Do you suddenly find yourself avoiding busy supermarkets? Do certain fabrics feel unbearable? Are everyday sounds making you irritable or even panicked?

You’re not becoming fussy. You’re likely experiencing sensory processing sensitivity - something that’s common in autistic and ADHD women, especially during menopause.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how your brain interprets information from your environment. This includes:

•Noise

•Light

•Touch

•Smell

•Temperature

•Movement

If you’re neurodivergent, your brain might process this input more intensely or less consistently than neurotypical brains.

Sensory Profiles in Autism and ADHD

•Autistic women often have heightened sensitivity (hyper-sensitivity) or low registration (hypo-sensitivity) to specific sensory inputs.

•ADHD women may swing between seeking stimulation and feeling overwhelmed by it—especially when already tired or dysregulated.

Why Menopause Makes It Worse

Hormonal fluctuations can:

•Increase sensory sensitivity

•Lower your tolerance for noise and chaos

•Disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature, touch, and comfort

•Affect your ability to 'filter out' background sensations

Real-Life Signs

•Getting physically uncomfortable from certain clothes or materials

•Avoiding certain lighting or sounds

•Experiencing 'sensory shutdown' after a long day

•Finding it hard to focus in cluttered or noisy environments

What Helps

•Dress for comfort, not conformity

•Use ear defenders or noise-reducing headphones

•Create calm, low-stimulation zones in your home or workspace

•Schedule quiet recovery time after high-input situations

•Advocate for sensory-safe environments at work

You’re not overreacting. You’re overwhelmed. And it’s valid.

Want more insight into how menopause affects your sensory system and nervous system regulation? That’s exactly what we unpack in our workshop and coaching spaces.

Come join us:

https://inclusivechange.co.uk/brain-fog-to-clarity-workshop