Autistic Women Experience More Severe Menopausal Symptoms Than Non-Autistic Women: Study - Video

Autistic people may experience significantly more severe menopausal symptoms than non-autistic individuals, affecting their mental health, physical wellbeing and overall quality of life. A new study suggests that menopause can be particularly challenging for autistic people, who may already face difficulties with emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities and managing everyday activities.

Conducted by researchers at Bournemouth University, the study is described as the largest investigation comparing menopausal symptoms between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

The research involved more than 900 participants, most of whom were cisgender women. Researchers monitored their menopausal symptoms, mental health and general wellbeing over five weeks.

The findings revealed that autistic participants consistently reported more severe menopausal symptoms than non-autistic participants throughout the study period.

Importantly, autistic individuals also experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, alongside poorer quality of life. These difficulties were closely associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Researchers also identified substantial differences in physical health conditions between the two groups.

Autistic participants were almost twice as likely to report at least one cardiovascular condition, such as heart disease, and more than four times as likely to report a musculoskeletal condition, including hypermobility.

Interestingly, researchers found that feeling unable to control or understand the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause was linked to greater symptom severity.

They suggested that existing sensory sensitivities, emotional difficulties and challenges with planning or memory might make menopausal changes particularly difficult to manage.

The study also highlighted barriers to accessing healthcare, including difficulties communicating distress and obtaining appropriate medical support.

However, the findings were based on self-reported symptoms and associations, meaning they do not establish that autism directly causes more severe menopause.

Researchers emphasised the importance of providing clear, autism-specific menopause information and developing healthcare services that recognise individual communication needs.

REFERENCE: Ms Eunhee Kim; Autistic women experience more severe menopausal symptoms, study confirms; Autism in Adulthood; DOI: 10.1177/25739581261497860