Autism can impact women's experience of menopause in challenging ways.
Autism-specific issues might include a lack of social network and difficulties with healthcare providers.
Connecting with my own GP practice, for example, typically involves getting through to a secretary and explaining the health issue you're experiencing, before being directed to an initial phone call with the GP. Like many autistic people, I struggle with phone calls and find dealing with the unknown steps required to make appointments—like unexpectedly having to deal with more than one person—difficult to manage.
My client Angela had this experience during menopause."I felt completely debilitated by the aches and pains I felt," she said."I became fixated on my aching muscles; it was all I could think about. I tried explaining it and was dismissed for overreacting—but I genuinely think, having spoken to other autistic women, that I was experiencing menopausal symptoms differently."
Writing down what you want to talk about with your healthcare practitioner can also be helpful, instead of relying on trying to communicate more complex needs verbally. If you require further support in making appointments and meeting any of your healthcare needs, including menopausal needs, consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to appointments.
3. Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W, Szatmari P, Ameis SH. Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;6:819-829. doi: 10.1016/S2215-036630289-5. Epub 2019 Aug 22. PMID: 31447415.
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