A leading menopause expert in the UK has warned those planning for the menopause to watch out for a little-known symptom that can affect the brain.
The expert noted that most people are aware of the common symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes and mood swings, reports Manchester Evening News.
Expert Asha Kasliwal, who works for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and runs her own self-referral menopause clinic, wants people to be more aware of this neurological symptom.
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Asha wants to create more noise around the symptom of 'brain fog', as it can be a difficult symptom for people to recognise. The expert also noted that people should recognise this issue and discuss it with friends and family.
Dr Kasliwal said that she has seen many patients come in with this symptom, with the feat that it is something much worse.
Brain fog is more commonly seen in people during the perimenopausal period - which is the transitional time around menopause - because of fluctuating hormones.
Perimenopause and menopause usually affect those with female reproductive systems between the ages of 45 and 55 - but it can occur earlier, and last until the age of 65.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Dr Kasliwal said: "It's quite common and becoming more common as people recognise what brain fog is. In the past people didn't know that it could be part of the menopause.
"The kind of things patients tell you is that they have difficulty remembering words or numbers, that they are missing appointments, and they are forgetting events like birthdays.
"Women are quite used to multitasking and they find they are not able to multitask anymore or find it difficult to switch between different tasks. They have trouble focusing or concentrating on what’s happening. Simple things like not being able to find your car key."
Dr Kasliwal also noted that treating brain fog isn't always simple - as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can alleviate other symptoms, but not this one.
She added: "One of the most important things to understand is that HRT is not the magic wand to treat brain fog.
It can help to an extent because it helps improve other symptoms. We know if people can sleep well and are less stressed then they feel better so it can help indirectly.
"What is really important is having a healthy brain, so your physical health is vital. Having a Mediterranean diet is ideal and you need to try and include lots of oily fish, a lot of fresh fruit and veg and try to reduce your sugar intake.
"We know that people who sleep and manage to get a deep sleep have less of an issue with brain fog. This is where HRT might be helpful, not directly with brain fog itself, but if it helps you sleep better.
"Social engagement is really good and can boost your brain health. Managing stress levels is good for starters and anything which helps to reduce stress for you, is good. Coping mechanisms like writing lists and time management, might make you feel better.
"You also need to build in time to relax, where you could try yoga or meditation. Use technology where you can for tasks like note taking, or simple reminders on your phone, if you’re becoming a bit forgetful."
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