If you’re suffering from ‘brain fog’ during the menopause, you are not alone. Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly are common symptoms that many women experience, some worry that it could even be dementia when actually it’s those hormones wreaking havoc again.
Oestrogen and testosterone have an important role to play with cognition and memory. When these levels decrease during the menopause, many of us will discover symptoms affecting these functions such as short-term memory loss.
There are some occasions where it’s easy to laugh it off such as putting your keys in the fridge but when it starts to affect our everyday lives within personal and professional matters, it can be quite overwhelming.
Here are some simple steps to help you cope with brain fog or memory changes.
Keep hydrated
Dehydration can lead to difficulty in concentration as your body is fighting harder to function. Try and keep your water levels up throughout the whole day and if you need a little twist, add some lemon/lime or some fruits to add a little flavour.
Keep a to do list
Home, work, fitness, socials – there’s so much going on in everyday life so try and keep reminders and events written down in a diary or calendar to help ease the pressure of spinning so many plates.
Light exercise
Yoga or Pilates are a great way to practice some light exercise and help focus your mind. This month, Yoga expert Anna Paskins has also shared some breathing techniques on our health hub to help with brain fog.
Challenge your mind
Keep your brain working hard with puzzles or learning something new. It might also help distract you with something else to focus on.
It’s good to talk
Speak to your friends and family if you’re worried. It might help relieve some anxiety and lighten the load.
Most of all, give yourself a break. The menopause and fluctuating hormones lead to many changes in our mind and body and here’s a little reminder that you’ve got this.