ADHD In Women | with Emily Bathgate

By Naturopath Emily Bathgate, originally written for Wellness with Emily, shared with permission.

October marks ADHD Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that impacts millions of women worldwide – often silently, and often misunderstood.

As a naturopath, I spend much of my time helping women balance their hormones, support their nervous systems, and reconnect with their bodies. But it took me many years to fully understand one key part of my own health story – my neurodivergence.

In recent years, awareness of ADHD in women has grown dramatically. For good reason: many of us were missed in childhood, our symptoms masked by perfectionism, anxiety, or the pressure to perform. The reality is that ADHD often looks very different in women – and learning to recognise this can be truly life-changing.

How ADHD Shows Up in Women

While ADHD has long been associated with hyperactivity in young boys, women’s experiences tend to be quieter, more internalised – and frequently mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression, or dismissed as hormonal imbalances. 

COMMON SIGNS

• Racing thoughts or difficulty switching off
• Emotional intensity or sensitivity
• Chronic overwhelm or overcommitment
• Difficulty focusing, and starting or completing tasks
• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-criticism
• Time blindness
• Frequent burnout

For many, these symptoms intensify during periods of hormonal change – such as pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause, but even throughout the menstrual cycle – which adds to the reason so many women so often only discover their ADHD later in life.

 My Story

When I finally received my ADHD diagnosis in my early 30s, it was both validating and transformative. Suddenly, years of anxiety, exhaustion, and self-blame began to make sense.

As I came to understand my brain more deeply, I also began supporting more neurodivergent women in clinic – helping them recognise how ADHD can influence not only their mental and emotional health, but also their hormones, gut health, skin, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

Medication has been a helpful part of my own management, alongside herbal and nutritional supports, lifestyle changes, and ongoing self-compassion. The goal is never to “fix” ourselves – but to understand and support our unique wiring.

A Holistic Approach to Neurodiversity

Naturopathic care for women with ADHD focuses on the body–brain connection: supporting the nervous system, balancing hormones, optimising digestion and nutrient absorption, and calming inflammation. Through evidence-based nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system support, it’s possible to create stability and clarity while embracing the strengths of a neurodivergent mind.

The Takeaway

ADHD in women often hides behind organisational systems, perfectionism, or persistent burnout. Awareness and self-understanding are the first steps toward healing. If you suspect ADHD or are navigating a new diagnosis, know that you’re not alone – and that there are holistic ways to support your health and wellbeing. I’m passionate about helping neurodivergent women understand their bodies, manage their symptoms, and reconnect with their confidence and calm.

If you need some individualised guidance and support, you can book an initial consultation with Emily here

Naturopath Emily Bathgate offers compassionate, evidence-based care for skin, gut, hormone, mood, and neurodivergent health. With a holistic and nurturing approach, she supports women in understanding their bodies, calming the nervous system, and restoring balance — empowering each patient toward clearer skin, steadier moods, and lasting wellbeing.