52. HORMONES: When HRT Isn’t Enough: Mum Rage & Perimenopause Explained with Dr Sunita Chelva

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses hormonal rage, burnout, and emotional overload that may feel intense for some listeners.

Some days I don’t recognise myself.

The rage hits first — then the guilt follows. 💔

If you’ve ever cried over crumbs or felt calm slip away for no reason, this episode will make you feel seen.

Because what looks like “losing control” is often ADHD, hormones, and burnout colliding.

Jane sits down with Dr Sunita Chelva from Hero Menopause to unpack why perimenopause can feel like puberty all over again, how hormones intensify ADHD symptoms, and what you can do to find steadier ground when everything feels too loud, too fast, and too much.

✨ What We Cover in This Episode

• Why hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger ADHD-like rage and emotional sensitivity
• How estrogen and progesterone shifts impact focus, calm, and tolerance
• The connection between histamine, mast-cell activation, and hormonal mood swings
• What to know about HRT, supplements, and antihistamines — and how to talk to your GP about them
• The overlap between trauma, neurodivergence, and hormonal chaos
• Practical tools for ADHD mums: sleep, movement, boundaries, and self-compassion

💛 This Episode Is for You If …

• You’ve ever thought, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
• You’re juggling ADHD, hormones, and motherhood — and you’re exhausted
• “Just breathe” advice makes you ragey instead of relaxed
• You want practical, ADHD-friendly ways to steady your nervous system

📚 References & Resources Mentioned

• Hero Menopause — Dr Sunita Chelva
• Instagram: @drsunitachelva @heramenopause
• Facebook: @Heramenopause and Women’s Health
• LinkedIn: @DrSunitaChelva and @Heramenopause
• Apps: Flo App, Balance App, Flo Partner App
• Supplements Discussed: Magnesium, Vitamin D, DIM (cruciferous extract), Activated B vitamins (methylation support)
• Antihistamines Mentioned: Telfast, Claritin, Zyrtec, Famotidine (Zantac) — always consult your GP before use
• Therapies Referenced: EMDR, breathwork, weight training, sleep hygiene

🔁 Related ADHD Mums Episodes

• HORMONES: Histamine + Hormones – Why You Feel Like You’re Falling Apart with Kylie Smart
• HORMONES: The Perimenopause Crash – Progesterone, Stress, and the Rage Nobody Warned Us About with Kylie Smart
• HORMONES: HRT, ADHD & Perimenopause: What No One’s Explaining to Women with Lara Briden
• HORMONES: When Hormones Hijack the Mind: ADHD, Perimenopause & Emotional Burnout with Dr. Sunita Chelva

If this brings up anything for you, please reach out for support:

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Outside Australia: contact your local crisis service

Always talk with your healthcare provider before making any medication or supplement changes.

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