Key Points
- Mood swings and memory issues can be symptoms of perimenopause.
- Communicate with your loved ones about your mood swings, so they know what to expect.
- Write things down and set reminders for yourself to help alleviate complications from memory issues.
Perimenopause Symptoms Beginning with M
Mood swings, irritability, sudden tears, difficulty concentrating, mental confusion, memory
lapses, disorientation
One of the most pronounced symptoms of perimenopause is mood swings. A mood swing is a noticeable change in mood, one minute up and the next minute down. Mood swings related to perimenopause are a caused by a physical problem, and they can be treated. Contact your doctor to get advice.
Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, and mental confusion are symptoms of perimenopause that trouble many women. During early menopause, many women discover that they have difficulty remembering things, they experience blankness, or have trouble concentrating. Not getting enough sleep or having poor sleep can contribute to memory and concentration problems.
Women experiencing perimenopause often complain of memory loss and an inability to concentrate. What may seem like forgetfulness or a sudden tendency to be flighty is actually a normal symptom of perimenopause. It is mainly caused by low levels of estrogen, and occasionally by high stress levels.
Tips for Living with Mood Swings and Memory Issues
Mood swings and memory issues can be very frustrating to live with. If you're struggling with these issues, here are a few tips that can help:
Communicate with your friends and family. If your friends and family are unaware that you're going through perimenopause, they may be caught off guard by your sudden changes in behavior. They could take a mood swing personally, leading to arguments and hurt feelings. It's important that you talk to your loved ones about the issues you're facing, so that they don't take your mood swings personally.
Write things down. You might be used to a great short-term memory, so you don't have a habit of writing things down. Now that you're going through perimenopause, you might be more liable to forget things you would've otherwise remembered. To avoid this, make a habit of writing important things down. Keep a to-do list, make grocery lists, and keep a calendar.
Talk to a mental health professional. If you feel that your mood swings are becoming uncontrollable, reach out to a mental health professional for help. If your memory issues are causing you anxiety, stress, or depression, a mental health professional can help. Alternatively, you can speak to your doctor about treatments for perimenopause to bring an end to your mood swings and memory issues.
Get enough sleep. As we mentioned earlier, not getting enough sleep can worsen existing mood swings and memory issues. Getting sleep of poor quality can also contribute to worsened mood swings and memory issues. Aim to get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, as often as possible. Sleep in a quiet room, with the aid of blackout curtains or a sleeping mask if necessary. If sleeping in silence isn't for you, invest in a white noise machine or run a fan on low.
Set reminders for yourself. If you're struggling with perimenopausal memory issues, then setting reminders for yourself is a good idea. You don't want to forget that it's your turn to pick your daughter up from practice, or that you have a dentist appointment next week. Use your phone's Reminders app, or get yourself a planner that you check frequently.
Perimenopause Symptoms A to Z
Perimenopause Information
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.