Dealing with Cognitive Changes During Menopause
Menopause is an inevitable phase in a woman's life. By definition, it refers to the 12 months after a woman's last menstrual cycle, but according to the older women in your life you may know it as the “Meno-pocalypse” or by the constant references to hot flashes and sleepless nights. There are three stages of menopause that can last anywhere from seven to fourteen years, with onset usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Women undergo many physical and mental changes during this period, and every woman is affected differently.
While thermogenic changes like hot flashes and night sweats might be the most widely discussed symptoms of menopause, cognitive issues can also arise during this transitional time. Don't worry, though—there are ways to deal with these cognitive changes effectively. LunaJoy is here to help you make sense of the Meno-monster and what you can do about it.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
The Three Stages of Menopause and the Symptoms
There are three stages of menopause that women go through, which are perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Each stage can present its own set of symptoms and challenges.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. It describes a time when hormones start to decline and menstrual cycles become erratic and irregular. You may start to experience side effects of menopause, like hot flashes or vaginal dryness.
Menopause occurs when you've stopped producing the hormones that cause your menstrual period and have gone without a period for 12 months in a row. Once this has occurred, you enter postmenopause.
Postmenopause is the time after menopause has occurred. Once this happens, you're in postmenopause for the rest of your life. People in postmenopause are at an increased risk for certain health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Other common symptoms of menopause are mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin, chills, and loss of breast fullness.
Cognitive Changes During Menopause
Menopause affects more than just the physical aspects of a woman's body; it can also bring about cognitive changes that impact daily life. Unfortunately, these mental changes are often overlooked, or even regarded as “par for the course” in womens’ lives. These changes can include memory issues, brain fog, trouble concentrating, reduced processing speed, and a decline in verbal memory. So, you may feel like your attention span is shorter or experience word slips during conversations due to the hormonal fluctuations experienced during this phase of life.
Along with the cognitive changes, women may begin to have symptoms of depression and anxiety. You may deal with mood changes, irritability, fatigue, and loss of self-esteem, accompanied by a sense of isolation or discomfort talking about what you’re experiencing. While menopause does not necessarily cause mental health conditions, it can exacerbate already present conditions. While these cognitive changes during menopause can be challenging, it's essential for women to know that these are normal and there are ways to cope and manage them.
Ways To Cope with Cognitive Changes of Menopause
Going through menopause can be challenging for women, but we want to reassure you that there are treatment options for most of the symptoms. When it comes to cognitive symptoms, some things that you can do are:
Begin a regular exercise regimen that you enjoy.
Ensure that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption.
Find ways to calm yourself, like meditation, yoga, or breathing techniques.
Keep a solid support system around you.
Practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to decrease the distress experienced during hot flashes and other symptoms.
If these methods do not ease your discomfort, it is in your best interest to seek professional help from a therapist that specializes in menopause therapy. Seeking treatment from a mental health professional can be a highly effective way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. With the proper support from a menopause therapist, you can learn coping strategies, practice relaxation techniques, and develop a deeper understanding of how menopause impacts your mental health and well-being. Therapy also provides a supportive and compassionate environment for women to discuss their experiences.
You Are Not Alone
It is important to remember that you are not alone on this journey. Every woman has been or will be where you are at some point in life. Menopause can seem overwhelming, but with the right treatment plan, it doesn't have to be such a scary thing. There are several remedies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the effects of menopause and even slow down the progression of cognitive decline associated with it.
Whether you’re experiencing mild or severe symptoms, seeking professional help can be invaluable to your health and happiness. It's important to note that menopause is a natural part of life, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
With LunaJoy's team of knowledgeable health professionals behind you each step of the way, you can take control of your health and life during this time. Be sure to call or schedule an appointment at LunaJoy to discuss your options today and plan what could soon become a brand-new chapter full of exploration and freedom!
