Scientists Studied Women’s Menopause Experiences—One Group Had It Far Worse

A recent study conducted by researchers at Bournemouth University has revealed that women diagnosed with autism experience more severe menopause symptoms compared to women without autism. The research involved monitoring around 900 participants for five weeks, with 476 women with autism and 425 women without autism taking part. The study, published in the journal Autism in Adulthood on October 27, aimed to explore the differences in menopause experiences between autistic and non-autistic women.

Autistic women reported more severe menopause symptoms, higher levels of depression and anxiety, and a poorer quality of life compared to their non-autistic counterparts. Additionally, they experienced greater rates of physical and mental health conditions, which could be exacerbated during menopause. Study lead Eunhee Kim suggested that the heightened risk of health conditions among autistic people is likely due to a combination of genetic factors, chronic stress, and other variables.

The researchers found that autistic women felt less in control of their menopause and had a less coherent understanding of the process, compared to non-autistic women. These feelings could contribute to increased stress, which may worsen menopause symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hot flushes, fatigue, and mood changes. Kim emphasized the importance of providing tailored support and resources for autistic women during menopause, as current resources are largely based on neurotypical experiences.

She also called for improved recognition of neurodivergence in healthcare settings, as many undiagnosed autistic women may struggle to access appropriate care during this challenging life stage.