Autistic Women Experience More Severe Menopause Symptoms

Women with autism experience more severe menopause symptoms than those without, according to new research. A study conducted by Bournemouth University tracked around 900 participants over five weeks and revealed stark differences in menopause experiences. The study, published in Autism in Adulthood on October 27, targets the physiological stage where women haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

Research Insights

Around 2% of American adults have autism, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism symptoms vary broadly, but many women experience social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, issues with flexible thinking, obsessive interests, sleep problems, and challenges with eye contact. Menopause poses challenges to all women, with one in ten leaving the workforce due to symptoms. Experts from Bournemouth University noted that menopause might exacerbate challenges for autistic women significantly.

Severity of Menopause Symptoms

Bournemouth University researchers investigated menopause symptoms’ severity in autistic individuals on a larger scale. They explored underlying causes, measuring menopause perceptions, symptom severity, quality of life, depression, and anxiety using standardized self-report scales.

Out of 901 participants, 476 women with autism reported more severe symptoms compared to 425 women without autism, aged between 40 to 60 years. Autistic individuals exhibited higher depression and anxiety levels and generally poorer quality of life.

The study leader, Eunhee Kim, highlighted autistic individuals’ higher rates of physical and mental health conditions, potentially worsening during menopause due to genetics, chronic stress, and other factors. Kim emphasized menopause’s negative impact on physical and mental health and its significant future health implications. Proper support and information are vital to help individuals manage menopause effectively.

Understanding Autistic Women’s Menopause Experiences

Differences in autistic women’s menopause experiences may stem from their sense of control and coherence regarding menopause. Autistic women reported feeling less in control and having a poorer understanding compared to non-autistic women.

Kim noted that stress impacts hormone activity, worsening menopause symptoms such as sleep disturbances and mood shifts. She stressed the importance of providing individuals with a better understanding and control over menopause to manage symptoms and maintain well-being.

Kim pointed out that autistic individuals already struggle with managing emotions, memory, and sensory sensitivities, which further complicate menopause management. The study underscores the significant relationship between psychological and physical health, affecting each other.

Kim also argued that current menopause resources primarily cater to neurotypical individuals, limiting information specific to autistic women’s experiences. Sensory sensitivities and emotional awareness challenges might underlie more difficult menopause experiences in autistic individuals.

Future Directions

Findings advocate the development of tailored autism-specific resources to aid autistic individuals. Improvements in healthcare professionals’ recognition of undiagnosed neurodivergence are needed, as many women over 50 remain undiagnosed. Autistic individuals often face challenges accessing healthcare support, with many reporting their experiences were dismissed.

Many autistic individuals blame themselves for struggling with menopause, but the study validates these challenges as real. Kim hopes findings foster understanding and self-compassion, promoting self-advocacy and confidence in managing menopause.