Menstruation and menopause in autistic adults: Periods of importance?
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Authors
Groenman, Annabeth P
Torenvliet, Carolien
Radhoe, Tulsi A
Agelink van Rentergem, Joost A
Hilde M Geurts
Issue Date
2022-08
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Adults , Autism Spectrum Disorders , Menopause , Menstruation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Autism spectrum conditions were once seen as a predominantly male condition, but this has caused research to have little focus on women. Therefore, little is known about menstruation and menopause in autism spectrum conditions. Some smaller studies indicate that autistic individuals might suffer from increased difficulties surrounding these events. This study aimed to investigate whether autistic women experience more frequent premenstrual dysphoric disorder, causing extreme physical, emotional, and functional impairment. In a partly overlapping sample, we also examined whether women with autism spectrum condition experience increased complaints surrounding menopause. We did not find an increased prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in autism spectrum conditions (14.3%) compared with non-autistic women (9.5%). Those with autism spectrum conditions did experience increased menopausal complaints. These menopausal complaints were associated with higher levels of depression and autistic traits. In non-autistic women, menopausal complaints were associated with increased inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity (i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits), and depression. With this work, we show the important role that major reproductive milestones can have in an autistic woman's life.
Description
Citation
Groenman, A. P., Torenvliet, C., Radhoe, T. A., Agelink van Rentergem, J. A., & Geurts, H. M. (2022). Menstruation and menopause in autistic adults: Periods of importance?. Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 26(6), 1563–1572. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211059721
Publisher
Autism : The International Journal of Research and Practice