Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, officially beginning after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. While hot flashes are a well-known symptom, many women also experience brain fog and mild cognitive decline during this hormonal shift. For some, these changes can be severe, leading them to seek medical evaluations for conditions like early-onset dementia.
Common Cognitive Changes During Menopause
Menopause-related cognitive changes may include:
Difficulty recalling words
Misplacing everyday items (like keys)
Trouble concentrating
Forgetting appointments
Research highlights that low levels of estradiol (E2), a form of estrogen, can impact memory and verbal learning. Fortunately, many cognitive symptoms improve once estradiol levels are restored through treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Does Menopause Increase the Risk of Dementia?
No direct link between menopause and dementia has been established. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are complex, multifactorial conditions influenced by lifestyle factors, including:
Managing other chronic diseases
Increasing physical activity
Quitting smoking
Screening for hearing impairments
However, the onset of menopause does increase a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis due to a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps protect bones, the circulatory system, and the brain, making its reduction during menopause a factor in increased vulnerability to systemic inflammation.
Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
The most researched treatment for managing menopausal symptoms is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which helps replenish low estrogen and sometimes progesterone levels. However, alternative therapies show promise, including:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): Known to improve brain health, neuroplasticity, and neurotransmission.
Dietary PUFA supplementation: Can reduce anxiety, improve cognition, and decrease systemic inflammation.
A Holistic Approach to Managing Menopause Symptoms
The best way to alleviate menopausal symptoms is through an individualized approach:
Address underlying nutritional deficiencies
Balance blood sugar levels
Target sources of chronic inflammation
Many symptoms of menopause are amplified by underlying conditions, making it essential to approach treatment comprehensively.
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Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
References:
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Maki PM, Jaff NG. Brain fog in menopause: a health-care professional's guide for decision-making and counseling on cognition. Climacteric. 2022 Dec;25(6):570-578. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2022.2122792. Epub 2022 Sep 30. PMID: 36178170.
Jett S, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Boneu Yepez C, Dyke JP, Pahlajani S, Diaz Brinton R, Mosconi L. Ovarian steroid hormones: A long overlooked but critical contributor to brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Jul 19;14:948219. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948219. PMID: 35928995; PMCID: PMC9344010.
Decandia D, Landolfo E, Sacchetti S, Gelfo F, Petrosini L, Cutuli D. n-3 PUFA Improve Emotion and Cognition during Menopause: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022 May 9;14(9):1982. doi: 10.3390/nu14091982. PMID: 35565948; PMCID: PMC9100978.
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.