Happy & Healthy with Amy

Why ADHD in Women Often Goes Undiagnosed with Tracy Otsuka

• Amy Lang • Season 2 • Episode 10

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If you’ve ever thought, “What’s wrong with me?” while juggling a million thoughts, forgetting simple tasks, or burning out from doing all the things — you are not alone.

In today’s episode, with ADHD expert, podcast host, and author Tracy Otsuka, we explore how ADHD shows up so differently in women, how hormones like estrogen affect focus and dopamine — and why understanding your neurodivergent brain could be the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 What to Listen For

  • [7:00] How ADHD shows up differently in girls and women
  • [8:30] Why so many women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression
  • [10:45] The powerful connection between estrogen, dopamine, and brain function
  • [13:00] When “menopause brain” might actually be undiagnosed ADHD
  • [16:30] Amy’s story: When brain fog sent her searching for a diagnosis
  • [18:45] Brains of interest vs. discipline: what that really means
  • [20:15] ADHD isn’t a productivity issue — it’s about identity
  • [22:00] The emotional toll of feeling “lazy, crazy, or stupid” when undiagnosed
  • [25:15] Why midlife women are finally getting the ADHD answers they’ve needed
  • [27:45] How to thrive with ADHD by focusing on your strengths, not fixing yourself

ADHD in women often hides behind people-pleasing, perfectionism, and burnout — especially during perimenopause. This episode will give you the clarity, language, and validation you’ve been craving.

🔗 Important Links

🎧 Be sure to listen to the full episode, subscribe to the show, and share this with a friend who might be secretly struggling too.

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