Memory and menopause
Is there a link between memory and menopause? Many women experience memory decline during perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause and menopause is a transitional time in a women’s life where estrogen and progesterone levels produced by the ovary are declining.
Many women can suffer profoundly in this transition. One symptom that you often don’t hear about, yet is quite common, is struggling with memory and mental clarity.
Women can experience memory issues and the sensation of brain fog during perimenopause and menopause. Does the declining levels of estrogen and progesterone have an effect on our brain cognition – and is there anything we can do about it?
The simple answer is yes. There is a new book that has just been released called ‘The Menopause Brain‘ by Dr Lisa Mosconi that delves deeply into the effects menopause has on our brains.
There have been various studies regarding the reduction in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause that do show that there is a link between a reduction in memory during perimenopause and menopause that improves after menopause.
Memory and Menopause in Chinese Medicine
In chinese medicine theory, memory is a function of the kidney energy. This is not the kidney organ. Chinese medicine is energy based medicine and the kidney energetic system is related to brain function.
It is also generally understood the kidney energy declines as we age as this is our reservoir of energy and it naturally is used up as we live our life. The declining kidney energy is also the reason we go through menopause and why some women experience worse menopausal issues than others.
Chinese medicine is a longevity medicine and can reduce the effects of aging – this includes memory and menopause – and this is done through both acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs. There are herbs known as tonics and acupuncture points that improve kidney energy. Improving the kidney energy also improves brain function, memory and menopause issues we may experience.
A lack of blood flow?
However, another aspect of brain function is ensuring the circulation of blood to the brain. Memory and menopause issues may not be just about kidney energy but also the flow of blood to the brain. In Chinese medicine the flow of blood requires well-nourished harmonized blood that can flow. If blood is too thick, for example, it will not flow well, impairing our cognition and memory. One of the formulas I often use in postpartum memory loss is a formula that nourishes the blood as birth often results in a lot of blood loss. This can also be an issue for women that have heavy periods during perimenopause. To improve memory in this case is to nourish the blood with Chinese herbal blood tonics.
Brain fog, menopause and Chinese medicine
There are a number of patterns for brain fog in Chinese medicine. The most common pattern for brain fog is as a symptom of poor digestive function. In women, according to Chinese medicine, our digestive function starts to weaken around the age of 35 years. By the time we start our transition through perimenopause and menopause our digestive function can be under par. And why does this effect our memory? Our digestive capacity is what is responsible for the nourishment of our body. If is impaired, the waste that is usually sent down the digestive conveyor belt – through the intestines, linger in the upper body. We call this damp or phlegm and is often evident by a thick coat on our tongue. One of the symptoms that we may experience when this happens is brain fog. When this is the case we use herbs and acupuncture points to improve the digestive process which then improves the brain fog.
Not one pattern fits all
As you can see, it really depends on the Chinese medicine diagnosis – it is not one pattern fits all. If you are complaining of poor memory or brain fog and lack of clarity the treatment you receive may be completely different to another person. It maybe we need to tonify kidney energy, improve the quality and flow of blood or improve the capacity of the digestive function. This is why Chinese herbal medicine can be so effective, the formulas can be modified to make it completely tailored to what you need to improve the symptoms you are experiencing.
What can you do?
Acupuncture
Studies show acupuncture can affect brain function. Acupuncture is not a one treatment wonder, it is a therapy that requires a number of treatments. How long will it take? That depends on a number of factors, though we do usually start with 10 treatments as 1 course of therapy. If you struggle with the thought of needles, acupuncture needles are very thin, it is not like having an injection.
Chinese Herbs
After the Chinese medicine diagnosis, a herbal formula is prescribed depending on your individual diagnosis. The length of time you will be taking Chinese herbs also depends on a number of factors. These include how long you have been suffering with the complaint, and how well you respond to treatment.
Lifestyle
There are lifestyle factors that can affect our health and memory. Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs can all affect our memory. So it may be time to revisit some of these habits and the effect they are having on your health.
Sleep
Sleep is such an important factor in our health and wellness and lack of sleep can really affect or brain function. Unfortunately, many women suffer from insomnia during their perimenopausal and menopausal years. However, fortunately, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can improve sleep. You may also want to ditch the screens in the evening. They can interfere with our ability to sleep.
Exercise
Loss of memory and cognitive decline is from plaque build up and lack of blood flow to the brain. This is why regular exercise is paramount for post-menopausal women.
How much is enough exercise? 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week, for example, brisk walking or dancing. Also add strength exercises for bone health and muscle strength 2-3 times a week.
Learn a new exercise, a new dance, a new musical instrument, a new language. Keep your brain and body stimulated.
