Do you recognize yourself in the following situations? You’re in the kitchen, trying to get something, but what was it? You can’t remember it. Forgetfulness and loss of concentration are common symptoms in menopausal women. But what causes loss of concentration during menopause? What can you do to improve your concentration? In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons for memory problems during menopause and what you can do about them.
Do you often forget where you put your keys? Do you have trouble concentrating or finding the right words during a conversation? You’re not alone. Many women experience a kind of “brain fog” or memory loss during menopause. While this can be frightening at times, thankfully it’s usually temporary—and understandable.
What happens in your brain during menopause?
During menopause, your hormone balance changes dramatically. Estrogen production—a key female sex hormone—decreases. Estrogen, however, not only affects your fertility but also plays a role in the brain:
It supports communication between brain cells
It promotes blood flow to the brain
It influences mood, concentration and memory
When estrogen levels drop, a variety of cognitive complaints can occur, such as:
Forgetfulness
Poorer concentration
Difficulty multitasking
Slower thinking
Difficulty planning or organizing
These symptoms can range from mild to quite frustrating. Some women even worry they have early-stage dementia – while in many cases it’s purely hormonal.
Brain fog or something else?
The term “brain fog” is often used to describe this mental haziness. It’s not an official medical diagnosis, but it is a common experience. Stress, poor sleep, busyness, anxiety, or a vitamin deficiency can also exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to consider the bigger picture.
What can you do about memory problems during menopause?
Fortunately, there are several ways to support your brain during this period:
Take sleep seriously.
Lack of sleep is detrimental to your memory. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed, and avoid caffeine in the evening.
Exercise is brain training
Regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, stimulates blood flow to the brain and reduces stress.
Nutrition and supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil or algae oil): good for brain function
Vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid: contribute to a clear mind and are good for memory and concentration
Vitamin D: supports brain functions and mood
Magnesium: helps with stress and contributes to a good night’s sleep
Mental training:
Do things that stimulate your brain: read a book, do puzzles, learn something new. The more active your brain, the better it functions.
Be kind to yourself.
This creates positive changes in your brain. Being kind to yourself increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, your happiness hormones. These happiness hormones influence our mood, motivation, stress levels, and even our physical health.
When to see a doctor?
If you notice that the symptoms are very severe or are interfering with your daily functioning, it’s wise to consult a doctor or specialist. Sometimes other causes are at play!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to visit our store for expert advice.
