Unexpected symptoms that may be worse for people with autism
Key Points:
- Researchers from Bournemouth University found that women with autism experience significantly more severe menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, brain fog, and depression, compared to non-autistic women.
- The study, involving nearly 900 women aged 40-60, revealed autistic participants scored about six points higher in symptom severity and had notably lower quality of life scores.
- Autistic women were also more likely to have serious health conditions such as cardiovascular issues and musculoskeletal disorders, which may exacerbate menopausal challenges.
- Difficulty understanding and coping with menopausal changes contributes to increased anxiety and feeling out of control among autistic women, highlighting the need for tailored support and information.
- Experts emphasize the importance of healthcare providers recognizing and validating the struggles of autistic women during menopause, as their distress may not always be outwardly apparent.