Neurodiversity and Menopause
How does menopause affect neurodiverse individuals? With the complex changes that challenge women’s cognitive function during the perimenopause transition, we take a deeper dive into how menopause may impact the neurodiverse community.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an empowerment movement that emerged in the 90s with the aim to raise acceptance and embrace neurological differences, believing that the scope of cognitive abilities should be supported and that differences are not seen as deficiencies.
Neurodiversity refers to the variations of how people’s brains process information, that impact their mental function, including social skills, learning, attention, and mood.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are the main conditions in the neurodiversity category, but Tourette syndrome, dyslexia, and dyscalculia are also included.
Can menopause impact neurodiversity?
Research about the impact of menopause on women's brain health and function during perimenopause, previously limited, is growing steadily.
So, what do we know about the neurodivergent menopause experience? Certain studies have explored the impact of changing hormone levels in perimenopause on women’s cognitive function with increased sensory sensitivities, difficulties with working memory, flexible thinking, self-control and sleep disturbances.
These differences impact individuals in different ways across all areas of life - in their personal life and in the workplace - and as always resulting in a diverse range of experiences. For some, their neurodivergent traits may be stable throughout menopause by applying existing coping techniques and strategies. Whereas others may experience new challenges, or feel existing challenges have intensified during their menopause transition.
Examples of how menopause impacts neurodiversity:
ADHD
ADHD during perimenopause; falling oestrogen levels coincide with a decrease in dopamine levels, already low in women with ADHD symptoms. This double whammy can have a significant impact on emotional regulation, organisation skills, mood, memory & cognitive function during perimenopause.
Dyslexia
Some may experience cognitive challenges affecting their working memory - slower information processing, diminished verbal memory, and brain rewiring, often exacerbated by ‘brain fog’, a common menopausal symptom.
Autism
Autism and menopause symptoms can lead to heightened challenges. In a study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology autistic individuals found it ‘impossible to continue to mask their struggles’ during menopause. Menopause symptoms also increased challenges related to socialising, communicating and sensory sensitivities for women living with autism.
How to cope with menopause and neurodiversity in the workplace?
The limited research on the intersection of neurodiversity and menopause in the workplace makes it challenging for individuals experiencing symptoms to grasp any connection.
Considering the potential for an individual’s own lack of awareness, supportive employers should acknowledge the impact of menopause symptoms on neurodivergent employees. Building their needs in to an up-to-date menopause policy ensures appropriate person-centred support can be signposted, if needed. Reasonable adjustments, include:
· Flexible working hours
· Creating quiet, sensory sensitive environments
· Access to mental health resources
· Regular check-ins looking at support required and the effectiveness of that support.
· Conversations around support for organisationing workload and memory retention
It is important to discuss the impact that your menopause symptoms may be having on your working life. Your line manager or HR department may recommend a range of support, which could include coaching, training, equipment, or assistive technology, to support any challenges you may encounter in your workplace.
Strategies to manage neurodiversity in menopause
Proper diagnosis is crucial. Recognised coping strategies for ADHD or autism, include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medications, and exercise. Yet, neurodivergent women facing menopause lack adequate support.
Knowledge is limited. The updated gold-standard NICE Menopause Guidelines, coming soon, will address how cognitive health can be supported during menopause and address existing disparities in access to care, based on age, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender identity.
Treatment for menopause symptoms is similar for autistic and non-autistic people. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the recommended medical treatment. However, it won’t be suitable for everyone - the risks, benefits and appropriateness should be explored with a GP.
Recognising the connection between menopause and neurodivergent conditions and the unique challenges it brings, is essential. Hormonal changes can subtly affect neurodivergent traits and mental health during menopause. Further research into this link can only empower individuals to develop personalised coping strategies.
February 2024
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