While not inherently dangerous to a woman’s health, hot flashes can be an extremely uncomfortable part of menopause. They affect up to 75% of women, and can end up interfering with quality of life, especially if they occur frequently. As their name implies, hot flashes involve intense feelings of heat that spread across the upper body and face. Flushing and red blotches may also occur, along with rapid heartbeat and perspiration. Hot flashes can interfere with sleep when they occur during the night, and over time, they may lead to chronic insomnia. Unfortunately, to add to the list, scientists say hot flashes can also affect memory.
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In a recent study, researchers linked physiologic hot flashes to decreased verbal memory and alterations in brain function during encoding and retrieval of memory. The association was found to be particularly strong in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Previous research has shown that as women transition through menopause, they experience a decline in memory for verbal material. In this recent study, scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging to document the specific effect hot flashes had on functions of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex during memory tasks. They found that brain function was indeed altered when a hot flash occurred during a memory task.
Researcher Dr. Stephanie Faubion explained, “The findings of this preliminary study, although small, support an association between objectively monitored hot flashes and adverse functional changes in the brain that affect memory. Further study is needed to determine whether hot flashes actually cause these brain changes and whether treatment of hot flashes will prevent or normalize them.”
With proper treatment, menopause symptoms should generally not diminish your overall quality of life. For information on natural remedies to help with menopause symptoms, including essential oils, herbs and supplements, read “Drug-Free Ways to Help Balance Female Hormones.”