A guide to Brain Fog in Menopause

Many women experience memory lapses or difficulty concentrating during the menopause transition, yet these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed. This article explores what we know about menopausal "brain fog", its likely causes, and how GPs can support women with evidence-based, reassuring care.

Around two-thirds of women experience memory or concentration difficulties during the menopause transition, commonly described as "brain fog". Although subtle changes in verbal learning and memory may occur, objective cognitive performance generally remains within the expected range, and symptoms are usually not a sign of dementia. Brain fog is likely to result from a combination of hormonal changes, sleep disturbance, vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, psychosocial stress and normal ageing. GPs play an important role in validating women's experiences, providing reassurance and addressing contributing factors. Formal cognitive assessment is usually unnecessary unless symptoms are progressive or significantly affect daily functioning.

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Gurvich C, Long M. A GP guide to cognitive disturbance in menopause. AusDoc (18 July 2026).