Your Mind In Menopause

Why does your mind in menopause feel different and what can you do about it?

If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen wondering why you’re there, struggled to remember a simple word, or felt more anxious than usual for no obvious reason, you are absolutely not alone.

Many women going through perimenopause and post-menopause experience changes in how their mind feels and works. And it can be frightening when no one has warned you that this is normal.

The truth is simple: your brain responds to hormonal changes just as much as your body does. And when your oestrogen levels fluctuate, it can affect memory, focus, mood and even confidence.

This isn’t a sign that you’re losing your mind. It’s a sign that your brain is adapting to a new phase of life.

Why you might feel foggy or forgetful

During perimenopause, hormones can go up and down like a rollercoaster. This can affect:

• Your ability to concentrate

• How quickly you process information

• Your short-term memory

• How confident you feel in day-to-day tasks

  
  

It can show up as brain fog, losing your train of thought, stumbling over words, or just feeling mentally slower than usual.

It’s frustrating. It can knock your confidence. And it often happens at a time when work, home life and caring responsibilities are already overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: your brain is not “broken.” It is adjusting.

Why anxiety and low mood can creep in

Many women are surprised by how emotional they feel. You might have more:

• Worry

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Tearful moments

• Restlessness

  
  

This isn’t weakness or you being “overly sensitive.” Hormonal shifts affect the chemicals that regulate mood, stress and emotional balance. Add poor sleep, exhaustion and the mental load of everyday life, and it’s no wonder your resilience feels thinner than usual.

Again – this is not your fault. And you don’t have to just put up with it.

Movement can make a real difference

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your mind during menopause is to move your body regularly. And no, this doesn’t mean spending hours in a gym.

Movement helps your mood, memory, sleep and stress levels. It boosts energy and supports long-term brain health. Even gentle activity – walking, stretching, chair-based exercise, my Flow sessions or short home workouts – can help you think more clearly and feel more grounded.

Small steps add up. Your brain responds incredibly well to consistency, not perfection.

Practical ways to support your mind right now

Here are a few things that can help:

• Keep tasks small and manageable

• Write things down instead of relying on memory

• Slow your breathing when feeling overwhelmed

• Create pockets of rest during the day

• Build movement into your routine, even in short bursts

• Be kind to yourself – lower the pressure, not your expectations for a happy, healthy life

  
  

Most importantly, remember that none of this is “just in your head.” It’s a real, recognised part of menopause – and you deserve support through it.

A gentle reminder from me

You don’t have to struggle through memory dips, mood changes or emotional overwhelm on your own. If you’re feeling unlike yourself, or if these changes are affecting your confidence, work or relationships, reach out.

You deserve to feel supported, understood and empowered in this phase of life.

If you’re ready for personalised support

I help midlife women feel clearer, calmer and more in control through simple movement, lifestyle strategies and practical guidance that fits real life.

If you’re ready to rebalance, reset and reconnect with yourself, I’d love to support you.

Send me a message or book a chat – you don’t have to do this alone.

sharon@menopausewellnesscentre.com 07791 973321

menopausewellnesscentre.com