The US SWAN study followed 2,362 women aged 42 to 52 for four years. Before and after menopause, women’s scores improved with each repeated test, because people learn the tests. In perimenopause this learning effect largely disappeared: verbal memory scores did not rise, and in late perimenopause processing speed did not improve either. Study lead Gail Greendale stressed that these difficulties are temporary and resolve after menopause.
Hardest in the first years after the final period
In another study, published in Menopause, verbal learning and memory scores were lowest in early postmenopause. Importantly, the sleep problems, depression and anxiety the women reported did not explain these difficulties. This means “brain fog” is not just a consequence of poor sleep or low mood.
What this means for you
- “Brain fog” is a common and measurable phenomenon that passes for many women.
- Simple things help: notes, reminders, one task at a time.
- Make decisions about hormone therapy together with your doctor, and always discuss memory problems that are getting worse.
Sources
- Greendale G. A. et al. (2009). Effects of the menopause transition and hormone use on cognitive performance in midlife women. Neurology, 72, 1850–1857. Study summary
- Weber M. T., Rubin L. H., Maki P. M. (2013). Cognition in perimenopause: the effect of transition stage. Menopause, 20(5), 511–517. PubMed