Hormone Replacement Therapy

How to Stop Menopause Brain Fog

How does menopause affect cognition? Why do women in their 50s and 60s have difficulty with concentration and memory? Is “brain fog” just a myth or is it a real symptom of menopause, just like hot flashes, weight gain and moodiness are signs of menopause?

Experiencing a “foggy brain” during menopause is REAL and science has the evidence to support menopause brain fog. Also called the “brain’s center”, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) absorbs information through your senses and processes them so you can make rational decisions about how to respond (behave) towards environmental stimuli. Higher order cognition takes place in the PFC as well.

The prefrontal cortex contains millions of neurons equipped with estrogen receptors. This means these neurons rely on estrogen to function properly. As estrogen levels plummet during perimenopause and menopause, the ability of PFC neurons to support cognitive processes diminishes significantly. Reduced estrogen output by the ovaries also interferes with neurotransmitters that regulate mood, body temperature, and metabolism.¹

Case Study of a Menopausal Woman with Brain Fog

Dr. Devi, writing for the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, recounted the story of a female patient whose excellent memory had been deteriorating since her late 40s. She also complained of feeling irritated all the time and could no longer stay focused, organized or finish important tasks. Her brain scans and neurological tests all returned with normal results. Noting that the patient was one year into menopause, Dr. Devi traced her foggy brain to falling estrogen levels and started the woman on hormone replacement therapy. Within a year and a half, the patient’s emotional, cognitive and behavioral problems had disappeared. Her memory returned, and she completed a graduate program without difficulty.²

According to Dr. Devi: “Menopausal women with cognitive impairment often fear they are developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seeking help from a neurologist means they may receive a wrong diagnosis. Women going through menopause who suffer brain fog should consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormones to healthy levels”.

5 Natural Ways to Stop Menopausal Brain Fog

Nourish Your Brain with “Good” Fats

Diets rich in unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids support overall brain functioning, preserve cellular membrane health and facilitates signaling among neurons. In addition, “good” fats help lower bad cholesterol by increasing good (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is essential for eliminating excess bad cholesterol responsible for heart disease and atherosclerosis. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include whole grains, fish, fresh fruits/vegetables, beans and nuts.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

Research indicates that 30 minutes of daily exercise not only increases energy and improves mood in menopausal women but also helps stop menopause brain fog, lessens cognitive decline and delays other age-related cognitive issues by consistently enriching the brain with oxygen, red blood cells and other nutrients beneficial to brain cell functioning.³

What are Berry Flavenoids?

Epidemiological studies suggest berry flavenoids can significantly improve cognition, provide cardiovascular benefits and may even help reduce the risk of cancer in menopausal women. Flavenoids are plant chemicals (phytochemicals) occurring as fruit pigment. Cranberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are rich in flavenoids and have been clinically shown to be powerful antioxidants contributing to the health of all physiological systems.⁴

Foggy Brain? Drink Water, Please!

Persistent mild dehydration negatively affects cognitive performance simply because your brain is 75 percent water and heavily relies on water for function, growth and volume. That headache you suffer when you haven’t drunk enough water is the result of your brain shrinking in volume due to lack of water. Mild to moderate dehydration also contributes to moodiness and depression.⁵

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Treating Menopausal Brain Fog

Hormone fluctuations involving progesterone and estrogen) in menopausal women not only cause hot flashes, moodiness, weight gain and fatigue but also impacts brain neurotransmitters responsible for facilitating signaling among brain cells. In other words, BHRT allows neurons to “talk” with each other again–which means your ability to focus, concentrate and remember returns following a few weeks of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Estrogen is necessary for the normal production and release of three specific neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Shortages of these essential brain chemicals will interfere with all aspects of cognitive functioning. Additionally, estrogen regulates blood flow to your brain. Adequate blood levels within the brain are just as critical to good cognition and general brain health as drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in antioxidants.

Menopausal brain fog is a real condition that can be treated naturally with BHRT. Call Renew Health & Wellness to learn more about the physical and mental benefits provided by our bioidentical hormone therapy services.

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