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 & Introduction03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults24:20 —ADHD & the Menstrual Cycle27:26 —Estrogen, Progesterone & Dopamine34:17 —ADHD During Pregnancy35:35 —Why Sleep Deprivation Can Mimic ADHD40:36 —How Pregnancy Changes the Brain42:01 —The Postpartum ADHD Crash44:36 —ADHD, Breastfeeding & Prolactin45:45 —Supporting ADHD Postpartum50:19 —ADHD-Friendly Systems That Actually Help52:21 —Finding Joy When You're Overwhelmed55:43 —Is It ADHD or Just Motherhood Overload?58:25 —ADHD Medication: When Is It Worth Considering?60:40 —Supplements & Natural ADHD Support65:24 —ADHD, Irritability & PMDD66:36 —ADHD & Perimenopause67:17 —Building Systems Around Your Brain70:08 —Caffeine & ADHD71:47 —Screens, Dopamine & ADHD75:17 —The Biggest Takeaway for Moms With ADHD Resources From This Episode:Dr. Carrie's Website- adhdetails.com Dr. Carrie's Instagram- www.instagram.com/adhdetailsSmart but Scattered book- https://amzn.to/3RtakE8 The Radical Guide for Women with ADHD book- https://amzn.to/3PUJdS0 Your Brain Is Not Broken book- https://amzn.to/4dYcYdI Do Less book- https://amzn.to/49YznFl Finch app- https://finchcare.com/mobileTrello app- https://trello.com/ClickUp app- https://try.web.clickup.com/qcca0vh17mp2Skylight calendar- https://tidd.ly/4s8VJe9 Get some of the supplements(creatine, L-tyrosine, pharmaGABA, L-theanine, lion's mane)recommended for 15% off on Fullscript- https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mmacdermott/store-startUse code HEALTHYMOTHER to get a discount on Needed Stress Support- https://www.thisisneeded.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHER Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | Website Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond