Many women in their early 40s go through this early transitional phase before menopause known as perimenopause. Symptoms in most females vary between mild to moderate. Whereas, some women may experience severe symptoms that could affect their daily lives. One of the most common symptoms of perimenopause isn’t talked about as much as hot flashes. This is brain fog. Let’s learn more about the link between perimenopause and this condition.
What’s the Link Between Perimenopause and Brain Fog?
Research has shown that brain fog is one of the lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause. However, it’s so common. Most women associate perimenopause with hot flashes or mood swings. But brain fog is said to be one of the earliest signs of it. It affects about two-thirds of perimenopausal and menopausal women. You experience difficulties concentrating, making decisions, processing new information, and forgetting things. It is caused by hormonal changes, such as progesterone levels, that affect the brain.
What Does Perimenopause Do to Your Brain?
Most women normally start perimenopause as early as in their 40s. This transitional phase allows your body’s estrogen and progesterone levels to fluctuate. As was mentioned, it could have an effect on your brain causing you to forget things such as your keys or why you entered into a room. You may be thinking that you’re developing early signs of dementia, but it’s brain fog. There have been multiple studies that show evidence of this condition. Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Juliana Kling says brain fog could be related to sleep disturbances.
What Does Perimenopause Fatigue Feel Like?
Have you ever felt so tired throughout the day? Perhaps you may feel that your daily night’s sleep isn’t enough to make you feel well-rested. You may be experiencing perimenopause fatigue. Many health experts say this is normal. Over 95% of women going through this complain of fatigue and not getting enough restful sleep. Night sweats, which is another common symptom of menopause, cause women to wake up frequently at night, causing their sleep to become interrupted. This causes them to be sleepy during the day. Insomnia is another condition that affects perimenopausal women.
How to Get Rid of Perimenopause Brain Fog?
The good news about perimenopausal brain fog is that it’s temporary. You could potentially combat this condition if you take the necessary steps to exercise your brain. Getting daily exercise, mindfulness exercises, avoiding drinking alcohol or smoking, and having hobbies such as learning a foreign language could be helpful. Using paper or digital calendars such as Google Calendar could also help remember important appointments or events. Doing all or some of these things could alleviate and slow down brain fog.
As we can see, perimenopause and brain fog have a clear link between each other. Perimenopause fatigue is connected to this condition as well. But the good news is that it’s not an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a temporary condition that could be slowed down by making good healthy choices such as exercising and eating well.
Are you or a friend you know going through perimenopause brain fog? Perhaps they may be going through perimenopause fatigue? Feel free to share in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know coping with perimenopause.
