Definition of Menopause Memory Lapses
Menopause memory lapses involve temporary periods where women are unable to retain or recall information.
Symptoms of Menopause Memory Lapses
The primary symptom of menopause memory lapses is simple forgetfulness. Women may temporarily forget concrete information such as names, places, or tasks. Menopause memory lapses may also cause women to have episodes where they experience momentary difficulty focusing and retaining information they learn.
These short-term memory lapses may also cause women to experience “senior moments” or “brain freeze,” as they remember facts with a delayed response. Menopause memory lapses may also lead to misplaced items and information that feels just out of reach or “on the tip of the brain.” Women may experience difficulty remembering appointments, dates and addresses. Women may also experience “brain fog” as a result of menopause memory lapses, finding their attention span and focus compromised.
“Brain fog” Difficulty concentrating Lack of focus Forgetfulness Difficulty remembering names Delayed memory recall Misplacing objects Missing appointmentsCauses of Menopause Memory Lapses
The hormonal changes that take place during menopause can have profound effects on women’s ability to retain and recall information. Declining hormone levels can affect the production of vital brain chemicals such that affect mood, alertness, learning and attention. In fact, estrogen itself plays a vital role in brain function, affecting cognitive functions such as language and memory.
Other menopause symptoms may also make memory lapses more severe and frequent as women exit their most fertile years. Women may experience “brain fog,” mood swings and insomnia that can contribute to memory difficulties during menopause. Menopause may also cause heightened stress levels, anxiety and depression, which can adversely affect memory capacity.
Menopause Memory Lapses Treatments
Women can make lifestyle choices that may help reduce memory lapses, such as ensuring regular sleep, reduction of stress or incorporation of exercise. In some cases where nutritional deficiencies have exacerbated memory lapses during menopause, inclusion of Vitamins B, C, D, E and omega-3 acids may also help improve memory. Though studies have shown conflicting results, certain herbal remedies such as Ginkgo Biloba or Ginseng may also help promote memory function.
However, most women experience menopause memory lapses simply due to hormonal imbalances that affect learning, language skills and recall of information. To resolve menopause memory lapses, most women need to reestablish hormonal balance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) introduces hormones to the body in order to achieve balance of hormones, but government studies have shown HRT also puts women at heightened risk for health problems such as stroke, cancer, heart disease and blood clotting. Amberen allows the body to increase sensitivity to hormonal transmission signals and resume its balanced production of hormones, safely and naturally.
Menopause Memory Lapses FAQs
Q: How do I differentiate menopause memory lapses from more serious aging concerns such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
A: Menopause memory lapses will be temporary and relatively mild in nature. In general, menopause memory lapses will involve the momentary loss of recent, concrete information, while severe memory problems involve absent long-term or conceptual memory.
Q: What are non-hormonal causes of memory lapses that may occur during menopause?
A: While most women experience memory lapses during menopause due to hormonal imbalances, occasionally other factors may be at work. Memory lapses can also be caused by certain medications (particularly anti-anxiety drugs and opiate painkillers), head injuries, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Other factors may include nutritional deficiencies and drug or alcohol addiction. In rare and serious cases, severe memory problems may occur due to tumors, stroke, meningitis and brain swelling.
