22/04/2022
Brain fog and forgetfulness along with big dips in energy were the first signs I was in my menopausal cycle. If only I’d known that at the time!
It’s very likely that I was in the stages of peri menopause five years ago. This was a time when things really did hit rock bottom.
It’s important that every woman (and gent!) understand what happens at this stage of a woman’s life. Some have more severe symptoms than others that’s true, but having a better awareness of the changes in our bodies and mind at this time I believe would make for better decisions about selfcare, and treatments.
Understanding and using the right supplements to support any deficiencies and feed the depleting resources will balance out some symptoms. But mainly having patience with this inevitable time in our life. 😊
MENOPAUSE impacts the brain 🧠
🧠 Menopause impacts the brain as much as it impacts the ovaries.
🧠 During the transition to menopause, our brains morph and change. These shifts can provoke symptoms like hot flashes, but also anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, and memory lapses. These symptoms start not in the ovaries, but in the brain.
🧠 About 80% of women experience some of the above brain symptoms. A considerable percentage of women experience all of them.
🧠 These symptoms are not "all in your head" and are not a normal part of "being a woman". Those are neurological symptoms that may require medical attention.
🧠 Estrogen (estradiol) declines during menopause. Estradiol is the 'master regulator' of the female brain and supports energy production. When estrogen is high, your energy is high.
🧠 This now popular image shows brain energy levels before vs. after menopause. See how the brain scan to the right is darker than the one to the left? That's a 30% drop in brain energy metabolism. This can trigger feeling tired, fatigued, or out of sorts.
🧠 However, these changes are temporary for many women. Brain energy tends to plateau ~5 years into menopause, which correlates with the easing of symptoms like hot flashes. The decline seems instead persistent for those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's.
Much of my work is aimed at validating what women have been saying for centuries: menopause changes your brain. It’s high time we normalize menopause by validating women’s experiences! While the symptoms of menopause can be debilitating, it's important to be aware that our brains have the amazing, yet under-celebrated ability to adjust to menopause and carry on!
Tag a friend below who needs to hear this.♥️🙌🏼
Magazine subscription 👉 https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/magazine/
