Hormonal Changes
Hormones are chemicals that send messages and signals to other parts of the body. When the hormones become too much or maybe too little, an imbalance takes place. This imbalance affects other parts and systems of the body. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopausal stage are the three most common phases whereby women’s hormones fluctuate.
The three principal hormones in the reproductive system that are responsible for these phases are estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. When the amount of these hormones is out of balance, memory is affected, so as mental sharpness and concentration. For example, estrogen, which contributes to memory and perception, drops during the menopausal phase, increases mood swings frequency, and ensues poor concentration skills. Progesterone, which is usually linked with pregnancy, protects and repairs brain damage caused by injuries. It calms the brain and helps it properly function. Testosterone, which is created in ovaries in women, and testes in men, strengthens muscles and nerves and increases mental sharpness. However, it dramatically affects overall cognitive function. When one of these three drops to a lower level than what is required of the body, the brain’s cognitive ability diminishes, and signs of memory loss, lightheadedness, dullness, and forgetfulness manifest.
