Hidden Menopause Symptoms Women May Experience as Early as 30

According to a new study, women are starting to experience menopause symptoms as early as 30 years of age. A survey conducted in the United Kingdom found that, on average, women begin to experience 'brain

fog' at 37, but some can start to suffer as early as 30. Usually, women report this symptom lasting for at least four years, but a few say they have endured it for more than two decades. Commissioned by sleep tech firm Simba, the analysis found most participating women describing the condition as “trying to think through fog” or as their brain “buffering like a slow internet connection,” where thoughts load slowly, if at all. Many participants said menopause felt like “trying to kickstart a motorbike that just won’t turn over”. More than a third of women think brain fog affects and disrupts their working patterns. Almost half say the hardest part is not being able to properly put it into words, making it difficult for friends, family, and colleagues to grasp what they are even going through.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog causes a range of symptoms that lead to cognitive impairment. According to experts, it affects your ability to think clearly, focus, concentrate, remember, and even pay attention. The symptoms mostly cloud your mind and make it difficult to perform routine tasks like holding a conversation, listening to instructions, or even remembering the steps of something that you are doing. Brain fog – also known as mental fog- happens after an illness, as a side effect of a medication, or as a symptom of an underlying condition.

Why does brain fog happen in menopause?

According to experts, brain fog during menopause is mostly caused by the decline in estrogen, a group of steroid hormones that regulate sexual development and function, including maintenance of the menstrual cycle in women. It affects your brain function and is compounded by other menopausal symptoms like poor sleep and mood changes. Estrogen receptors are located throughout the brain, and a drop in hormone levels leads to decreased energy production in brain cells and impacts chemicals like serotonin and dopamine - affecting focus, memory, and mood. Also, during menopause, body changes can be extremely stressful - further exacerbating brain fog by diverting attention and making it harder to focus on new information.

How to get rid of brain fog?

While there may not be a specific treatment available for brain fog, doctors recommend tips to boost your immune system, like:

• Improving your sleep habits
• Eating healthy and nutritious meals.
• Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
• Writing down important information so you do not forget it
• Taking short breaks throughout the day to reduce overworking your brain

How to improve your symptoms of menopause?

Doctors say you can improve menopausal symptoms through lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Other options include using hormone therapy, prescription medications, and non-hormonal prescription options for specific symptoms like hot flashes. However, it is very important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.