When I was in my 40’s, I would routinely find myself forgetting simple things. Why I walked into a room. Where I put something important. You understand. Happens to us all, Right? Is there a link between menopause and memory loss?
Many middle aged women may start to see signs of “forgetfulness” or “absentmindedness” during menopause. These incidences may start as subtle experiences of forgetting where you park or where you’ve left something in the house. Over time, you may start to see a slight pattern emerge. This can be a scary thought that you are starting to forget things. Your mind may not feel as sharp as it once did. There is a correlation between menopause and the start to memory loss but it doesn’t necessarily mean anything drastic is happening.
Memory loss
With dropping levels of estrogen during perimenopause (the transitional time before menopause,) you can experience mild lapses in memory or “foggy” thoughts. The good news here is that this is usually temporary and once through menopause, these symptoms disappear. If they don’t and you feel like you still have this foggy sensation or memory issues, then it’s time to discuss with your physician.
According to Healthline.com
Studies on the effect of estrogen on memory support the idea that estrogen depletion during perimenopause causes memory loss, and that memory improves after menopause.
For example, a large 2004 study called supports the finding that hormone changes during perimenopause often cause a decline in verbal memory. It found these effects are separate from the natural effects of aging. This study provides the basis for many current studies.
Another four-year study, Trusted Source, found that women couldn’t learn as well during perimenopause. After menopause, women returned to the learning levels they demonstrated before perimenopause.
So the good news for you if you’re experiencing memory issues while you’re actively going through menopause…the effects on your memory are likely not permanent.
