When Three Worlds Collide: PCOS, ADHD & Perimenopause in the Spotlight

Last month was PCOS Awareness Month. This month is ADHD Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month. It’s a powerful time to honour the overlap — the stories rarely told, and the healing pathways often overlooked.

Why this is important now

September highlighted PCOS Awareness Month, focusing on a condition affecting 6–13% of those of reproductive age worldwide, many of whom remain undiagnosed. Whilst October brings ADHD Awareness Month, with the 2025 theme "The Many Faces of ADHD," encouraging us to understand the diverse ways ADHD manifests in individuals. Additionally, October is Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day on October 18, emphasizing lifestyle medicine's role in shaping menopause experiences.

These months intentionally overlap, beautifully mirroring how these life stages and conditions intersect for many. They deserve our attention, conversation, and compassionate support.

Living through ADHD, PCOS, and perimenopause/menopause can feel like a lot to handle, as these conditions often overlap in ways that go unnoticed.

Hormonal changes can be quite challenging. PCOS may lead to increased androgens and insulin resistance, while menopause brings fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels. Both affect neurotransmitters like dopamine, which is key in ADHD.

Cognitive and emotional experiences may be heightened. “Brain fog,” memory issues, mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed can intensify when these conditions intersect.

Fatigue and metabolic challenges can arise. Insulin resistance in PCOS can worsen low energy, and hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect sleep, mood, and weight.

Recognizing these conditions in women can be delayed. ADHD is often overlooked in women, especially if hyperactivity isn't obvious. PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed, and menopause symptoms can be dismissed as normal. This means many women endure a mix of symptoms for years before they receive a diagnosis.

Emotional and identity challenges are part of the journey. Transitioning through these phases can bring feelings of grief for changes in fertility, cycles, and familiar body patterns, but also new opportunities. Feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed is common, but understanding these responses as valid can help shift the perspective from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What’s changing for me?”

How you can support yourself

When these conditions come together, simple strategies can be truly transformative. Here are some practices that promote balance, resilience, and self-trust—especially in October, a time of heightened awareness:

Nutrition & blood sugar - Consume protein, fibre, and low-glycaemic carbs and maintain regular meals. This steadies energy, supports insulin sensitivity, and enhances mood and focus

Movement & circulation - Engage in gentle strength exercises, walking, stretching, and yoga. This improves insulin response, supports hormonal balance and brain health

Sleep & rest - Establish a consistent bedtime, incorporate wind-down routines, and maintain control over sleep hygiene. This enhances memory, mood, and dopamine regulation

Emotional regulation & nervous system - Practice breathwork, EFT, journaling, and gentle somatic activities to ease overwhelm and bolster emotional resilience

Hormone-informed support - Consult with practitioners about HRT or hormone balance versus risks. Tailored hormone therapy (or alternatives) can ease menopausal transitions—monitor and adjust as needed

Community & narrative support - Share experiences, participate in support groups, workshops, or guided retreats. This will lessen the impact of isolation, validate your lived experiences, and provides fresh perspectives. A great place to start is "You, Me and the Menopause" a facebook group that also provides bi-monthly meet ups in Cirencester. I help to run this group and I'm proud of the community that we have built, including our Annual Menopause fayre, this year being held on Friday 24th October at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester.

How I Can Support You

At Cotswold Healing Therapies, I bring not only professional expertise but also personal understanding. Living with ADHD, PCOS, and perimenopause myself, I know how unpredictable and exhausting this combination can be — the brain fog, emotional swings, and the feeling that your body and mind no longer sync. It can be confusing and lonely. My work is about helping you bring those parts back into harmony — gently, without judgment, and in a way that honours your natural rhythm.
Through my Harmony Renewal Technique, I blend counselling, hypnotherapy, Reiki, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to support you holistically — calming your nervous system, restoring focus, and rebuilding balance from the inside out. Each session is tailored to where you are right now, whether you need grounding from hormonal chaos, clarity amidst the fog, or simply a safe space to breathe and be. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward with compassion and strength.

Finding yourself at the intersection of ADHD, PCOS, and perimenopause isn't a setback—it's an invitation. It's an opportunity to understand your body anew, to move with kindness, and to gather resources that respect your whole self.

If October (or any month) feels overwhelming, remember: awareness months aren't just for sharing facts; they’re for creating a space. They’re for believing in the importance of your changes and reminding you: you’re not alone, you’re not too much, and your unique experiences deserve care, curiosity, and healing.

Ready to Reconnect and Restore Balance?

If you’re living with ADHD, PCOS, or navigating perimenopause, you don’t have to face the journey alone. Together, we can create calm within the chaos — helping you understand your body’s signals, soothe emotional overwhelm, and rediscover a sense of ease and balance.
You can book a free discovery call or learn more about the Harmony Renewal Technique at www.cotswoldhealingtherapies.co.uk.

Take the first gentle step towards feeling more centred, focused, and in harmony with yourself.

With warmth and light

Jodie

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