Menopause is another milestone in a woman’s life that brings about several changes in the body. It most often begins between ages 45 and 55 and is characterised by the absence of a menstrual period for up to 12 months.
During menopause, the hormonal shifts and fluctuations lead to various symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, moodiness, and more. A study published in the Journal of the Menopausal Society reported that insomnia (44.7%), fatigue (40.4%), and mood swings (37.2%) were among the most prevalent menopause symptoms among its participants. But another common symptom women often tend to miss is brain fog, which reportedly occurs in up to two-thirds of females. We asked an expert what the condition is and who is most at risk.
Also Read: Premature Menopause: Understanding Health Risks And Symptoms To Watch Out For
What Is Menopausal Brain Fog?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Atul Prasad, Principal Director and HOD - Neurology, BLK Max Super Speciality, Hospital, Delhi, describes menopausal brain fog as cognitive difficulties experienced by some women during menopause, including issues with memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
According to the doctor, the condition affects about 60% of middle-aged women.
Brain fog may be even more prevalent in the early stages of menopause, as per another study published in the Journal of the Menopausal Society.
Researchers divided women into stages based on their menstrual cycles and found that women in the very first year after their periods stopped did worse on tests of memory, attention, and movement compared to other stages.
How To Identify Menopausal Brain Fog
Some of the common signs of menopausal brain fog include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering things
- Confusion
- Slower thinking
- Difficulty in finding the right word
- Decreased mental clarity
- Impaired multitasking
- Emotional changes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Causes Of Menopausal Brain Fog
While the exact cause of menopausal brain fog is not clearly understood, it is attributed to factors such as hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition, and a poor circulatory system, according to the National Council on Aging.
Hormones play a significant role, says Dr Prasad, adding that oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone impact cognition.
He also notes that a “negative affect” (mood) might amplify these feelings of forgetfulness, whereas sleep issues and vascular symptoms associated with menopause, like hot flashes, can also contribute to brain fog.
Also Read: Have You Ever Felt Lack Of Mental Clarity? Is It Brain Fog, Read On To Know
When To Seek Help?
According to Dr Prasad, occasional memory lapses during menopause, like forgetting where you placed your cell phone, are normal. However, if cognitive issues significantly impact one's daily life, it is important to consider consulting a doctor.
“The good news is that menopause brain fog usually subsides after menopause itself,” he says.
“Regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and a healthy diet can help alleviate some of these symptoms,” he adds.