Puberty Survival Guide: Navigating the Maze with PANS, PANDAS, and Autism
Understanding the Impact of Hormones on Symptoms in Children on the Autism Spectrum and those with PANDAS and PANS
Navigating the complexities of raising a child on the autism spectrum, or affected by PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections), or PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) can often feel overwhelming. I understand your journey is filled with unique challenges and countless questions, especially when it comes to how hormonal changes during puberty impact your child’s symptoms.
Puberty is a critical time, and the way hormones affect boys and girls differently is a topic that can be both confusing and concerning. But know this: gaining a deeper understanding of these hormonal influences can make a world of difference in how you manage and support your child’s health and well-being. Together, we can unravel these complexities and find effective strategies to help your child thrive through these transformative years.
Hormonal Changes in Girls
When girls start to menstruate, they experience significant hormonal fluctuations throughout their cycle, which can have a profound impact on symptoms.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5):
Hormones: Low levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
Impact: These low hormone levels can lead to decreased serotonin and dopamine, potentially worsening mood swings, irritability, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, reduced hormone levels can destabilise mast cells (to find out more about this vital topic please read my blog on MCAS here https://www.brainstormhealth.co.uk/2023/11/navigating-mcas-in-autism-pans-and-pandas/), increasing the release of inflammatory mediators that may exacerbate symptoms of PANDAS/PANS.
Follicular Phase (Days 6-13):
Hormones: Rising oestrogen.
Impact: Increasing oestrogen levels enhance serotonin and dopamine production, often improving mood and cognitive function. Oestrogen also stabilises mast cells, reducing inflammation and potentially mitigating symptom severity.
Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 14):
Hormones: Surge in luteinising hormone (LH) and high oestrogen.
Impact: The peak in oestrogen can further enhance neurotransmitter activity, leading to improved mood and cognitive clarity. Mast cell stability continues, maintaining lower levels of inflammatory mediator release.
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):
Hormones: High progesterone and moderate oestrogen.
Impact: Progesterone can have a calming effect by promoting GABA activity, which may reduce anxiety but also cause drowsiness or fatigue. However, fluctuations in progesterone can lead to mood swings or depressive symptoms. The immune-modulatory effects of progesterone generally reduce inflammation, but a drop in hormone levels towards the end of this phase can lead to a resurgence of inflammatory symptoms.
Hormonal Changes in Boys
Boys also undergo significant hormonal changes during puberty, primarily driven by a surge in testosterone, which can influence symptoms in various ways.
Testosterone Surge:
Impact on Neurotransmitters: Testosterone increases dopamine synthesis and release, enhancing mood, motivation, and cognitive function. However, rapid changes in testosterone levels can also lead to fluctuations in neurotransmitter balance, potentially causing mood swings and aggressive behaviour.
Impact on Mast Cells: Testosterone generally stabilises mast cells, reducing their activation and the release of inflammatory mediators. However, during puberty, the hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to increased mast cell activation in certain individuals, resulting in heightened inflammatory responses.
Impact on Immune System: Testosterone has anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can help reduce autoimmune responses, but the rapid changes during puberty can lead to increased immune system activity and inflammation, contributing to symptom flares.
Why Puberty Can Be Challenging
I know that as your child enters puberty, you might feel a mix of apprehension and hope. Puberty brings rapid and significant hormonal changes that can intensify the symptoms of autism, PANDAS, and PANS. But understanding why this stage is challenging can empower you to better support your child through it. Here’s what you need to know:
Neurodevelopmental Sensitivity: During puberty, your child’s brain is undergoing significant development. This makes it more sensitive to hormonal and immune changes, which can impact their symptoms.
Immune System Maturation: Puberty is a time when the immune system changes and matures. This can lead to increased immune activity and inflammation, contributing to more frequent symptom flares.
Behavioural Changes: Natural behavioural shifts, like increased risk-taking and heightened emotional responses, are part of growing up. However, these changes can be more pronounced and challenging for children with autism, PANDAS, or PANS.
Environmental Stressors: Adolescence often brings increased exposure to social pressures and environmental stressors. These additional stresses can further exacerbate your child’s symptoms.
Solutions for Managing Hormonal Impacts on Symptoms in Children with Autism, PANDAS, and PANS
Understanding the impact of hormones on your child’s symptoms is crucial for effective management, especially during puberty. I want to share some top solutions with you to help manage these hormonal changes. By focusing on supporting adrenal function, balancing blood sugar, and reducing inflammation, we can make a significant difference in your child’s well-being. Let’s explore these strategies together, so you can feel confident and empowered to support your child through this transformative time.
