Menopause and Mental Sharpness
Everyone experiences perimenopause and menopause in different ways, and perimenopause symptoms can range from hot flashes to dry skin.
But one of the symptoms that seems to cause women the most trouble is perimenopause brain fog. So what is brain fog like, and is it possible to keep your mind sharp as you age?
Perimenopause and Brain Fog
You might have experienced it yourself. You walk into the kitchen and suddenly can’t remember why you went in there, or you misplace your keys for what feels like the 20th time that day.
One study found that around 60% of women in midlife have difficulties with concentration, and the problems spike during perimenopause. Like the other symptoms of perimenopause, it’s caused by fluctuating hormone levels in your body. And sleep loss caused by those night sweats can make your mind feel even foggier!
You might be worried that there’s something else causing your brain fog. Some women worry that they’re in the early stages of dementia. It’s true that dementia can cause foggy thinking, but generally that will get worse over time as dementia is a progressive disease. If you’re worried, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor as there may be other medical causes such as an underactive thyroid.
Brain fog is a very common symptom of perimenopause but the good news is that there are things that can help to age proof your brain.
How to treat menopause brain fog
There’s a good chance that your brain fog will go away on its own. Many women find that as their hormones settle down after menopause, their mental sharpness returns.
If your doctor has ruled out any other medical causes, you might want to discuss using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to ease your menopause symptoms including brain fog. You might also want to explore natural supplements for menopause brain fog such as Omega 3 fatty acids, which are also important for heart health.
Here are some other things you can try to keep your brain sharp:
Exercise Your Mind
Are puzzles good for your brain? Well, it’s not clear whether doing a crossword puzzle will help to keep brain fog at bay, but studies have shown that learning new skills is a good way to keep your brain active in later life. And in the meantime, making lists is a good way to stop brain fog from ruining your day!
Exercise Your Body
Regular exercise is good for your all-round physical health and some research has shown that it may also trigger the growth of new cells and blood vessels in the brain. You should aim to include both cardiovascular exercise like walking or swimming and strength training into your exercise routine. And a regular yoga practice can help you relax as well as strengthening your body.
Get A Better Night’s Sleep
If you’re not getting your 6-8 hours a night, this could also be affecting your mental sharpness. There are plenty of things that might help, from wearing natural fibres to keeping your room a little cooler.
Avoid Hot Flash Triggers
Many women find that certain foods and drinks can trigger a hot flash, such as caffeine, alcohol or spicy food. If you can identify what is triggering your hot flashes and night sweats, avoiding these triggers may also help to give you a clearer mind.
It might not be possible to prevent perimenopause brain fog but with some simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to ease your symptoms.
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