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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

  • Heya Slight smile

    Around May this year I went on the pill due to my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it has greatly helped dealing with that. I have lost a lot of weight, I don't get acne on my face, i don't get as many headaches, my periods are regular and manageable, and period pain doesn't leave me in agony! Unfortunately, since taking it it's greatly affected my mental health. I've suffered from depression to the point of suicidal feelings, my moods have been up and down and actually, I feel more Autistic too. Maybe I've just become more self-aware about my Autism, but the timing makes me think maybe not. 

    So yeah, I do relate to what you're saying. Truth be told I wish they'd just get rid of my ovaries so I didn't have to take the medication at all! 

  • in reply to Nugget The Chicken

    Hey. Slight smile 

    I'm really sorry to hear about your PCOS and how it has impacted your life. It's cruel that chronic illness always comes with a trade off—take this to fix X, but then suffer Y. The timing does point to more than mere coincidence. Is it worth trying a different pill? I've found even the brand vs the generic version with same active ingredients have different affects on me because of what they put in the base.

    I also think doctors are quite dismissive about side effects in general, and mental health side effects in particular, more especially if you're a woman. The medication I was prescribed for my chronic migraine also left me feeling suicidal for several weeks before I jacked it in and decided no more tablets. My GP took this to mean that my migraine was better.

    Nugget The Chicken said:
    Truth be told I wish they'd just get rid of my ovaries

    I'm so with you! Unfortunately, I've read if they do that, they'll put you on the pill (or HRT) to offset the loss. Far easier to just be born a man. Grinning

  • in reply to Nessie

    Thanks. Yeah PCOS is annoying but my silver lining is that at least it lowers my chances of having children (I really don't want them!) plus being on the pill lowers that even. I've just started on my third pill after the first two weren't helping me. Hopefully this one is better. Might take me a while to find one that agrees with me! 

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  • in reply to Nessie

    Thanks. Yeah PCOS is annoying but my silver lining is that at least it lowers my chances of having children (I really don't want them!) plus being on the pill lowers that even. I've just started on my third pill after the first two weren't helping me. Hopefully this one is better. Might take me a while to find one that agrees with me! 

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