It can happen that two completely different conditions can produce similar symptoms. If you have detected alarming signs, do not panic: the natural hormonal changes of the body may have begun.
This is reported by the Dr. Evin website.
Menopause is a natural phenomenon that every woman will face. Most often it occurs between the ages of 50 and 55. During this period, the level of hormones decreases, menstruation stops, so the body needs to adapt to the new realities.
One of the most common signs is hot flashes. A woman periodically starts to feel hot, even if it is cool indoors or outdoors. This condition can be controlled by changing daily habits, as well as special medications prescribed by a gynecologist.
However, there are a few other signs that can give away that menopause is approaching. They can be frightening because they are similar to the symptoms of onset dementia.
- The appearance of "brain fog". In this case, it becomes harder for a woman to concentrate on serious tasks, attention is scattered. But this is not due to changes in the brain, but to the restructuring of the hormonal background.
- Memory problems. This is a temporary phenomenon, just like "brain fog". It may be difficult to remember some things, to find words for certain actions.
- Constant anxiety. It feels like you're missing something, more worries arise.
- Mood swings. For unknown reasons, you become sad or, on the contrary, too cheerful. There is excessive irritability, which is caused by hormones.
- Deterioration. It is about the inability to perform several tasks at the same time, although before you were able to do it. Your hands are down and you don't know what to grab onto, everything seems to slip away and be forgotten.
Distinguishing one from the other is not so difficult. The first thing to pay attention to is age. Dementia is still more common in people over 65, while menopause occurs much earlier.
The second important point is that memory, concentration and attention problems do not disappear in a person with dementia. In the case of menopause, they are temporary.
Another difference is how people around you react. If you yourself realize that you have started to change, you should not be afraid. A person with dementia does not notice anything strange about himself, he is sure that people around him want to deceive him or are telling him lies.
Memory problems that occur during menopause are often accompanied by hot flashes, night sweats, urinary problems, vaginal dryness, headaches and menstrual cycle changes. A knowledgeable gynecologist can help you deal with them.
It is also advisable to learn that hallucinations can sometimes occur during menopause.