Support Adrenals
Why It’s Important: The adrenal glands play a crucial role in managing stress and maintaining hormonal balance. During puberty, the adrenal glands produce increased levels of androgens (including testosterone) and cortisol, which can impact mood and immune function.
How to Support:
Adaptogenic Herbs: Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil help support adrenal health by reducing stress and balancing cortisol levels.
B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B5 and B6, are essential for adrenal function and hormone synthesis.
Magnesium: Magnesium, whether taken as an oral supplement, applied topically, or absorbed through Epsom salt baths, helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support overall adrenal function.
Cortisol-Control Supplements: Supplements like Seriphos help regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress and preventing adrenal fatigue.
Amino Acids: Amino acids like tryptophan, GABA, and 5-HTP can improve mood, calm the nervous system, and promote restful sleep.
Adequate Sleep: Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is vital for adrenal health and overall hormonal balance. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a restful sleep environment.
Balance Blood Sugar
Why It’s Important: Balancing blood sugar is critical because mast cells, which are involved in inflammatory responses, have insulin receptors. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can trigger these receptors, causing mast cell activation and subsequent “flares” of symptoms.
How to Balance:
Regular Meals: Ensure your child eats regular, balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Please visit the recipe section of our website for inspiration https://www.brainstormhealth.co.uk/recipes/
Low-Glycaemic Foods: Incorporating low-glycaemic foods into your child’s diet can help prevent blood sugar spikes and manage symptoms. Include proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and red meat, alongside a variety of vegetables and fruits. When including high-starch vegetables like potatoes, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes, or sweet fruits like apples, grapes, and dried fruit, ensure they are served with meals that contain adequate proteins and healthy fats. This combination can significantly lower blood sugar spikes by up to 40%, helping to stabilise energy levels and reduce symptoms.
Avoid Refined Sugars: Limit the intake of refined sugars and processed foods, which can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations. Did you know? A study in 2014 found that high sugar consumption can impair memory and learning, and contribute to inflammation in the brain. This highlights the importance of reducing refined sugar intake to help stabilise mood, behaviour, and cognitive function in children with autism, PANDAS, and PANS.
Reduce Inflammation Through Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle
Why It’s Important: Reducing inflammation is key to managing symptoms of autism, PANDAS, and PANS, especially during hormonal changes. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune dysregulation.
How to Reduce Inflammation:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), antioxidants (found in berries, leafy greens, and nuts), and anti-inflammatory spices (such as turmeric and ginger).
Supplements: Use targeted supplements to address specific needs:
PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide), SPM (Specialised Pro-resolving Mediators), Cylfacalm by Beyond Balance, Enhansa (curcumin based), Resveratrol, Microimmunotherapy formulations (very specific to the needs of the patient)
Probiotics: Support gut health and modulate the immune system.
Vitamin D: Plays a crucial role in immune regulation and inflammation reduction.
Magnesium: Helps in reducing stress and supporting nervous system function.
Lifestyle Changes: Encourage regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness and yoga.
Addressing Specific Biochemical Imbalances
Low GABA and Serotonin:
GABA Support: Low GABA levels can lead to anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Supplementing with GABA can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. To use GABA you will need to get approval from your medical doctor.
Serotonin Support: Low serotonin can also contribute to anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Supplementing with 5-HTP or tryptophan can increase serotonin levels and improve mood.
Low Zinc and Vitamin B6 (Pyroluria):
Pyroluria is a condition where the body loses excess zinc and vitamin B6, which may increase anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Hormonal Imbalances:
Balance Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, can increase intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
By understanding and addressing these root causes, you can help mitigate the impact of hormonal changes on your child’s symptoms. Here are some practical steps to implement these solutions:
Practical Steps for Parents
Regular Monitoring: Keep a detailed diary of your child’s symptoms, diet, sleep patterns, and any hormonal changes to identify triggers and patterns.
Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods, avoid refined sugars, and ensure balanced meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Supplementation: Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate supplements for your child’s needs.
Lifestyle Changes: Encourage regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.
Professional Support: Work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive health plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Conclusion
Puberty is a critical and challenging time, especially for children on the autism spectrum, PANDAS, or PANS. The hormonal changes they experience can greatly impact their symptoms. But there is hope. By understanding these effects and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals, you can effectively manage and reduce symptom flares. This proactive approach will ensure your child receives the necessary support during this crucial developmental stage. You have the power to make a significant difference in your child’s well-being, helping them navigate these changes and thrive.
IMPORTANT
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with medical doctors or qualified functional medicine practitioners to address specific health concerns and obtain personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. Never add any supplements to your plan until it has been assessed and approved by your medical doctor or suitable qualified practitioner who is familiar with your health history.
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