Important background info - A few years ago at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with ADHD. Suddenly my entire life finally made sense. Medication made a world of difference to me and I finally feel like I've got my shit together when I'm medicated.
I've recently begun to suspect I may also have autism (in the form of Asperger's). I have heard that for many people who are AuADHD their ASD symptoms didn't fully become apparent until they were medicated and able to deal with their ADHD symptoms.
Since hitting 40 it's also become very clear that I'm struggling with all the standard perimenopause symptoms as well.
I've also been struggling with increased noise sensitivity to the point my husbands chewing and my children arguing and general noise fill me with rage. It's become so bad I have to ensure I take my ADHd medication and wear earplugs around them on a daily basis to avoid having a breakdown. I become overstimulated and overwhelmed very quickly in certain situations.
At first I thought maybe this was the ASD symptoms presenting themselves, but I've recently heard about women in perimenopause feeling and reacting in the same way as me in feeling a general overwhelm of life along with increased sensitivity to noise, crowds, busy days out, family members etc.
I'm not sure what to think anymore. I'd like to get a better understanding of why I'm feeling and reacting the way I am. I realise no one else can speak for me and diagnosis me, but I'm interested to hear from others who have experienced ASD / AuADHD / Perimenopause and understand why these issues only really presented themselves after 40.
My husband thinks I've gone insane because I've become so sensitive to the sounds and busy days.
Will it ever end?