💜 Menopause & Neurodivergence: Navigating Change with Compassion

Today marks Menopause Awareness Day, and we’re taking a moment to shine a light on a conversation that’s still too quiet: how menopause affects neurodivergent individuals.

Menopause is a natural transition, but for those who are autistic, have ADHD, or experience other forms of neurodivergence, it can feel like a storm of sensory, emotional, and cognitive changes - often without the right support.

Let’s talk about it.

Why It Can Feel Different 🌪️

Menopause brings hormonal shifts - especially a drop in oestrogen - that can affect memory, mood, sleep, and sensory regulation.

For neurodivergent people, these changes can intensify existing traits or bring new challenges.

• ADHD: Lower oestrogen can reduce dopamine, making emotional regulation, focus, and memory even harder.

• Autism: Sensory sensitivities may spike. Hot flushes, noise, and disrupted routines can feel overwhelming.

• Executive function: Planning, organising, and coping strategies may suddenly feel less effective.

Some describe it as a “double whammy” - where menopause magnifies the everyday challenges of being neurodivergent.

“Is It Me, or Is It Menopause?” 🧠

Many neurodivergent women report feeling like they’re “losing themselves” during menopause. For some, it’s the first time they realise they might be neurodivergent at all.

The masking that helped them cope for years may no longer work. Brain fog, sensory overload, and emotional dysregulation can make it harder to function at work, at home, and in relationships.

And yet, many struggle in silence - dismissed and unsure where to turn.

What Can Help? 🌈

Support doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be compassionate.

Here are a few gentle ways to help:

• Validate the experience: Neurodivergent menopause is real. Listening without judgment is powerful.

• Create sensory-safe spaces: Quiet zones, soft lighting, and comfortable clothing can reduce overwhelm.

• Support executive function: Use planners, reminders, and visual aids to ease cognitive load.

• Advocate for informed care: Encourage access to menopause-aware GPs and neurodiversity-informed support.

• Talk about it: Sharing stories helps others feel less alone—and helps build better systems of care.

Final Thoughts 💬

Menopause is not just a hormonal shift - it’s a whole-person experience. For neurodivergent individuals, it can be a time of deep vulnerability, but also a chance for self-discovery and growth.

Let’s make space for those stories. Let’s listen, learn, and lead with empathy.

This Menopause Awareness Day, we’re not just raising awareness - we’re raising understanding.