Menopause is the time in life when a woman ceases to be able to bear children. Mayo Clinic explains that the level of estrogen and other hormones fluctuate, causing physical and emotional symptoms. Many women complain of forgetfulness during this time but this often improves after menopause. Home remedies may help you cope during this time of change. Seek medical advice for any significant memory impairments.
Reduce Stress
A report in Science Daily indicates that menopausal women often have problems encoding new information due to high stress levels. Changing hormone levels cause mood swings and symptoms such as a racing heart and hot flashes. These changes add a layer of stress to a menopausal woman's life. This is a time to reduce other stressors as much as possible. Avoid accepting new responsibilities such as care of a pet, organizational duties or housekeeping. Organize your schedule so that you don't have to multitask and can give the task at hand your full concentration. Make notes of your obligations on a calendar or scheduler and use lists when needed. Develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress you cannot dismiss. Beneficial options include yoga, meditation, time alone or a nature walk. Keeping stress levels in check will help you properly encode new information when needed, alleviating the feeling that you are forgetting things.
Exercise Your Brain
Menopause can cause "brain freeze," an inability to recall names and words that you know well. To maximize your brain power, seek opportunities to use your mental abilities in new ways. Do math problems in your head or on paper instead of relying on a calculator. Take a different route home. Walk backwards for one minute a day. Work a type of puzzle you normally don't do, such as a Sudoku, crossword, word search, logic or jigsaw puzzle. Take opportunities to learn new things in services or continuing education classes. Consider learning to play a musical instrument or speak a foreign language if you have time.
Get Proper Rest
Your brain needs adequate rest in order to function properly. Eight hours of sleep each night plus time for rest is usually sufficient. Insomnia often strikes during menopause, and you may need to schedule naps in order to get enough sleep. Use weekend time to get additional rest when needed.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet consists of protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, milk products and whole grains. The antioxidants in berries, pomegranates, other fruits, vegetables, tea and whole grains may help your memory function. Avoid skipping meals or filling up on empty calories. Maintain a proper weight for your height and frame.
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