Creativity. ADHD. Perimenopause. My Quirky Little Brain Explained.
- May 1
- 2 min read
There's a certain magic -- and sometimes a certain madness -- to living inside a creative brain. Throw in ADHD tendencies and the wild rollercoaster of perimenopause, and you have a beautiful, chaotic storm that's somehow still standing.
If you've ever wondered "Why do I feel brilliant and broken at the same time?" -- you're not alone. And you're not broken.
The Creative Brain and ADHD: What the Science Says
Studies show that people with ADHD traits often have higher levels of divergent thinking -- meaning, the ability to generate multiple solutions and ideas (White & Shah, 2006). Their brains are wired for exploration, not linear thinking.
Traits often seen:
- Rapid idea generation
- Intense bursts of focus (hyperfocus)
- Struggles with routine tasks but thriving in high-energy, creative problem solving
- Sensory sensitivity and emotional intensity
It's not a flaw. It's a different operating system. Creativity isn't just a byproduct. It's a survival skill.
Enter: Perimenopause
Now, add in perimenopause -- the phase when estrogen and progesterone start fluctuating in the years before menopause. Hormones don't just regulate fertility -- they play a massive role in:
- Brain function (cognition, memory, focus)
- Mood regulation (anxiety, depression, irritability)
- Energy levels (fatigue, motivation swings)
When estrogen dips, brain fog, anxiety spikes, and executive function glitches can feel
overwhelming (Mosconi et al., 2021).
Why Understanding This Matters
It's not you being lazy or broken. It's your brain adapting to powerful internal shifts.
Strategies for Thriving with a Creative, Perimenopausal Brain
- Externalize everything -- planners, sticky notes, voice memos.
- Move your body daily -- boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (Cotman et al., 2007).
- Prioritize rest, not just sleep.
- Embrace your rhythms -- powerhouse days and puddle days.
- Lean into your strengths -- creativity, sensitivity, resilience.
Final Thought
Your quirky little brain isn't a problem to fix. It's a force to honor. Even in the swirling storms of
change -- creativity, ADHD traits, and perimenopause combined -- there is a genius in the chaos and a deep, fierce longevity being built day by day.
You're not falling apart. You're becoming something even more extraordinary.
References:
- White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2006). Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with ADHD.
- Mosconi, L., Berti, V., & Dyke, J. P. (2021). Brain changes during the perimenopause and
menopause transition.
- Cotman, C. W., et al. (2007). Exercise builds brain health.
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