MEMORY PROBLEMS

Many women report increased forgetfulness and 'fuzzy thinking' during premenopause. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or to do things like putting your keys in the refrigerator, not unlike the postpartum mother who suddenly feels incapable of thinking straight. The difference between the postpartum period and premenopause is that during this mid-life transition we are giving birth to ourselves. It can feel like your well-developed left brain is taking a nap, but in doing so, you're able to more fully develop your intuition and become more aware of previously-suppressed emotions.

Again, this may be your body's way of asking you to take more time for your self. Rather than being selfish, self care actually recharges you to be a more patient partner and parent. And since the best sermon is a good example, you'll be modeling for your children the very thing that may make their whole life a better experience.
Try not to worry about the forgetfulness that is common during premenopause. You may need to write things down more to help you stay on track, but remember - everything's temporary! I love what Christian Northrup, M.D. says in The Wisdom of Menopause about this being the time for our brains to go through some rewiring for a whole new way of thinking. Spend some time with the Grandmothers for reassurance that this is true.

QUICK TIPS

• A quality natural progesterone cream can help you get back some of your focus when you feel like you're getting Alzheimer's.
• Ginkgo and sage are plants which can help with memory loss. Susun Weed reminds us that one who is wise is a sage. To burn sage is to clear the air, paving the way for better thinking and greater focus. But limit your use of it if you have dry mouth or very dry vaginal tissues. CAUTION: Ginkgo is a medium-strength herb so should only be taken 5 days per week or in combination with other herbs. It can also interfere with blood-thinning drugs.

Click below for more information on other symptoms: