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Menopause / post-menopause difficulties

Ice Swimmer

I am a recently diagnosed (by GP, awaiting formal assessment) 66 y.o. and post-menopausal. I have been having trouble with hot flushes and poor sleep despite being on Evorel HRT patches. Lack of sleep is adding to my depression and anxiety, to dangerous levels (I am under my local mental health team). As I had a stroke in my 20s, I can only take low dose HRT, apparently. 

It seems being autistic can make a variety of conditions harder to handle, possibly due to worse symptoms or less ability to handle them, or both, and I guess that applies to menopause, too.

Can anyone give me any pointers to further information, research, literature, advice, personal anecdotes? I have found a little info on https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/, Mumsnet and https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/.

Thank you

Parents

  • I'm not up to date with what's current, 7 years post menopausal so out of the loop. My meltdowns/shutdowns and burnout were definitely more frequent during menopause and I always felt hormonal fluctuations intensely. I never had HRT. I went through early menopause and my feelings of anxiety and stress were attributed to being the sole carer of my autistic son. My GP thought that taking HRT would prolong the inevitable process and if I could cope with the symptoms then I should ride it out. With lack of sleep I try not to look at the time when I wake up because then I think about how much time there is before I need to get up or think about how much sleep I'm missing. On a good night I get 6 hours, on a bad night I'm lucky to get 4 hours broken sleep. If I'm awake early then I enjoy the quiet time before the world wakes up - open the window, listen to the birds. Try to nap when you can. Í limit caffeine drinks to before midday and have a time in the afternoon when I stop everything and read or listen to something relaxing. If it leads to falling asleep then that's good, if not at least my mind has switched off for a bit. I coped with hot flushes by taking regular cool showers, wearing loose, natural fibers clothing, carry a hand held fan with me when I'm out. I'm guessing from your username that you practice cold water therapy anyway. I actually feel pretty good now I've got through to the other side of it. My mood is much more level. Having the autism diagnosis has made me feel a peace I never had before. I'm much more gentle with myself and doing what's right for me 

    Some links:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/menopause-menstruation

    https://www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/autism-and-menopause-qa-with-rachel-moseley-and-julie-turner-cobb/

  • in reply to This Person (Ottilie)

    Thank you. Good advice, some of which I already try. I haven't limited my caffeine to mornings yet, but I will try this. I have found only eating sweet things in the morning, and not eating after about 6.30pm helps.

    That was a tough approach by your GP. Menopause, being a sole carer and autistic must have been tough. Glad you are feeling better. 

    Yes, I am an all year outdoor swimmer, without a wet suit, and a fan of cold showers.

    My autism diagnosis is allowing me to understand that sometimes I just need to chill.

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  • in reply to This Person (Ottilie)

    Thank you. Good advice, some of which I already try. I haven't limited my caffeine to mornings yet, but I will try this. I have found only eating sweet things in the morning, and not eating after about 6.30pm helps.

    That was a tough approach by your GP. Menopause, being a sole carer and autistic must have been tough. Glad you are feeling better. 

    Yes, I am an all year outdoor swimmer, without a wet suit, and a fan of cold showers.

    My autism diagnosis is allowing me to understand that sometimes I just need to chill.

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