Menopause affects a woman’s body in various ways. Hormonal fluctuations during this transitional period can negatively impact physical, emotional, mental and social health, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as delayed periods, hirsutism, excess facial and body hair, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and weight, to name a few.
In some women, menopause can also affect the brain, leading to a decline in cognitive function and in some cases, brain fog as the primary symptom. But let’s understand how this works.
How Menopause Affects the Brain and Common Symptoms to Look Out for
As mentioned earlier, menopause brings about hormonal changes that can affect the brain and overall cognitive function. Declining estrogen levels affect the parts of the brain that regulate mood, memory, and other brain functions. Common symptoms include:
Problems with memory, concentration, and processing speed are often referred to as “brain fog.”
In fact, a study published in Integrative Medicine Insights suggests that 60% of perimenopausal and menopausal women report a decline in cognitive ability.
Additionally, according to a research paper published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, menopause may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the protective effects of estrogen on the brain are lost.
As a result, experts have put up a list of steps that menopausal women can do to enhance brain health and lower their chance of developing symptoms and difficulties related to the brain.
A Healthy Diet is Key
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall brain health. Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins are especially beneficial.
Stay Physically Active
Engage in regular exercise, such as aerobics, strength training, or flexibility exercises. This improves blood flow to the brain and promotes the release of endorphins, which improve mood and cognitive function.
Get Enough Sleep
Get enough good quality sleep every night. Sleep is essential for brain health as it enables cognitive processing, memory consolidation and flushes toxins that build up in the brain during the day. Experts recommend 7-8 hours of uninterrupted quality sleep every night. However, factors like hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia can cause a variety of sleep problems.
Manage Stress
Practice stress reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or a hobby. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on brain health. Therefore, it is important to find ways to relax and manage stress.
Conclusion
Menopause can affect brain health in a number of ways. It may also increase the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, women can support cognitive function and mitigate the potential effects of hormonal changes by maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, managing stress effectively, and participating in mentally stimulating activities.
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