Wait … Why Am I Here? Natural Remedies To Help Combat Menopausal Brain Fog – If you have ever found yourself standing in the middle of the kitchen wondering whether you came for a snack, your keys, or to confront your teenager about the empty milk jug in the fridge … AGAIN …
Congratulations! You have entered the marvelously maddening and mind-bending world of menopause and the brain fog that often comes along with it.
The brain fog that accompanies menopause is a place where thoughts vanish faster than your tolerance for people who chew loudly. But fear not …
You are not alone. You are not losing your mind. And you certainly haven’t developed early-onset amnesia. What you’re experiencing is a very real, biological phenomenon that affects millions of women during perimenopause and menopause.
Let’s dive into what’s really going on inside that beautiful brain of yours and discuss some helpful tips to support what you can do about it.
So, why does brain fog happen during menopause? Well, estrogen, which is a critical brain hormone, plays a significant role in neurotransmitter production, blood flow to the brain, and energy metabolism inside your brain cells.
When estrogen levels start to drop during perimenopause and menopause, it can cause a literal slowdown in brain function. Think of estrogen as your brain’s “Wi-Fi signal” and menopause as a hurricane that knocks out the router.
But what does the research say? Does it even support the existence of brain fog?
A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that the menopausal transition significantly affects verbal memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed.
Research in the journal Menopause highlighted that two-thirds of women report cognitive complaints during the menopause transition.
Here is what’s happening biologically …
- Declining estrogen → reduced synaptic connections in the brain → slower information retrieval
- Changes in cortisol (your stress hormone) → impaired memory formation
- Poor sleep, thanks to night sweats → worsens memory consolidation. It’s no wonder you can’t remember why you opened the fridge.
So let’s all take a deep breath, knowing that brain fog is not “all in your head!”
Brain fog during menopause is real, normal, and for most women. And while it can feel frustrating … okay, maddening, know that your brain isn’t broken; it’s adjusting to a very different hormonal environment.
So, what can you do to help lessen your brain fog?
I have good news … There are incredible natural ways to support your brain health through this transition.
1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane is a powerhouse for brain support. Lion’s Mane has been shown to promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and support cognitive function and memory recall.
A 2020 Journal of Translational Medicine review found that Lion’s Mane can improve cognitive performance, especially in mild cognitive impairment.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your brain is practically made of fat, and omega-3s are the premium grade. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) are vital for reducing brain inflammation and helping to improve mood and cognitive clarity.
A 2018 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that omega-3 supplementation can significantly benefit memory function.
3. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote brain health.
Studies have shown that it can improve memory acquisition, enhance cognitive performance, and reduce anxiety and stress, which in turn can improve memory.
A randomized controlled trial published in Phytotherapy Research showed significant memory improvement in adults taking Bacopa over 12 weeks.
4. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is known as an adaptogen. This means that it helps your body better cope with stress, which is great news because cortisol, the stress hormone, is a known memory saboteur.
A 2012 review in Phytomedicine found that Rhodiola improves cognitive function under stress.
A couple of other things you can do to help support a less foggy brain during menopause include …
- Prioritize Sleep
- Stay Physically Active
- Manage Stress
- Eat Clean
One final thought …
If you’re finding car keys in the freezer or walking into a room only to play a real-life game of “Why am I here?” remember this …
You’re not broken. You’re evolving. You’re adjusting.
And you’re doing it with a whole lot of grace and definitely with a lot of humor.
Menopause may steal your estrogen, but it can’t steal your spirit! #GoTeam
You’ve got this … even if you can’t remember what “this” was for a minute.
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