BRAIN FOG & MENOPAUSE

What causes menopause memory loss & brain fog?

Oestrogen contributes to brain functions including language, memory, and concentration. But when we hit perimenopause, oestrogen levels run low, which may explain why we struggle to recall a word, remember a name, or follow instructions. 

This can be discombobulating. As other menopause symptoms kick in - hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats, and insomnia - poor concentration, general tiredness and fatigue may add to short-term memory lapses or menopause brain fog. 

60% of women report cognitive difficulties during the menopause transition and for individuals who already tackle neurodiversity, their challenges to focus and process information may intensify during perimenopause.

What does menopause brain fog feel like?

Foggy! Feeling confused and a little spaced out, not keeping up with conversations, having to make an extra effort to focus and having memory lapses.

New research shows that the brain going through menopause undergoes restructuring, during this time women may struggle with word recall, concentration, and focus. Things can get jumbled, muddled, or confused. It can be totally discombobulating and anxiety-inducing, especially in a work situation potentially, causing mental health issues.

It's too common not to recognise the signs and symptoms of menopause and women experiencing a confused, cotton wool brain, may think they have something seriously wrong with their mind, some seriously think they have early onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. This can create a knock-on effect of anxiety, and stress that exacerbates other symptoms.

How can I manage brain fog?

Staying active, getting enough sleep and managing stress which can exacerbate brain fog. Eating a diet rich in nutrients beneficial for brain health, will help to deal with what can be an anxiety-inducing symptom.  

Does brain fog go away? 

Your menopause memory should improve! A 2016 Harvard University study looking at memory, ageing and menopause, found that although women between the ages of 45-55, performed less well in memory tests than women of other ages, postmenopausal women performed as well as premenopausal women. There’s a light at the end of the foggy tunnel! 

Is there a medical treatment for brain fog?

If you’re worried that menopause brain and memory problems are severe, or getting worse, don’t assume it’s menopause, talk to your doctor to rule out other underlying conditions. Brain fog can be improved by eating a healthy diet, sleep, exercise - both for the body and brain. If this doesn’t deal with it, it may be that hormone levels need rebalancing through HRT for those able or willing to take it. HRT may help you to cope with brain fog by dealing with some of the symptoms that add to the problem, hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety etc, which all disturb your sleep patterns.

The usual caveat here, that HRT is something to be discussed with your doctor. There are pros and cons to taking it. We don’t take a view. It’s for you to decide whether it’s for you or not.