Could I have ADHD or Autism?
What is ADHD/Autism.
Neurodivergence (ND) is a neuro developmental condition genetic and runs in families. Many factors such as emotional trauma, diet and physical health can impact psychological and physical wellbeing. Women I see tell me their children have been diagnosed therefore as it’s genetic there is a higher probability they could have a ND too. It’s estimated 50-75% of women have never been diagnosed as having ADHD and The National Autistic Society estimate 250,000-600,000 people over 50 maybe undiagnosed. That’s a lot of women.
ADHD/Autism or Just the Menopause?
Our female hormones kick in during puberty and during the menopause they become more temperamental. Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone levels rise and fall like a big dipper, leaving women exhausted, their brains are not functioning and affecting their mental health.
I’ve helped many women and began seeing patterns in menopausal women. Some coped well, even with significant symptoms while others didn’t. Anxiety was extreme and the inability to cope with day to day became increasingly more challenging. Sometimes, I identified this when women had completed my registration forms, before we’d had a menopause consultation! I’ve been a Nurse Practitioner for many years. I’m good at listening, diagnosing problems and helping women manage their health. During a menopause consultation I ask key questions that could indicate, yes, they are menopausal, but they could have an undiagnosed ADHD or Autism too.
How could this have been missed?
Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s it was only considered to affect boys. Research had only been taken in boys and was considered a “male” condition.
Therefore, girls at school were left undiagnosed and often had increased anxiety, were classed as “daydreamers” or sometimes had erratic behaviours. Girls were good at “Masking” or hiding their true selves from others. If they felt different it was best to copy others you though were “normal or popular” to fit in at school or when out in public. Then jump 10 years to university, work and social occasions. Constantly masking to hide their struggles had a huge impact on mental health. Is it ADHD or Just the Menopause?
This is where I can help you. I’ll listen and talk to you about the difference between “normal menopausal” symptoms and those I think could be related to ADHD/Autism. Taking HRT to treat your menopausal symptoms will help all your symptoms. However, because I have studied menopause and Neurodivergence for many years I prescribe the right doses of HRT for you
HRT; How Can it Help?
Changing levels of Oestrogen and Progesterone in particular affect everyone’s mental health but if you have ADHD/Autism, it can feel much worse. Physical symptoms are often more extreme too. Our hormones work with our normal “feel good “hormones such as Serotonin and Dopamine (which we all need!). Lower levels Oestrogen reduce the effects of these too, lowering our mood, making us feel less able to cope and feel completely overwhelmed.
HRT is directly replacing your female hormones and helping to lift the effects of these feel-good hormones too. As I’m a menopause Nurse Specialist I listen, explain and prescribe the HRT for you.
Should I get a diagnosis?
It very much is a personal choice however, understanding why you have felt, acted and responded to people, situations and life gives women answers to many questions. Why you haven’t been able to stay in one job, why you act first and think later? Or has your anxiety ruled your life and affected how you cope day to day? Most menopausal women I see go on to get a diagnosis and they tell me their lives finally make sense.
Getting a Diagnosis.
Being seen by reputable services who can assess, diagnose, sometimes prescribe but support you are vital. Your GP is the most important person to contact but I can advise on private Neurodivergent services all around the UK.
How can I Help?
I have a special interest in supporting menopausal women who have a Neurodivergence (ND) such as Autism or ADHD. I talk to many women who I think could have an undiagnosed ND. Symptoms become more obvious during the menopause but why?
If you are having menopausal symptoms and wondering if you have ADHD/Autism, book a menopause consultation and let’s discuss this in more details. We’ll talk about hormones but most importantly coping strategies. This will, with the right hormones improve your day to day life. I tailor your consultation to help you as well as providing you with more time. I am registered with National Autistic Society, and I have provided training for ADHD Healthcare Professionals on Menopause and HRT.
Contacting me
To book a 1 hour New Client Consultation go to www.bourne2care.co.uk
If you’re unsure on the appointment you’d like, please call me 07825 925493.
Thank you. Diane.
