I’m going mad!!! Oh wait……….it’s just menopause.

When our natural biological clock starts ticking down, typically late in our 40s our ovaries start retiring and stop producing eggs, and our hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone decline significantly. These hormonal changes can have various effects on the body and also our brain! I thought I was going mad during menopause and according to David I was completely mad!!!

From a cognitive perspective, we experience difficulties with memory, attention, and concentration. Our moods fluctuated with our hormone levels changing all the time. These mood swings can cause irritability and feelings of anxiety or depression. Some women may be more susceptible to developing mood disorders during menopause. Sleep disturbances – eish that is a tough one, it adds to the Mad Cow Symptoms! I had no problem falling asleep but could not STAY asleep. Sleep deprivation can only exacerbate cognitive and emotional challenges during menopause.

Now let’s talk about the HOT FLASHES and night sweats! This can lead to even more fatigue and irritability. Those night sweats would arrive, unannounced in the middle of the night – when you suddenly felt you were in an oven. We used to have Yorkies as pets and they loved sleeping on our bed, especially in winter. I would have to be very careful not to fling them against the wall as I threw the duvet off my sweaty body – wanting to run outside and lie on the wet grass!

Some studies suggest that menopause may lead to structural changes in certain brain regions and alterations in brain function. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory function, may be particularly affected. However, more research is needed to fully understand these changes and their implications.

So for those about to hit menopause or are currently in menopause, be kind to yourself and your brain……….the struggle is real!!