochemistry and neuroinflammation. Women frequently employ high-energy masking and perfectionism to compensate for executive function challenges, a strategy that becomes unsustainable during hormonal transitions. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including protein-rich diets, resistant starches to support the microbiome, and consistent cardiovascular and strength training to maintain brain health. Dr. Jolene Brighten, author of *ADHD and Women*, highlights that understanding these biological and societal factors allows for targeted interventions, such as specific nutritional strategies and sleep hygiene, to help women navigate their unique neurodivergent experiences and improve long-term cognitive function.