Increasing evidence suggests significant overlap between hormone sensitivity, neurodivergence, chronic health conditions, and psychological wellbeing. Yet many female-bodied individuals continue to experience delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or have their symptoms misunderstood within healthcare settings.
This live training session will explore the complex relationships between hormone sensitivity conditions such as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), alongside neurodivergent presentations including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will examine emerging research highlighting the connections between neurodivergence, connective tissue differences, hypermobility, dysautonomia, trauma, and chronic health conditions such as endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Drawing on clinical examples and case studies, the session will consider how these interconnected factors commonly present in female-bodied individuals, including experiences of healthcare gaslighting, diagnostic overshadowing, chronic pain, anxiety, eating disorders, and complex emotional regulation difficulties.
The training will also explore key reproductive milestones, including the postnatal period, perimenopause, and menopause, and how hormonal fluctuations during these stages can significantly influence neurodivergent traits, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sexual functioning.
Participants will be introduced to emerging theories of ADHD as a whole-body condition, examining the potential roles of connective tissue differences, nervous system functioning, trauma vulnerability and resilience, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the impact of sex hormones on neurotransmitter systems including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Particular attention will be given to the ways in which masking and compensatory strategies may contribute to missed or delayed diagnosis in women.
The session will conclude by exploring the links between ADHD, connective tissue differences, chronic pain conditions, pelvic pain, and sexual difficulties, including consideration of how reproductive milestones may influence behaviour, relationships, and sexual wellbeing across the lifespan.
Session Outline
- Understanding the overlap between hormone sensitivity and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism.
- Exploring how hormone-related difficulties commonly present in female-bodied individuals.
- Examining the impact of reproductive milestones, including:
- The postnatal period
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Reviewing emerging research on ADHD as a whole-body condition.
- Exploring links between ADHD, connective tissue differences, autonomic nervous system functioning, and sexual difficulties.
- Considering implications for assessment, formulation, and therapeutic practice through a biopsychosocial lens.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the relationships between hormone sensitivity conditions and neurodivergent presentations.
- Recognise common patterns of presentation and diagnostic challenges experienced by female-bodied individuals.
- Understand the impact of reproductive milestones on neurodivergence, mental health, and wellbeing.
- Discuss emerging research regarding ADHD, connective tissue differences, dysautonomia, and trauma.
- Identify factors contributing to chronic pain, pelvic pain, and sexual difficulties in neurodivergent populations.
- Apply a biopsychosocial understanding to assessment, formulation, and therapeutic practice.
About the Trainer
Dr Angela Wright is a GP, BMS Accredited Menopause Specialist and Clinical Sexologist.
She trained in Clinical Sexology with the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology and went on to complete the ESSM Advanced School of Sexual Medicine and become a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. She is a BSSM Committee Member and the current FSRH Menopause Guardian.
Angela divides her time between NHS work, private practice and teaching. She is trained in Palliative Medicine and is actively involved in improving access to support around cancer induced menopause and the impact on intimacy within the voluntary sector.
This teaching will provide a holistic view of menopause and how the biological changes taking place can impact mood, sexual function and identity. The current media focus on menopause has made the landscape seem confusing to many – we will examine the evidence base and guidelines that underpin a holistic, biospsychosocial approach to supporting clients at this stage and leave you feeling more confident in navigating this subject.
