In this episode of Celebrity Menopause, we dive into one of the most common — and most misunderstood — symptoms of perimenopause: overwhelm, mental load, and the sudden appearance of ADHD-like symptoms in your 40s.

If you’ve been feeling scattered, overstimulated, forgetful, frazzled, or like your brain has 47 tabs open at all times — especially during the Christmas and holiday rush — this episode explains exactly why.

Dr Golda breaks down what’s happening in the perimenopausal brain, why fluctuating hormones affect dopamine and executive function, and why December’s emotional and sensory load makes everything feel louder, heavier and harder to organise.

With warmth, humour and science, this episode gives you simple, compassionate ways to support yourself during midlife overwhelm — without guilt, pressure or perfectionism.

⭐ What We Cover (keywords included)

• Why overwhelm in perimenopause is biological, not a personality flaw
• The link between oestrogen fluctuations and focus, motivation & memory
• Why perimenopause can mimic ADHD in midlife women
• How dopamine changes in your 40s affect organisation and emotional regulation
• Why the Christmas mental load worsens overwhelm and anxiety
• How sensory overload hits harder in perimenopause
• Practical, gentle strategies to feel calmer and more grounded
• Why you're not “losing it” — your brain is recalibrating during perimenopause

⭐ Want personalized menopausal support?

If you're experiencing overwhelm, brain fog, anxiety, sleep changes or ADHD-like symptoms during perimenopause and want individual medical guidance, you can book a private consultation with me.

👉 Book an appointment:

https://www.drgolda.com

I provide holistic, evidence-based midlife care as a dual board-certified doctor (UK & Canada) and medical menopause specialist with a special interest in perimenopause, menopause and midlife mental health.

⭐ Join my Email List (free midlife education)

Get weekly, simple explanations about hormones, mood, sleep, libido, metabolism and perimenopause science — written for busy women who want clarity, not overwhelm.

👉 Sign up here:

https://plain-king-16979.myflodesk.com/tgxleva567

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for general information and education only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this episode does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Never delay seeking medical advice because of something you hear on this podcast.