What is period brain fog?
Do you feel more forgetful or in a fog as your period approaches? You are not alone. Period brain fog is more common than you may think. While Period brain fog is most commonly associated with PMS or premenstrual Syndrome, it may be associated with other causes as well. Brain Fog is referred to feeling sluggish, forgetful or undecisive before and during your period. Tracking your period may help you to better understand your cycle and symptoms associated with the onset of your period. If you experience brain fog, have no fear, there are tips to manage your period brain fog and we will discuss them below. But first, let's discuss different reasons you may experience brain fog.
Why do I have brain fog before my period?
Hormonal imbalance
During our period cycles, our bodies go through various shifts in the sex hormones progesterone and estrogen. During the second half of your cycle, your hormone levels rise. However, days leading up to your period, sex hormone levels drop. This drop in hormone levels may contribute to brain fog.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the amount of healthy red blood cells to give you oxygen throughout your body. It also causes iron deficiency. During the time of your period, it is possible to experience more symptoms associated with anemia because of the blood loss during your period. Women with anemia often experience brain fog, lack of energy and dizzy spells.
Insomnia or sleeping issues
There is little research indicating insomnia is a period symptom. However, many women experience poor sleep leading up to their period. Also, the fluctuation of hormones may play a major role in your lack of sleep and may cause sleep disruptions as well. Let’s face it, when we don’t get good sleep, we have trouble memorizing things, concentrating, and staying alert at times.
Anxiety and Depression
We all experience hardships in our life that may cause anxiety or depression. For some women, anxiety and depression can intensify during their period, this is called premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Feeling anxious or depressed consumes a lot of energy because your brain is working in overdrive to process your intrusive thoughts. Anxiety and Depression may cause you to experience fatigue and brain fog.
Diet
The food and vitamins you consume play an important role in your energy levels. Your body uses a lot of energy when preparing for your monthly period. It is important to maintain a proper diet to help your body get the extra energy and nutrients you need. If you have an insufficient diet then you may feel fatigued, sluggish or experience brain fog.
Tips to manage period brain fog
Improve sleeping habits
The week leading up to your period, it is common to have troubles sleeping due to the drops in hormones. Improving your sleeping habits before and during your period is important to improving brain fog. Try different sleeping strategies to find out what works best for you. Some people find it helpful to put away their electronic devices and sub for a book instead. Maybe you would enjoy a nice relaxing bath to help you relax for a slumber. Whatever sleeping habit you choose, getting proper sleep is important.
Manage stress
Stress and anxiety may worsen before and during your period. Proper relaxation techniques may reduce your anxiety and stress. Some women find it helpful to do yoga, mediation, or a spa day. Whatever your stress reliever may be, you should see an improvement with your overall energy and brain fog.
Exercise
Oftentimes when we are on our period we simply feel like we have no energy to exercise. However, regular exercise is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that women who exercise throughout their cycle may be less likely to develop premenstrual symptoms. There are many benefits to exercising during your period such as:
- Decreased cramping
- Less fatigue
- Reduced brain fog
- Alleviate bloating
The amount of exercise does not have to be strenuous. Any time of exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day has shown to help with many medical issues such as heart attack, stroke or diabetes.
Eat healthy
Caring for your body doesn’t stop at exercise, it is just as important to have a good healthy diet coupled with exercise. Your body needs healthy fats such as fish, beans and red meat. Also, stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks. It is essential to stay hydrated during your period due to the amount of blood loss. Blood loss may cause dehydration.
Other foods that are important during your period include:
- Fiber rich foods
- Roasted or baked vegetables
- Iron rich foods
- Herbal tea
- Turmeric
Tips to planning for your period
Every month our periods come and go and our hormones are like a rollercoaster at your favorite amusement park. They are always preparing for that next big drop before your period begins. So, if our hormones are preparing for the first day of our cycle, so should you. Many women find it helpful to create a period kit to keep in their bag for when they get their period. Let’s be honest, sometimes even period trackers can’t guess the exact day. A good period kit may include:
- Period underwear
- Hand Sanitizer
- A small reusable bag to put soiled underwear in
- Baby wipes in case there isn’t tissue nearby
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