Neurodiversity and Menopause
To begin looking at the link between neurodiversity and menopause, let’s first break down the terms. Neurodiversity refers to natural variations of the human brain, and the different ways that individuals may process information. Menopause, is a biological process that typically occurs for women in their late 40s or early 50s, where the menstrual cycle stops due to lower hormone levels, however it can happen earlier on in life. Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
Understanding and supporting women during perimenopause and menopause is a cause that advocates have highlighted as a conversation topic we should be discussing more widely. Greater awareness around menopause is starting to take place, with coverage including a TV documentary series on Channel 4 where Davina McCall highlighted myths around the menopause and the impacts it can have on women in the workplace.
However, there are still gaps in research on the intersectionality of neurodiversity and menopause, to better understand how these two aspects of life can interact. To help combat this ambiguity, we wanted to share some information around the impact of menopause on neurodivergent individuals.
Some common symptoms of menopause are:
Changes to a menstrual cycle
Mental health challenges such as changes to mood
'Brain fog' which includes problems with memory or concentration
Physical symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, headaches and migraines, muscle aches and joint pains
Overlaps between neurodiversity and menopause
While research is limited, some studies have explored the impact the hormonal changes of menopause can have on the brain and memory, and some neurodivergent individuals have expressed that menopause played a role in discovering their neurodifference. We know that neurodifferences impact individuals in different ways and therefore we see a diverse range of experiences. For some, their neurodivergent traits and challenges may remain stable throughout menopause with the support of the current techniques and strategies they have in place. For others, they may experience new challenges or feel their current challenges relating to sensory sensitivities, executive functioning or emotional regulation have intensified during the menopause.
Here are a few ways that menopause may impact certain neurodifferences:
ADHD: Hormone fluctuations leading up to and during the menopause such as a decline in oestrogen levels can impact attention, regulating emotions, organisation skills and memory, which are challenges individuals with ADHD may face. One study found individuals may experience a more significant impact on their cognitive symptoms during menopause.
Dyslexia: Dyslexic individuals may experience cognitive challenges that impact working memory, reduced processing speed and reduced verbal memory, which can be heightened by the ‘brain fog’ symptom often associated with menopause.
Autism Spectrum Condition: Menopausal symptoms may increase challenges with socialising, communicating and sensory sensitivities. One study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that some autistic individuals found it 'impossible to continue to mask their struggles' during menopause.
Support and accommodation
It’s important for organisations to understand the impacts of menopause and to be neuro-inclusive when it comes to the provision of support.
Organisations could look to provide reasonable adjustments and support such as:
Flexible working hours
Creating sensory sensitive environments
Access to mental health resources
Regular check-ins on support required and the effectiveness of the support
Conversations around support with organisation and memory retention
For more information on menopause, the NHS suggests the following charities and organisations for further support:
Women’s Health Concern – Advice and information for women on their reproductive health
Menopause Matters – Information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options
Daisy Network – Charity for women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Menopause Café – A charity raising menopause awareness
Queer Menopause – Menopause resources for LGBTQIA+ people
Looking for support in making your workplace more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals? Click the button below to learn how neurodiversity smart your organisation is and identify the gaps and areas for development and improvement.
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