Autism and Menopause
Symptoms of perimenopause & autism
Mood swings, memory problems, hot flushes and night sweats can be discombobulating – for women with autism, even more so. Coping with these significant psychological and physical changes can be beyond challenging when perimenopause symptoms emerge.
Research into autism has historically looked at the male experience, ignoring the experiences of women with autism. Understanding of how menopause hormonal changes affect autistic individuals, and if this differs from the impact on non-autistic individuals, has not been considered until recently.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition rooted in brain difference, affecting behaviour, communication, interaction, and learning, on a ‘spectrum’. Individuals with ASD may display distinct behaviours, communication styles, and other strengths and challenges compared to their peers.
Does menopause affect autism?
Autism is often linked with higher levels of depression and anxiety, possibly due to challenges with social communication, difficulty with change and sensory processing differences. Since menopause can affect psychological well-being, it's likely that autistic traits may intensify during this time. Sleep quality is known to impact on menopausal symptoms - many autistic adults experience poorer sleep quality and quantity.
In a 2020 interview research study researchers carried out in-depth interviews with perimenopausal and postmenopausal autistic participants between the ages of 49 to 63. Interviewers explored experiences of navigating autism and menopause, awareness of menopause, journeys to diagnosis, and the impact of menopausal symptoms on autistic women.
Although everyone had a unique menopause experience, a common theme emerged: a noticeable increase in autism-related symptoms during perimenopause, affecting individuals’ confidence in socialising and communication, and increasing sensory sensitivity.
The research had three prevailing messages on menopause and autism:
Professionals lack sufficient knowledge and understanding.
Increased experiences of autistic symptoms: higher levels of anxiety, difficulties with sleep, social communication, self-care, relationships & executive functioning.
Difficulties accessing help and support.
Some participants who had previously concealed their autism-related symptoms found it impossible to continue doing so during menopause. For others, menopause prompted an autism diagnosis, with autism traits becoming more obvious and challenging.
“I believe it was menopause that led me to my ASD diagnosis, as my ASD traits become so much more exaggerated during menopause. I would say that I found out that I am autistic because I’m perimenopausal, because I’ve stopped being able to cope with my life, the life I was able to cope with before.”
Although the study included only a small number of participants, it concluded that some autistic people will face difficulties during menopause. Declining hormonal levels, neurodiversity, poor psychological health, sleep problems, and sensory sensitivity may collectively exacerbate menopausal symptoms for autistic individuals.
Menopause treatment and autism - what can help?
The National Autistic Society advises that treatment for peri/menopause symptoms is similar for both autistic and non-autistic people, potentially involving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, HRT may not suit everyone, and individuals should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their GP.
More research will help to understand the relationship between menopausal hormonal changes and autism. Changes which may heighten anxiety, depression, and disrupt sleep, possibly exacerbating autistic traits.
Primary healthcare providers need to be more aware of how hormonal fluctuations may affect the well-being of autistic women.
Building a strong support network, staying active,, acquiring new coping skills, and ensuring good sleep can mitigate the impact of menopause on autistic individuals.
February 2024
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