Perimenopause and ADHD share striking symptom overlap — poor focus, forgetfulness, emotional dysregulation, and time blindness — because both disrupt the same dopamine-driven brain systems. Poor sleep and midlife burnout can amplify the picture further.

If you’ve been forgetting words, losing your train of thought, or feeling mentally “foggy,” you’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone. One of the most surprising symptoms of perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes or mood changes.