Menopause is an important milestone in a woman’s reproductive journey. While menstruation marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle, menopause marks the end of that cycle. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), natural menopause is considered to occur when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Around the world, menopause typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 and can cause a variety of bodily changes.
Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, mood swings, weight gain, etc. Moreover, brain fog is a common symptom of perimenopause and peri-menopause, reported to affect over 60% of women along with other cognitive disorders.
Read more: Early menopause: Understanding the health risks and symptoms to watch out for
What is Menopause Brain?
Dr Vivek Varun, Consultant Neurologist and Epilepsy Specialist at Artemis Hospital, calls the cognitive changes that occur during menopause the “menopausal brain.” These changes include:
Memory problems: Difficulty remembering names, dates, and recent events.
Brain fog: Feeling confused or unable to concentrate.
Difficulty multitasking: Having trouble doing more than one task at a time.
Slow down your thinking – it takes time to process information.
According to a study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry, hormonal changes during menopause, particularly declining estrogen levels, may contribute to cognitive impairment. Researchers noted that between 44% and 62% of women experience subjective declines in cognitive function during menopause, including memory problems, decreased concentration, and forgetfulness.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors that cause menopause-related brain changes include:
Emphasize
Sleep disorders
Underlying conditions such as thyroid disease
Vitamin deficiency
Early Signs of Brain Menopause
Research shows that women are more likely than men to experience cognitive decline, especially as they approach menopause. This may be due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during this time. Early symptoms can include:
Becoming increasingly forgetful
I can’t find the words
Mood swings
Sleep disorders
Brain Fog
How to care for your brain during menopause
Menopause is a natural process and not a disease that needs to be cured, but there are ways to manage its symptoms. These include:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Regular exercise
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Engage in mind-stimulating activities like reading, learning a new language, or playing games.
Cognitive supplements and treatments are also available under the guidance of a medical professional. Some options include:
Hormone therapy
Get enough omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and folate. Natural sources include meat, poultry, eggs and green leafy vegetables.
Increase your intake of antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
It is important to note that each individual’s experience may be different and what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s best to consult your doctor for more personalized advice.
in conclusion
Menopause is a natural process that brings about various changes in the body. Women going through menopause may experience a variety of symptoms, including changes related to the brain. Menopause is not a disease and there is no specific treatment, but it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.
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