Let's talk about the MENOPAUSE.

The menopause is not an illness or a diagnosis which requires immediate medical intervention, it is a natural biological process all females will encounter. But we do not have to accept the physical and emotional changes which accompany it as inevitable. When the body goes through this big life change, the outcome is far more complex than simply the loss of the reproductive hormones, there is a vast array of symptoms experienced, both emotional and physical, and the variety and severity of these symptoms can varying from woman to woman.

Reproductive hormones interact and interplay with our brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, and there are a growing number of studies focusing upon the impact these interactions have on brain health and executive functioning, and what is coming out of these studies is that the neurodivergent menopause experience has its own additional considerations and complications.

Those who are autistic may experience a major deterioration in everyday functions including socialising, communicating, emotional regulation, insomnia and sensory sensitivity. Whilst the ADHD individual will be more vulnerable to the executive functioning challenges caused by a drop in dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for regulating executive functioning - attention, concentration, impulsivity, memory, motivation and reward.

Females with an eating disorder - anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, or in recovery from, may find additional challenges arise at the onset of the menopause, with feelings of loss of control, anxiety, low mood and a lack of motivation increasing, alongside the absolute dread of menopausal weight gain. These can be huge triggers for both the anorexic mindset and those in a larger body.

Having the combination of a neurodiverse diagnosis and an accompanying eating disorder requires specific interventions to help to prevent relapses and protect the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced.

Eight out of ten women going through the menopause are in the workplace, and research suggests that 1 in 4 consider leaving due to its impact. This course will look at the associated risks and symptoms, and consider the array of interventions, both psychological and physiological that can be introduced to help to make the years leading up to the menopause (the perimenopausal years) and the transition through, a less traumatic event FOR ALL, but especially those with eating disorders, disordered eating or have a neurodiverse diagnosis.

Join us on 3rd of March for more on Menopause...