National Sensory Network

Here are examples of how perimenopausal and menopausal changes can impact women with sensory processing difficulties:

Impact on Sleep and Self-Regulation:

Menopause often brings physical symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, which can strain sensory processing capacities. Hot flushes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced cognitive function, which in turn can make sensory overload more pronounced. Sleep deprivation can also lower the threshold for sensory overwhelm, making it harder for women to cope with sensory inputs they previously managed more easily.

Impact on Emotions and Mental Health:

Emotional and psychological changes associated with perimenopause and menopause, such as increased anxiety, mood swings, and depression, can interact with sensory processing challenges. Anxiety and stress can heighten sensory sensitivities, creating a vicious cycle where sensory overload exacerbates emotional distress, which then further intensifies sensory issues. 

Heightened Tactile Sensitivity:

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate tactile sensitivities. Women may find that certain fabrics or clothing textures that were previously comfortable now cause significant discomfort. This can also impact their tolerance to touch. 

Increased Auditory Sensitivity:

Changes in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to increased auditory sensitivity, making everyday sounds seem louder and more intrusive. This can be particularly distressing in environments with constant background noise, such as open-plan offices or busy public places. Women might find it difficult to concentrate in environments that previously didn’t bother them.

Visual Sensitivity:

Hormonal changes can also affect visual processing, making women more sensitive to bright lights or flickering screens. This heightened visual sensitivity can lead to discomfort or headaches when exposed to fluorescent lighting or digital screens for prolonged periods. 

Sensitivity to Temperature Changes:

Hot flushes and night sweats are common menopausal symptoms that can exacerbate sensory processing challenges. The sudden onset of intense heat can be particularly distressing for women with sensory sensitivities, making it hard to stay comfortable in varying temperatures. This can affect their ability to focus and function effectively, especially in environments where they have little control over temperature settings.

Proprioceptive and Vestibular Issues:

Some women report changes in balance and spatial awareness during menopause, which can impact proprioceptive and vestibular processing. This might manifest as increased clumsiness or difficulty with coordination, making activities that require precise movements, such as driving or even walking in crowded areas, more challenging and stressful.

Altered Pain Perception:

Menopause can alter pain perception; many women experience muscle and joint pain during this period of their lives, which is distracting and impacts sleep.

Enhanced Sensitivity to Smells:

Changes in hormonal levels can also heighten olfactory sensitivity. Women may become more sensitive to smells, finding certain scents overwhelming or even nauseating. This can make tolerating perfumes, cleaning products, or even certain foods difficult.

More research is needed to better understand the link between sensory processing and menopause. However, recognising the sensory aspect of menopausal changes can help in providing better support and interventions to women experiencing sensory processing issues during menopause.