Have you found yourself forgetting…wait the phone just rang and the dog barked…what we were we about to write? Literally can’t remember so we are going to take a minute.
Having trouble thinking more clearly like we just did? Feeling tired all the time? You may be nodding your head in agreement right now because we are! Well, what you’re experiencing is probably brain fog.
So, what exactly is brain fog? Well, the first cited usage of the term goes back to 1853. While it isn’t a medical or scientific term, it’s commonly used to describe that feeling when your mind feels fuzzy, hazy, or sluggish. Other symptoms of brain fog include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of concentration
- Slow thinking
Women who are going through menopause often experience this phenomenon in one form or another. Now you may be thinking, “What the heck? I’m already dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, and now this?”
Brain Fog During Menopause: What Causes It?
Brain fog, which can feel like your head has been stuffed with cotton, may be the result of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Not getting enough sleep
- Stress
All of these issues are also common menopausal symptoms. Brain fog can often be found in women transitioning through menopause because of changing hormone levels, which can affect cognition. In one study, 60% of middle-aged women report difficulty concentrating and other cognition issues. These issues spike in women going through perimenopause, the stage just before the menstrual cycle stops entirely. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can start as early as her 30 .
Brain fog is also common among adults with hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones. This lack of hormonal activity makes you feel tired and weak all the time, which can affect your brain function.
If you’re suffering from brain fog. Don’t fret. There are things you can do to clear the fog and regain clarity.
How To Manage Brain Fog During Menopause
There are several ways to manage brain fog effectively once it starts interfering in your daily life. They include:
- Eating healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables)
- Exercising regularly (such as walking or jogging)
- Getting enough rest
- Meditating for 15 minutes per day
Another option is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT uses “bioidentical hormones” to supplement your body’s natural supply when you aren’t producing enough on your own. It can be used as a solution to help alleviate symptoms such as:
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Trouble concentrating
One 2019 study shows women who began hormone therapy at an earlier age had higher cognitive scores than women who started it later. Compounding pharmacies like Belmar Pharmacy can customize BHRT to fit your needs. Please talk with your doctor, who, sooner rather than later, can help you determine if this type of therapy is right for you.
While fatigue, brain fog and other menopause symptoms are troublesome, the good news is that they will usually improve over time. Research shows that the intellectual edge lost during the period leading up to a woman’s last menstrual cycle does rebound in the later phases of menopause.
Brain fog is a common side effect of menopause and can be frustrating to deal with. But it doesn’t have to be your reality for long. You can make changes to beat it, so you’re not stuck in an endless cycle of confusion, which is not a fun place to be.
Now you know what brain fog is and what to do about it. This info is too good to keep to yourself. Share it with anyone you know going through menopause and needs help clearing away the fog because every woman deserves to feel amazing at every stage of their life journey.