A leading expert on the menopause says she wants to raise awareness of one of the lesser-known symptoms. Asha Kasliwal said that most women were aware of symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, difficulty sleeping and mood swings.
But Dr Kasliwal, who is a consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and runs her own self-referral menopause clinic, said she wanted to highlight the symptom of 'brain fog'. She said it was difficult for sufferers to recognise it and talk about it with family, friends or colleagues.
That was partly, Dr Kasliwal said, down to the fact that some patients are concerned that it could be a sign of early onset dementia or another serious illness. Brain fog is seen mostly in women during the perimenopausal period, which is the transitional time around menopause, because of fluctuating hormones.
Perimenopause and menopause usually affect women between the ages of 45 and 55. But can happen earlier, and last until around the age of 65.
Speaking to the M.E.N, 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."
Treating brain fog isn't always simple, warned Dr Kasliwal. Other symptoms of the menopause can be alleviated with the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but that doesn't necessarily apply here. She said that women should also be cautious about using testosterone to treat brain fog and that it should be limited to women whose HRT dose has already been optimised.
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"One of the most important things to understand is that HRT is not the magic wand to treat brain fog," she said. "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.
Dr Kasliwal says it's also important for women to be aware that the symptoms of brain fog are not necessarily leading to dementia - which some people are fearful of.
"Just being open is really important because it will increase awareness in the workplace, at home, and among your friends. It gives other people permission to discuss it as well," she said.
"I'd advising looking at reputable websites as well because information is powerful. Websites such as Women's Health Concern and Menopause Matters are really helpful."
While more research needs to be done around brain fog, Dr Kasliwal wanted to reassure women experiencing brain fog that it is unlikely to be long-term.
"Some women are worried that they’re going to suffer with brain fog long term, or that it might lead to them suffering dementia, or another brain illness. But there’s no evidence of that at all."
For more information about menopause visit: www.nhs.uk, themenopausecharity.org, thebms.org.uk and menopausematters.co.uk
