For Years She Thought She Was Just Too Sensitive Until She Learned It Was ADHD and PMDD

Katelyn vividly remembers the day her third-grade teacher moved her desk to face the wall, labeling her "lazy" because she struggled in math.

"I remember feeling so defeated because I truly could not grasp multiplication. I thought, 'I'm just dumb,'" Katelyn recalls. But this moment, while painful, marked the beginning of her path toward understanding her brain and ultimately led to her early ADHD diagnosis - similar to ADHD coach Kelly B.

Early Symptoms of ADHD in Girls

ADHD symptoms in girls sometimes differ from boys, contributing to underdiagnosis. Katelyn excelled in many subjects but had profound difficulty with math.

"My teacher would get so frustrated because she saw me excel in certain areas and then fail terribly in math," says Katelyn. Her emotional sensitivity was also heightened, often dismissed by others as simply being overly emotional or "too sensitive."

The Importance of Early ADHD Diagnosis

Katelyn credits her early diagnosis to her parents' awareness, partly due to her older sister’s Down syndrome and ADHD. After noticing similarities, they sought an evaluation at a university clinic, which involved extensive testing.

"My mom talked to my teacher, who became a lot more forgiving afterward."

Her diagnosis allowed for a greater understanding among teachers and parents. "My mom talked to my teacher, who became a lot more forgiving afterward," Katelyn shares.

Life with ADHD Medication'

Initially treated with medications like Concerta and Adderall, Katelyn found these helpful for school, particularly in math. Yet, the journey was complex.

"If I had too high of a dose, I was a robot and lost my sparkle," she says. ADHD medications also brought unwanted side effects, including insomnia, irritability, and emotional crashes.

Seeking Holistic ADHD Treatments as an Adult

As she grew older, Katelyn explored alternative treatments, feeling medication made her reliant and altered her natural personality. Her turning point came after experiencing severe hormonal fluctuations following a miscarriage.

"My ADHD symptoms were so exacerbated. I was constantly sad or mad, experiencing paralysis and even suicidal thoughts," she reveals.

She sought holistic care with naturopath Dr. Oling, who validated her struggles and linked them clearly to ADHD and hormonal imbalance. Under his guidance, she began taking tailored supplements, significantly improving her emotional stability, focus, and sleep. Key supplements included a magnesium complex, phosphatidylserine for focus, and L-theanine and valerian root for improved sleep.

"Taking supplements was life-changing because it didn’t mess with my hormones," Katelyn emphasizes. "I can tell when I'm not taking them."

Lifestyle Changes to Manage ADHD

Alongside supplements, regular exercise has become a critical part of Katelyn's strategy for managing her ADHD. "I can tell a difference when I'm exercising regularly," she notes. "Mentally, I'm happier. It regulates me."

Diet also plays a significant role. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods helps manage symptoms, while processed foods exacerbate them. "When I'm eating junk, my symptoms are way worse," Katelyn shares candidly.

The Connection between ADHD, PMDD, and Hormones

In addition to lifestyle factors, hormonal disorders can have a tremendous effect on women with ADHD, according to numerous studies.

"It's just crazy how these little things in women correlate with ADHD and hormones."

Katelyn experiences Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), linked closely with her ADHD. When her ADHD and PMDD arise, her mood swings intensify dramatically. "I would get seriously suicidal out of nowhere," Katelyn says. "It's just crazy how these little things in women correlate with ADHD and hormones."

Again, supplements made a significant impact, reducing the intensity and frequency of PMDD episodes.

Specifically, her regimen included a magnesium complex that significantly improved her sleep and relaxation, phosphatidylserine for enhanced focus and energy, and L-theanine and valerian root, taken at night to support restful sleep. Additionally, she incorporated holy basil, red clover, and a supplement specifically designed for ADHD symptoms called "Excess."

Advice for Women with ADHD

"ADHD can be frustrating, but I like my personality. I like that I think differently.”

Reflecting on her lifelong journey with ADHD, Katelyn strongly advises other women to advocate fiercely for themselves. "You're not broken," she stresses. "You're just different. If your doctor isn't listening, find a new one who will take you seriously."

She credits much of her recent understanding and community support to women sharing their stories on platforms like TikTok. "I learned more from TikTok than from traditional doctors about ADHD," Katelyn says.

For Katelyn, ADHD is now something she views with compassion rather than frustration. It's part of who she is—a component of her creativity, passion, and sensitivity. She shares, "ADHD can be frustrating, but I like my personality. I like that I think differently.”