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Published on: 4/28/2025

How Does Menopause Contribute to the Development of Brain Fog?

Menopause can lead to brain fog because changes in hormones, especially estrogen, affect brain functions like memory and clear thinking. Other factors like sleep issues and mood swings during menopause may also add to feeling mentally cloudy.

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Explanation

During menopause, a woman's body makes less estrogen, a hormone that helps the brain work well. When the estrogen levels drop, parts of the brain that handle memory, focus, and mood may not work as smoothly. This change can make it harder to think clearly and remember things, which many people call "brain fog." Besides hormone changes, other menopausal symptoms like trouble sleeping, feeling anxious or depressed, and handling day-to-day stress can also make thinking clearly more difficult. Researchers explain that the hormonal shifts during this time may affect the brain’s natural chemistry and communication among brain cells, slowing down some of the processes that help us be alert and focused. In simple terms, as estrogen levels fall, many women notice changes in their thinking patterns. While brain fog is not dangerous, it can be bothersome. Remember that these changes are common during menopause and discussing symptoms with a health professional can lead to ways to manage them.

(References)

  • Maki PM, Jaff NG. Menopause and brain fog: how to counsel and treat midlife women. Menopause. 2024 Jul 1;31(7):647-649. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002382. Epub 2024 Jun 17. PMID: 38888619.

  • Russell JK, Jones CK, Newhouse PA. The Role of Estrogen in Brain and Cognitive Aging. Neurotherapeutics. 2019 Jul;16(3):649-665. doi: 10.1007/s13311-019-00766-9. PMID: 31364065; PMCID: PMC6694379.

  • Gava G, Orsili I, Alvisi S, Mancini I, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. Cognition, Mood and Sleep in Menopausal Transition: The Role of Menopause Hormone Therapy. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Oct 1;55(10):668. doi: 10.3390/medicina55100668. PMID: 31581598; PMCID: PMC6843314.

  • Greendale GA, Derby CA, Maki PM. Perimenopause and cognition. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2011 Sep;38(3):519-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.007. PMID: 21961718; PMCID: PMC3185244.

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