What is going on? You are usually as sharp as a tack. Clear thinking, organized, never missing a beat. These are the terms others use to describe you. Yet now, seemingly out of the blue, you are beset by sluggish thoughts prompting indecision and hesitation. Friends say it sounds as though you’re suffering from yet another symptom of menopause. Brain fog.

Is Menopausal Brain Fog Real? Am I Crazy or Losing It?

Call it brain fog or fuzzy thinking. It’s all the same. And yes, it’s real! That’s been confirmed in a study that found women experienced memory challenges that differ from those typically associated with memory loss. Study participants in perimenopause and postmenopause were observed to be cognitively challenged by previously simple tasks.

Watch for Signs of Brain Fog

At first, it’s easy to attribute delayed thought processes to being busy. Your job, managing a household, and concerns for aging parents. You and some friends share experiences, learning there are common themes:

• Words escape you—even those used for years!
• Some wonder why they can’t add in their head like in the past.
• Others complain about reading less because of trouble following complex plot lines.
• Most of you are worried about dementia.

Brain Fog Causes—Chances are You’re Experiencing More Than One

Declines in estrogen production create menopausal symptoms for most women. From moodiness to hot flashes, women feel out-of-touch with themselves. Added to that, they worry. Will this memory delay continue? Is it Alzheimer’s? These thoughts can lead to anxiety and darkened moods or depression, compounding brain fog and making it feel impossible to shake.

One issue with perimenopause and menopausal changes is that all can be blamed on hormonal changes. Perhaps it’s time to consider that these are compounded by:

• Dietary sensitivities such as dairy, tree nuts, and gluten
• Medications—either the med itself or its dosage, including over-the-counter options like antihistamines
• Substances, including alcohol
• Being dehydrated
• Elevated glucose level
• Thyroid disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Stress

Even your previously sound sleep is now disrupted by sweats, hot flashes, and a host of growing issues. Before getting caught in a downward spiral of concern, take heart that some daily actions will help you feel better.

Tips for Lifting the Fog

Various mind-body interventions have been shown to hold promise for menopausal women living with factors that cause sluggish thinking.

• Your brain on antioxidants—cut down on circulating free radicals with an assortment of foods and beverages, from coffee and green tea to omega-3 fatty fish and blueberries. The super part of this approach is there are lots of these foods, so you can mix it up every day!
• Meditation and mindfulness to calm the soul and clear the mind—Whoever thought that sitting still or moving slowly in a mindful state could feel so good? And be so very healing. Mind-body medicine approaches, including meditation, guided imagery, and yoga, have been found to decrease depression and other symptoms associated with cognitive processing challenges.
• Move and groove for your memory’s sake! Exercise is noted to improve brain function and structures, especially during aging. Time to put on your sneakers, dancing shoes, or flip flops for a day at the beach.
• Try a natural supplement, like Kindra’s Core Supplement. The Core Supplement includes clinically-studied super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® to support healthy circulation, (goodbye, hot flashes and night sweats,) mental clarity, (so long, mood swings and brain fog), and skin suppleness.

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When it comes to banishing brain fog and boosting brain health, changes in lifestyle can move the needle. Start exploring new ways of eating, moving, and reducing stress and anxiety. The payoff will be a clear mind and a healthy body!

Lisa Health combines science, technology, and a holistic view of wellbeing to guide women on their menopause and healthy aging journey and empower them to thrive. Join us on the journey at lisahealth.com.