Women in their late 40s or early 50s might begin noticing changes in their ability to concentrate and stay organized. They might notice memory loss, struggle to find words or feel less control over their mood and emotions. While they are not losing their minds, as they might wonder, it’s likely related to menopause-fueled changes in their brains.
Brain-related symptoms that can occur during the perimenopause and menopause transition include problems with mood and sleep and cognitive challenges, such as trouble with thinking, memory and even decision-making, according to Christina Metcalf, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
“Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries. It communicates many messages to a woman’s brain during her reproductive years,” Metcalf said. “Because the brain is built to shift with these messages, it undergoes changes when estrogen levels start to fluctuate during perimenopause.”
Metcalf researches and treats people with cognitive problems and depression during menopause. In the following Q&A, she details why menopause causes these troublesome symptoms and outlines steps women can take to help lessen them.