For too long, ADHD was thought to be a condition that primarily affected boys and men. However, research and lived experiences have shown that ADHD impacts women just as significantly, albeit often differently.
Women have historically been underdiagnosed, overlooked, and misunderstood when it comes to ADHD, leaving many feeling unseen and unsupported.
At So Nutrition, we’re committed to changing that narrative by addressing the powerful role of nutrition and the intersection of hormonal fluctuations, dopamine imbalance, and the everyday realities of life with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD in women
ADHD manifests differently in women, often making it harder to recognise. While boys are typically diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, many women go undiagnosed until adulthood, often when life’s demands become overwhelming or after one of their children receives an ADHD diagnosis. Symptoms such as inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty with time management are frequently misunderstood or misattributed to other causes, leading women to struggle in silence.
Key symptoms of ADHD in women include:
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Difficulty focusing, organising and following through on tasks
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An internal sense of hyperactivity, described as “a million thoughts a minute”
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Forgetfulness in daily activities, losing items or feeling overwhelmed by mental clutter
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Rejection sensitivity, anxiety or feelings of inadequacy
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Exhaustion from masking symptoms and working twice as hard to meet societal expectations
While ADHD presents challenges, it’s essential to remember that it is not a failing or a flaw. Many women with ADHD experience incredible creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. By understanding and addressing the hurdles, we can focus on solutions to help you thrive.
The unique challenges women face
The lived experiences of women with ADHD often reflect a complex interplay of societal pressures, gender roles and hormonal changes. At So Nutrition, we recognise how these challenges intertwine with nutrition and the essential role it plays in addressing both physical and mental health:
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Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can amplify ADHD symptoms. These shifts impact mood, energy levels and even appetite regulation. Our nutrition-first approach helps mitigate these effects, targeting hormone balance through tailored advice on key nutrients and meal timing
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Food preparation and shopping: ADHD-related executive function challenges can sometimes make meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking feel like monumental tasks. We offer simple, practical strategies to reduce decision fatigue and make mealtimes manageable without adding stress
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Emotional eating and appetite: Dopamine-seeking behaviours often lead to emotional eating, cravings, or inconsistent eating patterns. By understanding the link between ADHD, dopamine and diet, we provide solutions that nurture a healthy relationship with food
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Family dynamics: Managing family meals while navigating ADHD and hormonal changes can feel overwhelming. We provide easy-to-follow, family-friendly nutrition advice to support you and your loved ones while reducing the burden on your mental load
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Burnout from masking: The effort of masking ADHD symptoms, coupled with societal pressures to be organised and composed, can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Nutrition plays a critical role in replenishing your body and building resilience against stress.
Introducing Bloom: A course for women with ADHD
In collaboration with Lift Nutrition, a hormone specialist, we’ve created Bloom – a self-guided course designed specifically for women with ADHD navigating the menopause transition.
If you would like to find out more about this life-changing course, click here
