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Women only please: What is your experience of oestrogen and autism?

Nessie

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?

Parents

  • Hi Nessie

    Thank you for opening a women's only post.  I am almost 45 years old and have recently started to take the progesterone only pill as I transition through to the menopause.  This is to manage changes in my periods which have become much shorter and heavier as a result  meaning a very heavy period of a couple of days which is not a practical situation as I work as a teacher and this means several hours before I can get to a bathroom!

    I was previously on the pill (combined) before the birth of my son and then after his birth did not need to use any artificial hormones thankfully until now.

    I don't like being on the "pill" or taking any medication as I do ultimately like to be in tune with my natural self without artificial enhancement.  Not sure how long the menopause process will last so hopefully only a short term transition! :)

Reply

  • Hi Nessie

    Thank you for opening a women's only post.  I am almost 45 years old and have recently started to take the progesterone only pill as I transition through to the menopause.  This is to manage changes in my periods which have become much shorter and heavier as a result  meaning a very heavy period of a couple of days which is not a practical situation as I work as a teacher and this means several hours before I can get to a bathroom!

    I was previously on the pill (combined) before the birth of my son and then after his birth did not need to use any artificial hormones thankfully until now.

    I don't like being on the "pill" or taking any medication as I do ultimately like to be in tune with my natural self without artificial enhancement.  Not sure how long the menopause process will last so hopefully only a short term transition! :)

Children
  • in reply to .

    Hello and thank you for sharing your experience.

    I hope your progesterone-only pill helps with your menopause symptoms because that sounds really challenging. It will be interesting to know if, in time, you also notice any impact on your autism symptoms and behaviours as a result of being on progesterone.

    I don't blame you for preferring to avoid artificial hormones. I'm leaning towards staying medication-free for now, but it will depend what happens to my endometriosis as last time I ended up with a massive rupture requiring emergency surgery and only narrowly avoided a blood transfusion, so definitely don't want a repeat of that. :)