Get Through Fuzzy Thinking In Menopause

Get Through Fuzzy Thinking In Menopause

Fuzzy thinking in Menopause

Do you often forget where you keep things? Do you seldom remember if you did something or not, like turning off the electric kettle? Do not feel alone because you are not the only one. Many women all over the world experience moments of forgetfulness or fuzziness, particularly when they are highly stressed and these fuzzy moments increase as they get older.


What is Fuzzy Thinking?

The inability to focus, difficulty retrieving words and an overwhelming feeling brought on by a rush of ideas and thoughts are some of the common signals of an overburdened body that is not getting the support it requires. This includes whether you are coping well with stress. Fuzzy thinking or forgetfulness is one of the many symptoms that may develop when you go through perimenopause or menopause due to a change in hormones. Estrogen levels, which are integral to the function of the brain, fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause and this can cause your memory, mental clarity and thinking to suffer. According to recent studies, it has also been found that progesterone, which is another hormone that goes up and down during menopause, may protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals and promote the repair of nerve cells that have been damaged.

However, problems with focus and memory can also be a part of other physiological imbalances that have a positive response to simple alterations in nutrition and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important that you do not let fear or shame about your lack of attention or memory prevent you from taking stock of what is really going on – and taking action.


How Can You Beat Fuzzy Thinking?

So how can you boost protect and boost the function of your brain during menopause? According to science, there are several key steps that you can take, that too at home without help, to beat memory problems and clear the fog in your brain you experience in menopause.


Here are 5 steps to help you overcome your forgetfulness in menopause:

1. Balance Hormones Without Drugs:

During menopause when there is hormonal instability, fluctuating levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone can result in various symptoms including memory problems and brain fog. Taking prescription hormones may seem like the solution, but according to the results of a study by the Women’s Health Initiative, they are not likely to boost brain function. Instead, herbs like red clover, black cohosh, and kudzu can help in minimizing the shock of plunging levels of estrogen by helping your body produce its own hormones or binding to estrogen receptors that are empty. Progesterone actions are said to be mimicked by Chasteberry and passionflower and helps soothe insomnia, irritability and anxiety.


2. Reduce Stress:

During this stage of your life, it is important that you are realistic about the stress you are going through as this is the time when all the stress that has accumulated over the years rears its head. It can sometimes be like a volcano that erupts in the form of health problems, outbursts of anger, insomnia and a lot more. The energy to get through stressful situations is provided by the stress hormone cortisol but over time, it can have an influence on cellular changes in the brain part that manages learning, short-term memory, attention and word-finding. If you experience fuzzy thinking, it is a warning sign that you need to slow down. Find ways to unwind and have some fun.


3. Sleep Well:

Enough cannot be said about the benefits of sleep to boost clearer thinking. You need to make sure that you get a good night’s sleep every day to stay sharp, healthy and youthful. Some of the common symptoms that cause sleepless nights during menopause are anxiety and nightsweats. The use of herbs to support your hormones can help resolve symptoms and allow you to get much-needed rest. Chamomile, passionflower and valerian are some of the best herbs to promote sleep.


4. Take Nutrients That Boost Brain Health:

Nutrients like folic acid and vitamins B1, B2 and B6 are crucial for our ability to remember, verbalize and reason. According to research, antioxidants, like Vitamin E, and essential omega-3 fatty acids provide protection to the brain. Omega-3s may have the ability to lower inflammation in the brain and reduce the production of plaque along the nerve endings. There have been numerous studies that show that supplemental Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids help in promoting cognitive and behavioral improvement.


5. Diagnose Food Sensitivities:

This is one thing that women do not consider when it comes to brain fog or fuzzy thinking. But the fact is that mental challenges can definitely be created by food sensitivities, despite not experiencing any noticeable digestive symptoms. Gluten is one of the main culprits. Experts recommend the removal of gluten from the diet for a period of two weeks and checking if there is any difference in how you feel. Other common food culprits include citrus fruits, eggs, dairy, corn, peanuts and soy. Eliminate these from your diet and take supplements to help in resetting your digestion and clearing your mind as well as your body.


It is important that you do not let yourself be scared by fuzzy thinking. Instead, you should do something about it. You may jump to the conclusion that there is something seriously wrong because of the many complicated and overlapping symptoms that come with brain fog. And with age, there is often an ever-present fear that there is a serious problem with your brain that is sure to get worse. However, it is important that you make an assessment of the total picture of your health and face the reality of your lifestyle and diet.


The chemistry of the brain is not a fixed state and will have a good or bad reaction depending on the way you treat yourself and your body. This includes all women, irrespective of their age or any clinical condition they may or may not have. If you have major concerns, you should definitely consult your health care provider, but remember that there are many factors that contribute to fuzzy thinking in menopause and it is highly likely that you can clear the fog and have a sharp and alert mind for years to come.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad