Are you thinking clearly?

Many women approaching the menopause notice that they keep forgetting things, lose concentration more easily and find it more difficult to think clearly. This is often called ‘brain fog’ or loss of cognitive function. If this sounds like you, what can you do about it?

In the Autumn 2019 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Bristol GP Dr Gill Jenkins looks at management options and lifestyle advice that may help if you’re finding the menopause is affecting your memory, concentration and overall thinking patterns. There’s no specific treatment but you could try cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or relaxation and breathing techniques or improve your sleep routine.

“A lot of information on the menopause concentrates on hot flushes/night sweats and mood swings, but many women also experience brain fog around this time of life,” says Norma Goldman. “This may be due to stress, anxiety or insomnia. But if your symptoms are very bad, it’s important to speak to your GP.”

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is completely independent and is not sponsored by any companies. It provides impartial, easily understood information to women and healthcare professionals. The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top medical experts, such as gynaecologists, GPs, consultants, specialist menopause nurses, complementary practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians etc.

Articles in the Autumn 2019 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include HRT and cancer, seeing your GP about the menopause and all about osteoporosis, as well as news and Ask the Experts Q&As.

The Menopause Exchange has a number of members who are happy to talk to journalists about their menopause experiences. The members are based in different parts of the UK, which may be of interest to regional publications as well as national ones. Many of the case studies are willing to provide a name and photograph, if required.

The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter is available via email for free. Sign up on our website, www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. Find us on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

For more information, call 020 8420 7245, e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The Menopause Exchange was launched in June 1999.
2. Articles in previous issues of The Menopause Exchange newsletter include: The menopause at work; A man’s guide to the menopause; Libido and the menopause; Should all women be on non-oral HRT?; Non-hormonal prescribed treatments for menopausal sweats and flushes; Your gut bacteria balance; Bleeding patterns and the menopause.
3. The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman. Norma has a pharmacy degree and a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks, seminars and workshops on the menopause to employees in the workplace including hospitals, women and women’s groups, healthcare professionals, GP practices, organisations, companies and at exhibitions. Her daughter, Victoria Goldman, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.
4. The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals, complementary practitioners, line managers, health and safety officers and anyone else who is responsible in the workplace for the wellbeing of employees.
5. All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.