Focus & Concentration During Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life that generally occurs between the ages of 42 and 51. Once a woman has experienced one full year without menstruation, she is considered to be in menopause.

The Facts

• While menopause is not a disease or medical condition, the hormonal changes that occur cause many physical and emotional symptoms, including a lack of focus and concentration, according to the Mayo Clinic. Every woman experiences the symptoms of menopause differently, with some women suffering more than others.

Symptoms

• Along with a lack of concentration and focus, the symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness and breast tenderness. Treatment is intended to help to manage these symptoms.

Causes

• A woman reaches menopause gradually over time. As estrogen levels in the body begin to decrease, she begins experiencing the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause.

Treatments

• Hormone replacement therapy may help to eliminate or diminish the symptoms of menopause, such as poor concentration and focus. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also help to ease the transition into menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Warning

• Hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for all patients. In some women, in fact, it may cause an increased risk of other illnesses and conditions. Estrogen and progestin therapy has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke and breast cancer, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.