Cognitive symptoms

Women commonly experience changes in cognitive function as they transition through menopause. These difficulties usually emerge in perimenopause when menstrual cycles become irregular.

Cognitive changes can manifest as memory and/or attention difficulties, including:

• Difficulty recalling words and numbers.
• Disturbances in daily life (misplacing items like keys).
• Trouble concentrating (absent-mindedness, more easily distracted).
• Difficulties switching between tasks.
• Forgetting appointments and events.

The constellation of these symptoms is often referred to as ‘brain fog’. While these complaints are troublesome to women, normal range of function is usually maintained and symptoms typically improve with time postmenopause.

HOW DO HORMONES CAUSE BRAIN FOG?

• Oestrogen receptors are replete in brain areas subserving to memory and cognition, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
• A decline in oestrogen likely contributes to changes in verbal and working memory.
• Menopause symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbance, will also likely contribute.

• For patient information leaflet on brain fog and memory difficulties, see IMS leaflet.