Series Post #3 Brain Fog or Dementia? The cognitive impact of peri-menopause. Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there? Do you sometimes (or more than sometimes) lose track of the conversation mid-sentence or can’t remember the name of someone you’ve known for years? Or a simple word that escapes you leaving you with the default "you know...the thingy"?
If these moments of forgetfulness or mental fog have become more frequent, you might find yourself wondering: Is this normal? Is it me? Or is it peri-menopause? Or worse...is it early dementia? If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you’re not alone. Cognitive changes, often referred to as “brain fog,” are a very common yet overlooked symptom of hormonal shifts. The good news is that while these changes can be frustrating (and at times alarming), they’re not permanent - and they’re not an indication of early dementia. Let’s dive into why brain fog occurs during peri-menopause and, most importantly...what you can do about it. Why Menopause Affects Brain Function During peri-menopause and menopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts, and these changes don’t just affect your reproductive system, they also influence your brain. Here’s how: 1. Estrogen Protects the Brain Estrogen is not just a reproductive hormone, it’s a core player in brain health. It acts as a neuroprotective agent. This means it helps protect neurons from damage and supports their ability to communicate with one another. Here are a few more things that estrogen does:
2. Progesterone is the Calming Hormone
3. Testosterone and Mental Sharpness
4. Cortisol and Chronic Stress
Symptoms You May Experience
Brain Fog vs. Dementia While brain fog is common (and treatable!) during menopause, it’s important to differentiate it from more serious cognitive concerns like dementia.
Holistic Solutions for Brain Fog The good news? Brain fog isn’t permanent, and there are plenty of strategies to support your cognitive health. 1. Balance Your Hormones
You've Got this! While menopause can feel like a never ending storm of chaos, it is temporary and you don't have to suffer through it if you have the right tools and strategies to support this transition. The next time you walk into a room and forget why you’re there, take a deep breath and remind yourself: It’s not dementia...it’s menopause. Stay tuned for our next post in the series, where we’ll tackle managing weight gain during menopause.
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AuthorLynnel is a registered Holistic Nutritionist, Health Coach, the Educational Director of the NutraPhoria School of Holistic Nutrition. Click About to learn more.
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