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The changes of menopause affect women’s health in many ways. Some think that one change may be in the way the brain works. Some women say that their memory is worse after menopause. Some doctors agree because the hormones changed by menopause are found in the brain. In this issue of Neurology, Meyer et al. tested whether memory became worse during menopause.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the change in women around the age of 50 when their periods stop. In this change, women’s ovaries stop making the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The most common symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, and night sweats. Some say that their memory is worse. Some have a lot of worry and feel depressed. More information about memory loss can be found on the next page.
What can be done about menopause?
Doctors may suggest treatments for menopause. Women may be told to work out more and to change their diets. They may be told to eat a healthier diet and to add calcium-rich foods, soybean products, and whole grains. A stress control group or class may help. Some doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
In hormone replacement therapy (HRT), women take pills that contain what women lose in menopause. Whereas this may help with symptoms, recent studies found problems with HRT. HRT may slightly raise the risk of certain types of cancer. Women should talk with their doctors about HRT so they can make the best choice for long-term health.
Is there a link between menopause and brain function?
Estrogen is a key element in the work of the brain. It is part of the brain’s signaling system. Studies have shown that estrogen helps direct blood to parts of …
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