
Let’s be honest, menopause can feel like a whirlwind at the best of times. But for neurodivergent women, it often feels like a storm nobody prepared them for. Hormonal changes, sensory overloads, and mental health struggles can pile up, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Here at Grace Consulting, we’re passionate about shedding light on these experiences and pushing for better, more inclusive support.
Our very own Samantha Lavender, Neurodiversity & Special Needs Advice Manager, recently joined the expert menopause panel alongside menopause mentor Suzanne Barbour at an Ardonagh Advisory Group Webinar, chaired by Towergate’s menopause champion, Debra Clark.
Samantha summed it up beautifully: “The menopause is a natural transition, but for neurodivergent women, it can feel like uncharted territory, intensifying sensory sensitivities, mental health challenges, and struggles with change. The gap in understanding and support needs to be addressed so we can fully support women in this phase of life.”
What Makes Menopause Harder for Neurodivergent Women?
1. Hormonal Fluctuations If you’re neurodivergent, you might already be more sensitive to hormonal changes, so menopause can turn things up to eleven. Think heightened sensory sensitivities, bigger emotional swings, and even more trouble focusing - it’s a lot to handle.

2. Mental Health Anxiety, poor sleep, and memory issues are common during menopause, but they can hit neurodivergent women especially hard. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are already common co-occurrences with autism and ADHD. It’s like stacking extra challenges on top of what you’re already managing.
3. Sensory Sensitivities Hot flushes and night sweats are unpleasant for everyone, but if you’re particularly sensitive to sensory input, they can feel unbearable. Everyday environments might suddenly become overwhelming.
4. Transition Points Change can be tough for anyone, but for neurodivergent women, the unpredictability of menopause can feel horribly destabilising. When your body starts making the rules, it’s hard not to feel a little lost. The unpredictability of menopause can mean it is difficult to know what to expect and when.
5. Healthcare Barriers Getting the right support isn’t always easy. Many women find their concerns dismissed or misunderstood, and for neurodivergent women, this can make the whole process feel even more isolating.
6. Isolation Feeling disconnected can creep in as we age, but autistic women often face even greater social challenges. Without the right networks or resources, it’s easy to feel alone in this journey.
7. Work Challenges Memory fog, exhaustion, and heightened sensitivities can make work a real struggle. And let’s face it, not all workplaces are set up to accommodate the extra hurdles menopause can bring.
How to Make Menopause More Manageable

The good news? There are ways to make this life stage a little easier to navigate:
Talk to Your Doctor: It’s not always easy, but discussing hormonal changes and exploring options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can make a huge difference.
Look After Your Body: Eating well, staying active, and adding supplements like calcium and vitamin D can help you feel more grounded.
Lean on Tools: Reminder apps, calendars, and other organisational aids can be lifesavers for your memory and focus.
Consider Therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be a great way to manage anxiety and emotional ups and downs.
Explore Medications: Whether it’s for sleep, mood, or other symptoms, medication can sometimes offer a bit of relief.
Building a Supportive Community
No one should have to go through menopause feeling unsupported. Here’s how we can all do better:
Make Healthcare More Accessible: Healthcare professionals need better training to understand and address the unique needs of neurodivergent women.
Push for Workplace Changes: Flexible hours, sensory-friendly environments, and menopause-friendly policies can make a world of difference.
Strengthen Community Networks: Let’s create spaces where women can connect, share advice, and support each other. You’re not alone in this.
Menopause can feel like uncharted territory, especially for neurodivergent women who are navigating a world that often doesn’t understand their needs. At Grace Consulting, we know that the right support can make all the difference. Our team of Neurodiversity Advisers is here to help. If you, your organisation, or someone close to you is looking for tailored advice or support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Grace Consulting are the UK’s founding providers of expert independent advice on elderly care advice, special needs advice and neurodiversity advice. Independence and client wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, reassure and advise you on how to move forwards and find the best possible solutions for your unique life challenges.
Comments