5 Questions We're All Googling About Our Brain During Menopause

Naturally, we start Googling - and these are the questions that come up most. Let’s break them down one by one – with real answers, not alarm bells.

🔍 Do I have brain fog or dementia?

How many times do you walk into a room and forgetting why? Or you lose track of conversations and start stuttering and umming? Maybe you've forgotten a friends name - despite knowing them for years? It’s easy to panic and start wondering if something serious is going on - but chances are, it’s not dementia.

Brain fog is a very real and common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. It’s not a sign of brain damage - it’s a temporary slowdown caused by hormonal shifts, stress, poor sleep, and often, nutritional gaps. The difference? Brain fog tends to be inconsistent and can improve with lifestyle changes, while dementia progressively gets worse and affects your ability to function day to day. That's not to say we shouldn't be mindful of dementia and how we can nurture our brain now. 

If you’re worried, it’s always worth speaking to your GP. But most of the time, brain fog is frustrating, not frightening – and it can get better.

🔍 Why do I get a 'zap' feeling in my head?

That strange electrical jolt, like a buzz or a shiver through your brain, is oftened referred to as 'brain zaps'. They’re poorly understood, but often linked to changing hormone levels or sometimes, as a result of withdrawal from medications like SSRIs. During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen levels can disrupt the brain’s electrical signalling, which may cause these bizarre sensations.

Don't worry - they’re not dangerous, but certainly can feel weird and unnerving. Keeping your nervous system calm with good nutrition, Omega-3s, sleep, and stress management can help settle things down. If you are concerned though, it's worth a chat with your GP to ensure there's nothing else going on. 

🔍 What does menopause do to your brain?

A lot, actually - and that’s not a bad thing. Menopause is a natural transition of our lives as women. Oestrogen is important for our brain health, especially in areas that regulate memory, mood, and focus. As levels decline, you might experience lapses in memory, irritability, low mood, or trouble concentrating. That doesn’t mean your brain is deteriorating - it means it’s adapting.

Menopause is a recalibration. The brain rewires itself to function with a different hormonal landscape. It might be rocky for a while, but it’s not a downward spiral. In fact, many women find their brains feel sharper and more focused once things settle down post-menopause.

🔍 How do hormones affect my brain?

Oestrogen isn’t just about periods and fertility, it’s important for our brain health. It supports the production of serotonin, protects against inflammation, and keeps the brain’s communication networks running smoothly. As oestrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, you can feel that shift in your brain chemistry: more anxious, more forgetful, less motivated.

Progesterone, another hormone that drops during this time, also has a calming, sleep-supporting effect. With less of it around, your nervous system can feel more easily triggered.

The good news is your brain is adaptable. It just needs a bit of support during this transition - think nourishing food, movement, Omega-3, sleep hygiene, and if you choose, hormone replacement therapy too.

🔍 Why do I feel like I’m going crazy in perimenopause?

Because it messes with everything. Hormones, sleep, mood, focus, memory, and even your sense of self. Add in the mental load of modern life, and it’s no wonder you feel like you're losing the plot. But you’re not.

Perimenopause is a huge physiological shift, and it’s often downplayed or misunderstood - which makes the emotional and cognitive symptoms feel even more isolating. You’re not crazy. You’re not broken. You’re adjusting to a new phase, and your brain is working overtime to keep up.

There’s real power in naming it, understanding it, and knowing you're not alone. Support your brain with nutrients that matter (like Omega-3s), rest when you can, and talk about it. This is a phase - not a failing.

Noggin's PAUSE supports your brain health during menopause, easing symptoms of anxiety and stress and promoting a sense of calm. Offering a natural way to unwind, PAUSE helps promote better sleep and more rest, helping you to feel more in control.