Menopause Support Group

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.

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Women's Health
/ Menopause Support Group

trouble concentrating/ mental fog

shazzca
shazzca
Hello everyone, I'm 49 and had a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago and was left with 1 ovary... I'm not really sure what's happening with me, mabey its aging or alzheimers or something but I feel like I'm in a fog most of the time and have a real hard time cloncentrating on anything or even listening to what people are saying without tuning out . Since I don't hve periods anymore since my surgery , how do I know if its menopause or if this is normal? I'm frightened by my lack of concentration and wonder if anyone out there is going through this as well or have in The past? Mabey I'm just going crazy....!? Thankyou, any advice would be most welcome xxx. Sharon
julchr
julchr
Memory problems are part of the deal. I constantly walk around with a pad of paper to make notes. I also try to do things to boost memory, games, puzzles, etc.

I hope this helps. Take care.
fighting4change
fighting4change
Shazz - sounds like your remaining ovary has shut down - very common after hysterectomy. I also had a hyst (both ovaries removed too) and my loss of memory and lack of concentration were scary! Most of it was due to loss of hormones but it didn't help that my gyn removed my parts for a benign ovarian cyst so I was severely traumatized.

I had many other symptoms - suicidal depression, anxiety, insomnia, mild hot flashes, major hair loss, skin thinning, nausea, loss of appetite, shakiness, bowel issues, the list goes on. This was even with a low dose of estrogen. Getting more estrogen into my body has helped immensely.

Are you having any other menopausal symptoms?
shazzca
shazzca
Thankyou girls, I need to write notes all day as well and lay Sudoko. My ovary was removed due to a lrg cyst as well but hoped my remainding one was up for the job. I haven't seen anyone about Alll this and scared to take anything. I have anxiety, a bit of depression but my mum passed away this spring so having a hard time with that too. Also bowel issues and hot flashes once in awhile intermittently etc. So you think menopause causes fog and troubles thinking and concentrating then??
Mchll1206
Mchll1206
I went through the brain fog a couple years ago. I could not remember anything. . .including conversations I had with people. I would go around my house and look in the refrigerator or in the bathroom to see if things were placed there that didn't belong (I heard that happens with alzheimers). I had the worst job evaluation in my whole life that year. I am very fortunate I was not fired. It was a very difficult time for me, and to make matters worse, my husband was not very supportive.

Hang in there. It gets better as your hormonal swings settle down. However, I cannot gage how long because I believe it is an individual thing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have the same sort of problems with my mind being foggy and I still have periods..I am approaching 50...I feel super stressed all the time too. I get hot flashes about 5am everyday. I am depressed and take Wellbutrin for that. From what I understand most of the symptoms you mention are normal. Some days I wish I could just be done with all these symptoms.
shazzca
shazzca
Me too Dailey, thanks everyone. I just feel so thick headed and just started a new job this week in a field I've never done before working with a computer and I just can't concentrate! I'm not getting it and sooo worried about not being able to do my job.... I'm trying to learn and it's just not sinking in ! I'm 49 and may as well be 99 !? I'm under incredible stress right now !!