Are you neurodivergent? According to research, perimenopause can be especially challenging for neurodivergent women, complicating sensory sensitivities and executive functions. Before exploring this topic in this blog, it may be useful to listen to four podcast episodes that raise thoughtful questions and share lived experiences about neurodiversity, hormones, and midlife transitions. Each offers a slightly different lens through which to view these changes.
In previous generations, many neurodivergent individuals were not diagnosed or recognized, which meant they often lacked the awareness and support now available. This makes current discussions and resources even more valuable.
These conversations highlight how much there still is to explore when it comes to the intersection of neurodiversity and menopause.
Key questions to consider
- How do neurodivergent women experience menopause differently, and why might sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation feel more intense?
- How can we ensure inclusivity, recognizing that not everyone who experiences menopause identifies as a woman, especially within neurodivergent and gender-diverse communities?
- What coping strategies, such as mindfulness, community connection, or creative expression, seem most effective for maintaining well-being?
The connection between neurodiversity and menopause
Neurodiversity encompasses the natural variations in brain function and behavior across individuals. But what happens when these neurological differences intersect with peri menopause, a transitional phase marked by hormone fluctuations? Perimenopausal women, in particular, face unique challenges as they navigate this period of significant hormonal change.
Many neurodivergent individuals report limited awareness of what to expect from perimenopause and menopause, sometimes leading to confusion and increased challenges. This lack of information makes an already complex transition even harder. Additionally, healthcare providers often lack training on the intersection of neurodivergence and menopause, which can result in misdiagnosis or mistreatment, further complicating the experience for neurodivergent women.
Interestingly, some discover or receive an autism diagnosis during or after perimenopause, suggesting that hormonal shifts may influence how neurodivergence presents itself. Late diagnoses of neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD or autism, can occur during this time when previously effective coping mechanisms begin to fail. Hormone fluctuations during peri menopause can exacerbate ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, concentration issues, and emotional responses, making daily functioning more challenging.
Perimenopausal symptoms, including certain symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and a range of cognitive, emotional, and sensory symptoms, can intensify pre-existing conditions. For example, autistic people may experience heightened sensory sensitivities and unique autistic experiences during menopause, while women with ADHD may find executive functions like planning, organization, and focus become more difficult. There is a notable lack of research into autistic people’s experiences of menopause, highlighting the importance of understanding these unique perspectives to improve support. These overlapping challenges point to the need for more tailored support. Neurodivergent individuals often experience changes in their symptoms of menopause, particularly relating to emotional regulation and executive functioning, which can further complicate daily life. The challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals as they reach menopause emphasize the intersection of menopause with neurodivergent traits and the need for specialized care.
At the same time, some neurodivergent individuals describe feeling better once menopause has passed. Why might this be the case? Perhaps this variability points to the need for more personalized approaches and deeper research into how hormonal changes interact with neurodivergence, as symptoms and experiences can vary widely among individuals.
Hormonal changes and brain function
Hormonal fluctuations during the menopause transition can have a profound impact on brain function, especially for neurodivergent women. As oestrogen levels decline, the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine is affected—chemicals that are vital for mood stability, emotional regulation, and cognitive clarity. This shift can lead to an increase in symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, making everyday life feel more challenging.
Research suggests that autistic women may be particularly sensitive to these hormonal changes, with many reporting intensified sensory sensitivities and cognitive symptoms during perimenopause. The unpredictable nature of hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate difficulties with memory, focus, and emotional balance, sometimes leading to a sense of cognitive strain or emotional turmoil. For neurodivergent women, understanding how hormonal changes influence brain function is key to developing effective coping strategies and supportive adaptations. By recognizing these unique challenges, women and their healthcare professionals can work together to find ways to support well-being throughout the menopause transition.
Psychological experiences during perimenopause
Perimenopause brings not only physical but also neurological transitions. Hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen, can alter brain function and increase reactivity to stress. How might this affect those who already experience emotions more intensely?
Some neurodivergent women report that perimenopause exacerbates challenges with planning, emotional management, memory, attention, and focus. Others describe brain fog or fluctuating moods, with mood swings being a common challenge during this time. These mood swings can significantly impact daily functioning and complicate mental health management, especially for women with neurodivergent conditions.
For autistic women, in particular, there is a lack of research into how these neurological and emotional shifts unfold. Would autism-sensitive resources and communication strategies make this stage more manageable? Listen to these perimenopause and neurdiversity podcasts and seek out tailored support that takes neurodivergence into account could be key in helping women navigate this period more effectively.
