[Recorded video is 47 minutes - timestamps below in addition to the transcript.]
I’m fortunate to have hosted Dr. Cristina Louk, Founder and Owner of Peace Humanistic Therapy, for a important conversation on how you can better advocate for yourself as you’re dealing with brain fog and other related issues as you go through perimenopause.
About Dr. Cristina Louk
Dr. Cristina Louk specializes in supporting women diagnosed with ADHD later in life, a condition increasingly recognized alongside the challenges of menopause-related brain fog. With her integrative, personalized approach, Dr. Louk helps women build confidence, experience more happiness, and regain control of their future.
Recognizing that traditional ADHD solutions often take a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Louk’s advanced training in neurodevelopmental disorders—including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Learning Disorders—enables her to provide tailored strategies that address each client’s unique circumstances. Her goal is to help clients minimize ADHD challenges while maximizing strengths.
As someone who personally lives with ADHD, Dr. Louk offers a deep understanding of the condition. Her firsthand experience allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level, providing not just expert guidance, but also empathetic support.
NOTE: This podcast does not establish a provider-patient relationship and is for informational purposes only. Before starting any kind of program, always check with your own medical team first.
Major Topics Covered
What is ADHD - how did we get here?
What is the prevalence of undiagnosed ADHD in adults?
How does one get evaluated to see if they have ADHD?
How does Cristina approach this in her practice?
What are the benefits of getting a diagnosis?
Discussion of the different types of medications available
Types of targeted psychotherapy
How does it work asking for accommodations for work/school?
How ADHD changes through the female menstrual cycle ?
What is the impact of perimenopause symptoms if you have ADHD?
Go Long recommends listening to the entire podcast for context, but knows you are all busy people so below you will see timestamps.
Ways to Connect with Dr. Louk
Other Links Mentioned
Books: ADHD 2.0 and Healing ADD
Most Known Researcher: Dr. Russell Barkley - check out his YouTube channel
Ways to Connect with Go Long
Sign-up for Go Long’s newsletter, which is published twice per week
Schedule a complimentary consultation
Quick Takeaways
Dr. Louk: There’s not enough research and we need more!
If you’re dealing with brain fog, find out if something else is going on. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, investigate what you can do to make your life easier and better. If you’re not diagnosed but are having issues, it means more investigation may be required to find out what’s going on. But not doing anything about it isn’t going to make the problem go away.
Jill: Understand the pros and the cons of the different medications that may be prescribed for you if you receive an ADHD diagnosis. You’re the only one who understands your body as well as the importance of other medications you are on. Advocating for yourself is critical with both your therapist and your primary care physician (as an example).
Timestamps
00:00 - 01:53 — Introduction and Dr. Louk’s background
01:54 - 05:54 — The evolution of autism, Aspergers, ADD and ADHD in society
05:55 - 08:13 — What’s up with the prevalence of increased ADHD diagnoses for women in adulthood?
08:14 - 12:23 — What is the process of getting assessed and diagnosed?
12:24 - 15:14 — The role of hormones in ADHD, especially as you go through menopause
15:15 - 19:22 — The benefits of getting a diagnosis and how the treatment for ADHD can be multi-faceted
19:23 - 21:17 — The realities of asking for accommodations, particularly in the workplace
21:48 - 25:15 — How your brain changes through your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause
25:16: - 31:36 — Questions to ask your doctor around medications, ADHD and your cerebellum (which impacts balance) and how can supplements impact your ADHD (and medications)
31:36 - 34:56 — Is ADHD genetic or more a function of your environment?
34:57 - 39:05 — More specific discussion around stimulant-based medication vs. non-stimulant-based medication. Talk to your primary care physician before starting any medications so you can understand interaction possibilities and unintended side effects.
39:06 - 42:08 — Discussion around how ADHD treatment can be multi-pronged - behavioral, medicinal and connection-based. Dr. Louk’s biggest recommendation for listeners.
42:09 - 45:10 — Talking about the fear of having early stage dementia or Alzheimer’s vs. having brain fog and/or ADHD
45:11 - 47:06 — Wrap-up with a HUGE thanks to Dr. Louk
Gaslighting Yourself? The Mental Impact of Perimenopause and ADHD No One Talks About