Claudia Ohana, 62, said in a recent interview that she went through menopause at the age of 50 and initially felt very distressed. “I felt what people call fog, which is confusion. I would go out into the street and forget what I went to do. I was out of focus,” the artist told Marie Claire magazine, referring to “brain fog,” a neurological symptom common during menopause.
According to the gynecologist Dr. Igor Padovesi, author of the book ‘Menopause without fear’ (Editora Gente), brain fog is a feeling of mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses and slow thinking.
“Furthermore, it also manifests itself through difficulty finding words, forgetting commitments and a feeling of mental overwhelm, with impairments in decision-making and the ability to solve problems,” he explains.
Lack of concentration is a very common symptom when words are lost when speaking. “This makes women very insecure, because they think, for example, that they are not able to face a presentation. Depression, anxiety, sudden changes in mood, easy crying are among the symptoms of menopausal women”, adds Dr. Patricia Magier, gynecologist, graduated from the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF).
Claudia Ohana also said she confused the symptoms of menopause with the symptoms of depression. “It gave me a deep irritation too, like severe PMS which, thank God, I no longer have. You think you’re depressed, you need to go to the psychiatrist, when in reality it’s all part of the hormones,” she said.
And this confusion between menopause and depression is not uncommon. Dr. Igor says it’s extremely common in the office, especially among women who don’t know what to expect during this time.
“Symptoms such as a sense of discouragement, tiredness, lack of energy, ‘laziness in life’, sadness and desperation can be caused by both, but in women aged 40, 50, 55, especially those who have never had depression before, they are more likely to be part of a set of symptoms of climatic syndrome”, underlines the doctor.
This happens because estrogen, the main hormone that begins to fluctuate during perimenopause and then disappears, has many receptors in the brain. The decline in estrogen and progesterone affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which can generate symptoms of irritability, anxiety and sadness or depression. “And hot flashes, insomnia and tiredness further intensify these changes,” explains Dr. Ana Paula Fabricio, gynecologist.
According to the doctor, estrogens act directly on the brain, in particular on the hippocampus, the memory area. “As hormones decline, the brain loses some of this protection. And brain fog is just this ‘fuzzy mind’ feeling, as if reasoning becomes slow and memory fails. It’s directly linked to the decline in estrogen during menopause,” she adds.
Furthermore, in this phase, many women experience stressful and emotionally strong situations in marriage, at work, with children who leave home and begin to have difficulties with sleep and mood changes, irritability and distress.
“All this psychological disturbance is also harmful to memory and ends up contributing to the feeling of mental fog,” says Dr. Igor Padovesi, who states that this symptom can interfere with the ability to carry out professional and personal tasks, directly impacting productivity and well-being.
“But the impact goes beyond the professional aspect. At home, women can feel disorganized, which can cause additional stress. The frustration resulting from these memory lapses and the feeling of being constantly distracted can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in anxiety,” comments the expert.
Hormone therapy can improve symptoms
Women suffering from neurological and emotional symptoms can help address the problem with hormone therapy, which helps relieve menopausal symptoms.
“By replacing hormones you improve mental health, reduce fatigue and gain more energy, concentration and well-being,” says Dr. Patricia Magier, a gynecologist.
But virtually all women benefit from hormone replacement therapy, even if they don’t specifically suffer from these symptoms. “There are benefits in reducing mortality and the risk of Alzheimer’s, in preserving sexuality and normal healthy urogenital function and above all in significantly improving the quality of life,” says Dr. Igor Padovesi.
Hormone Therapy can be started during perimenopause, with personalized protocols. And postmenopause does not eliminate the need for HT. “Each phase (perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause) has specific needs, so the correct diagnosis is essential. In perimenopause, the goal is to smooth out hormonal fluctuations and maintain cyclic balance. In menopause, the goal is to compensate for the sharp hormonal decline and prevent acute symptoms. In postmenopause, the focus is on the prevention of chronic diseases and the maintenance of quality of life, with greater stability in therapies and global health support measures,” explains Dr. Patricia.
Dr. Igor also emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. “Cultivating a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, carrying out activities that test the brain, such as logic games, reading and learning, as well as ensuring adequate sleep: these are the main allies for healthy aging and preserving memory during menopause,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.
