Question
"I'm in my mid-40s and am increasingly finding it hard to concentrate at work – could this be a sign of perimenopause?"
Answer
"Absolutely. Brain fog like this is a very common symptom due to changing or low hormone levels in your brain, which happens during perimenopause. In a survey of our patients at Newson Clinic, difficulty concentrating was reported by 92% of them, so it's a very common problem. You're not alone!
"Your brain produces progesterone, oestradiol and testosterone, and these hormones are involved in important processes in your brain, including concentration. Progesterone also has an important role in cognition, regulating mood, inflammation and repair and function of cells, including nerve cells. Testosterone strengthens nerves in your brain and contributes to mental sharpness and clarity, and levels of this usually drop from your early 30s.
"When hormone levels fluctuate and reduce during perimenopause, women can experience difficulty recalling words and numbers, misplacing items, trouble concentrating (eg absent mindedness, losing a train of thought or being more easily distracted) and forgetting appointments and events. This can be frustrating and worrying, but there are treatments out there. There is no single test that can diagnose the cause of brain fog, but it's important to speak to a healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
"Brain fog like this may improve with changes to your lifestyle (such as exercise and sleep), but if it is due to low hormones in perimenopause, especially testosterone, then it will not improve without replacing the missing hormones. The good news is that taking the right dose and type of hormones – progesterone, oestradiol and testosterone – during perimenopause can really improve memory and reduce brain fog, so there are solutions out there. Speak to your doctor for more information."
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