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Autism/ADHD and PMS

Expecto_Patronum

I know this isn't a topic that everybody is comfortable with so apologies in advance for that. But it is something I am struggling with and I've read some things that say that PMS is more common with neurodivergency.

I have periods of low mood anyway but it absolutely plummets during my time of month and I just can't snap out of the feeling of total despair. I know that it only typically lasts a few days and will pass but it's really unbearable whilst it lasts.

I know the logical answer would be to go to the doctor but I don't think I'd like their solutions. I believe they'd either suggest antidepressants which I have tried and tested and not had a pleasant experience with. Or they'd suggest going on the pill but this idea makes me very uncomfortable. I'm wary of medication anyway because I've had bad experiences with side effects but something about a pill that impacts on your hormones worries me. I've also heard people say that it can increase your risk of certain cancers etc which makes me wary. I know sometimes these things are just scaremongering or a rare risk but I can't get past my anxiety of something happening.

Does anybody else have similar struggles? Has anyone found success in a solution? Or tried things that haven't worked?

Parents

  • I have temporarily rejoined here, one of the reasons being I would like personal discussion on this so I'm sorry of this hijacks your thread a little but it's all relevant. 

    In terms of your own issues, I've never had massive problems in the "women's department" pertaining to mood, although I do feel now slightly more balanced (!) post-burnout, it's easier to manage. Meditation and supplements help personally, but I know it's different for everyone.  You said you know it'll pass - keep that in mind.

    I'd like to know if yourselves or any other members find their sensory world (in particular, hearing) more unmanageable around certain times of the month? I cannot discern properly,  cause and effect, but have been wondering now for around 8 months or longer. Considering age having an impact too although I've been advised I am a bit too young for "change of life" (but seem to be heading that way earlier than my peers).

    It is frustrating because,  I struggle explaining myself to doctors, have difficulty with interoception and alexithymia. I'd rather try and sort things out myself as far as possible. I have read low oestrogen can affect hearing/tinnitus. Ear infection is ruled out. What may be classed as "irritability" to some, is me not being able to tolerate a meowing cat or general kitchen noises.

    I am most definitely not after medical advice, or links to generic "women's problems and autism", I'd like personal experiences. At certain times regular life starts to become unbearable. Like today. I have nearly posted about this several times before.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Could you be having perimenopause? It gives some of the same symptoms of menopause, some hot flushes and head aches, brain fog and heavy or scanty bleeding. It tends to come on somewhere around the mid to late 30's, then it goes away again for a bit before menopuae proper starts.

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I think it's quite likely. The difficulty is when, certain symptoms overlap with chronic health conditions and spending most of adult life exhausted and generally unwell. It can be difficult to discern what's "normal" or expected. And, difficulty advocating for/expressing myself when with health professionals. 

  • in reply to Deleted User

    My partner is also autistic but interoception isn't something she struggles with thankfully. I however haven't a clue that I need the loo until it's a bit too close to call. Hushed

    If you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person. Grin

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