Short-term memory problems
· Difficulty sitting still
· Frequently losing things and having a hard time remembering where things are
· Indecisiveness
· Having a hard time performing complicated tasks
· Making careless mistakes that one wouldn’t usually make
· Lack of physical and/or mental energy
 
It is likely that people around you have commented that you may seem dazed or distracted. This may result in missing appointments and/or details due to decreased focus. This can also be categorized as brain fog, which will be discussed in a later article. 
 
It is also likely that it's harder to concentrate during certain times of the day or in certain locations, compared to others. 
 
It is estimated that about 60% of women going through perimenopause and menopause report decreased focus/concentration levels. It is most common to experience this through the early and middle stages of menopause. Overall, it is said that the declining estrogen levels that occur due to menopause can result in women feeling tired and mentally drained, which would be taxing on one’s energy levels and focus levels. In addition, researchers have also asserted that estrogen levels play roles in attention, mood, and memory, which can impact normal brain function.
 
There are some non-invasive remedies that have been proven to help with this phenomenon. Regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, having a nutritious diet, playing memory games, eliminating stressors, and even drinking more red wine, have been helpful to women in this tough period.

-Written by Kaila An MPH

References
Aliabadi, T. (n.d.). Menopausal Memory and Concentration Loss | Best Menopause... Dr. Thais Aliabadi. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.draliabadi.com/menopause/menopausal-memory-loss/

Wilson, D. R., Nall, R., Klein, A., & Legg, T. J. (n.d.). Why Am I Unable to Concentrate? Healthline. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/unable-to-concentrate#symptoms