ADHD in Motherhood: How Hormones, Pregnancy & Postpartum Affect Your Brain with Dr. Carrie McMillin | #181

ADHD can look very different in women and motherhood: hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and postpartum can dramatically change how those symptoms show up. In this episode, we’re joined by integrative ADHD specialist Dr. Carrie McMillin to unpack the ADHD brain, including executive function, task initiation, working memory, hyperfocus, dopamine, and emotional regulation.

We dive into how estrogen and progesterone interact with dopamine throughout the menstrual cycle, why some women notice more ADHD symptoms during the luteal phase, and what can happen during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. McMillin explains why the postpartum period can be especially challenging, including the effects of the dramatic estrogen drop, prolactin, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the increased demands of caring for a baby.

We also discuss how to distinguish ADHD from normal motherhood overwhelm, anxiety, and sleep deprivation; how ADHD is diagnosed in adults; medications and supplements; iron, B vitamins, L-tyrosine, and other potential supports; the importance of building systems around your individual executive-function struggles; and why small sources of genuine joy can be an important part of supporting your brain.

Finally, we talk about perimenopause, irritability and PMDD, caffeine, screen time, and practical ways women with ADHD can work with their brains instead of constantly fighting against them. The biggest takeaway? Understanding what's happening in your brain can replace shame with self-compassion and help you build systems that actually work for you.

00:00 —Trailer & Introduction

03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken

06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD

11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function

12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine

14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory

19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms

21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults