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Help! I Keep Forgetting My Grocery List (and Everyone's Name)
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Remember walking into a room and forgetting why you're there? Or that moment when you can't recall the name of someone you've known for years? You're not losing your mind — you're likely experiencing one of the most common yet least discussed symptoms of perimenopause: brain fog.
A staggering 60% of perimenopausal women report memory issues and difficulty finding words, yet many dismiss these symptoms as simply being "busy" or "stressed" rather than recognizing them as hormonal changes. Dr. Kelly Wiersema, board-certified OBGYN and menopause specialist, joins us to demystify what's happening in your brain during this transition.
We dive deep into the science behind perimenopausal brain fog, exploring how estrogen affects not just hormones but actual blood flow to the brain. Dr. Wiersema explains why these cognitive changes happen, whether hormone replacement therapy helps (spoiler: it's complicated), and why she describes perimenopause as "puberty in reverse." We also explore how factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and even sugar consumption compound these cognitive challenges.
The good news? These symptoms are typically temporary. Whether through hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, cognitive exercises, or simply time, most women regain their mental clarity. Dr. Wiersema shares practical strategies for managing brain fog, from tracking symptoms to identify personal triggers to specific brain-boosting activities that help maintain cognitive function during this transition.
Whether you're just starting to notice these changes or have been struggling with them for years, this episode offers validation that you're not alone and provides actionable tools to navigate this challenging yet normal part of every woman's journey. Join our supportive community at The Pause Diaries on Facebook to connect with others experiencing similar challenges and share your own menopause moments.
Chapters
1. The Embarrassing Reality of Brain Fog (00:00:00)
2. Why Brain Fog Happens in Perimenopause (00:02:15)
3. Factors Worsening Memory Issues (00:05:06)
4. HRT and Brain Health (00:08:20)
5. Managing Symptoms and Finding Solutions (00:12:40)
6. Final Thoughts and Community Support (00:17:45)
12 episodes
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