Women experience complications associated with memory and mental function far greater than their male counterparts. In many women, complications associated with mental clarity are often related to hormonal changes and can even affect women who have a complication with metabolic syndromes. If you are a woman who finds that, at times, your mental clarity is lacking, it may be prudent to speak with your physician about the role of perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the period in a woman’s life that precedes the onset of menopause. Perimenopausal symptoms can begin as early as seven to eight years before menopause develops. In women who are beginning perimenopause, there can be an onset of complications associated with brain fog, or lack of mental clarity, for which great frustration often develops.
It is important to understand that, during the perimenopausal phase, you may experience a sudden decline in your ability to function from a cognitive standpoint. For many women, this complication is frustrating and often leads to concern over long term mental health. But, in most women, as menopause and post-menopause phases develop, there is a restoration to the cognitive function and often mental clarity restores without further complication.
Estrogen levels are considered to be a vital aspect of perimenopause complications and how the body works to adjust with mental clarity. For women who are experiencing a rise and decline in estrogen that is becoming more abnormal, there can be some change to functioning memory and you will often notice this change in not only your ability to function at work but also at home. If you find, therefore, that your brain fog complications are more severe, asking your doctor to test your estrogen levels will be vitally important.
When experiencing brain fog, it is important to speak with your doctor about the complication and to find out what treatment options may be available. In many cases, your doctor will simply confirm you are in a state of perimenopause and will recommend a healthier diet and exercise program.
In rare cases, the complication can be related to a thyroid disorder or other metabolic syndrome for which treatment can be provided. Rest assured, however, that your mental clarity will often improve well after menopausal phases have transitioned and the middle part of perimenopause may be your greatest challenge from mental health standpoint.
Sources: Harvard Women’s Health Watch, August 2009, pp. 7-8.
