I've been on and off the pill (but mostly on) since I was 16, when I was first prescribed the combined pill to manage acne. After my endometriosis was diagnosed aged 25, I was put on a progesterone-only pill as they discovered my endo was oestrogen-driven.
Just over 4 months ago, my prescription ran out and I decided not to have it re-filled, mostly due to the amount of chasing about on my part that is required every time I request it and then have to go through the rigmarole of having it reissued with the brand name (not the generic due to allergies) despite requesting this every time, and then finding a pharmacist to source it and/or arguing with a GP about why. So, yeah, I've had enough. This has come at a time when I've been in full burnout mode so please don't lecture me on the importance of taking medication etc. because I'll just ignore you. :)
The funny thing is, since coming off it, I've been feeling a lot more like my old self. For the last 7 years, I'd been completely numb inside and very placid and unengaged with everything, which I think my family all took as a good sign I had finally grown up and learned to manage my feelings and frustrations. However, for the last few months, I've been feeling a lot more autistic—sensory issues in particular and the associated irritability, but also frustrations bubbling up, short-term interests completely taking over my life for spells, significant sleeping difficulties etc.
My hypothesis is the progesterone-only pill artificially suppressed my oestrogen level, and as this is recovering it is having a significant impact on my autistic behaviour.
Have you had a similar experience, either on the pill or coming off the pill, or after menopause etc.?
If my autism is sensitive to oestrogen, then I'm hopeful that once I go through the menopause my autism will be less of a problem to me and those around me.
Note: I am not saying I'm only autistic because of oestrogen as, obviously, I've been autie all my life (as my family will definitely attest!), but, rather, the more challenging aspects of my autism seem to be amplified by my oestrogen levels. Can you relate?