Executive functioning and coping strategies
Executive functioning—our brain’s ability to plan, organize, and manage tasks—can be significantly affected by the hormonal fluctuations of menopause. For neurodivergent women, and especially those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this transitional period may bring heightened challenges with attention, memory, and decision-making. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and trouble prioritizing can become more pronounced, impacting both work and home life.
Developing practical coping strategies is essential. Many women find it helpful to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, use visual schedules or digital reminders, and prioritize self-care activities like exercise and mindfulness to support mental health. Employing thematic analysis—reflecting on daily patterns and identifying recurring challenges—can also help women better understand their executive functioning needs and tailor their coping strategies accordingly.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing more inclusive practices and supportive adaptations, such as recommending organizational tools or flexible routines. By acknowledging the impact of menopause on executive functioning and offering individualized support, we can help neurodivergent women navigate this transitional period with greater confidence and well-being.
Managing physical symptoms
How do common perimenopausal symptoms — hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and joint pain — affect neurodivergent women? For those with sensory sensitivities, certain symptoms can be particularly distressing.
Some people find that diet and exercise adjustments make a difference. Could a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, support energy and balance? Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or Pilates, may help maintain strength and reduce discomfort.
Exploring supplements like vitamin D, B-vitamins, or iron, or considering acupuncture and herbal medicine, may offer additional relief for some. There is no universal approach, but could a combination of these strategies help manage symptoms while supporting mental and physical well-being? It’s important to consider physical health alongside mental well-being, especially for neurodivergent women navigating menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy: considerations for neurodivergent women
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but for neurodivergent women, there are unique considerations to keep in mind. Sensory sensitivities, cognitive symptoms, and the potential for interactions with ADHD medication mean that HRT should be approached thoughtfully and with close monitoring.
Autistic women, in particular, may experience heightened sensitivity to hormonal changes, making it important to track how HRT affects both physical and mental health. Research underscores the need for person-centered approaches, where healthcare professionals take into account each woman’s neurodivergent traits, symptoms, and preferences. This might involve adjusting dosages, exploring alternative therapies, or providing additional support for managing cognitive and sensory changes.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that neurodivergent women receive effective relief from menopausal symptoms while minimizing potential side effects. By fostering more inclusive practices and supportive adaptations, healthcare professionals can help women make informed decisions about HRT and navigate the menopause transition with greater ease and confidence.
Workplace support for neurodivergent women
In the workplace, what role can understanding and flexibility play? For neurodivergent women experiencing perimenopause, the combination of In the workplace, what role can understanding and flexibility play? For neurodivergent women experiencing perimenopause, the combination of sensory and cognitive challenges can make standard working patterns difficult. Many neurodivergent women report struggling with high demands and low control in workplace settings during menopause, which increases the risk of exhaustion and mental health issues. According to the demand control model, this imbalance between high job demands and low perceived control significantly elevates the risk of both mental and physical health problems, highlighting the need for more comprehensive workplace support.
Could flexible schedules, quiet spaces, or open conversations about health help? How might managers learn to ask, “What support would help you most right now?” Even without formal diagnoses, fostering a culture of empathy and individualized adjustments can empower neurodivergent employees to thrive. Flexible work arrangements can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent women experiencing menopause, but broader support approaches are also necessary to address their unique needs.
Menopausing Podcasts calls for more research
Research on the intersection of neurodiversity and perimenopause remains limited. Most studies so far focus on autistic adults, often overlooking other neurotypes. There is also a significant need for research into post menopause experiences, especially for neurodivergent individuals, as changes during this stage can impact sensory sensitivities, symptom severity, and workplace experiences. Additionally, premature ovarian insufficiency is an area that requires more research and support for those affected, given its impact on ovarian function, hormone levels, and menopausal symptoms. What might we discover with more inclusive and diverse research?
Preliminary findings suggest that autistic individuals often report more severe perimenopause symptoms than non-autistic individuals. But why? And how might intersectional factors, such as gender identity, culture, or socioeconomic status, further shape experiences? It is also important to consider how menopause can affect a person’s ability to function daily, highlighting the need for person-centered research. The field is still evolving, and continued inquiry could illuminate new approaches for care, support, and empowerment.
A parting thought on neurodiversity and perimenopause
Navigating menopause as a neurodivergent woman may bring unique challenges, but also opportunities for greater understanding and self-awareness. Could this life stage, rather than being solely about loss or difficulty, represent a profound transformation of body and mind? As we continue to ask questions, share podcasts and stories, and push for more inclusive research, perhaps we can build a more compassionate understanding of both neurodiversity and perimenopause, one that honors every woman’s experience.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224002020
https://lexxic.com/blog/neurodiversity-and-menopause
https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/autism-and-menopause
https://www.elektrahealth.com/blog/elektra-digest/neurodiversity-and-menopause
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