Did you know that hormones play a vital role in brain function and memory? Do you often feel tired, dozy or forgetful during the day? For example, have you ever walked into a room only to forget what you went in for or forgotten what you wanted to say or even the words to say it? Small lapses in memory like these can be symptoms of hormone imbalances and are quite common in many men and women, especially as we age.
Hormone effects on Memory
Stress Hormones
During times of stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol, a hormone that helps prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response. Chronic or prolonged high levels of cortisol can 25impair memory retrieval and brain function. Excessive cortisol can interfere with the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation.
Estrogen and Testosterone
Sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone can also impact memory function in the brain. Estrogen has been linked to better memory and hippocampal function so you can imagine the impact this can have during peri-menopause and menopause when this hormone starts to reduce. Testosterone is also crucial for memory and cognitive performance in both men and women. Again, after the age of forty, this hormone starts to reduce in both me and women.
Thyroid Hormones
The hormones produced by the Thyroid play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and brain development. Thyroid hormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can affect memory and brain function causing difficulties with concentration and memory.
Insulin
Insulin is mostly known for regulating blood sugar levels, but it also has effects on memory. Insulin receptors are found in the brain, including regions involved in memory processing.. Impaired insulin such as in diabetes or insulin resistance, has been associated with cognitive deficits and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Causes of Hormone Imbalance
Aging
As we age, hormonal changes are a natural part of the process. Menopause in women and age-related decline in testosterone in men can lead to huge drops in hormones resulting in many difficult symptoms including impaired memory and cognitive function.
Prolonged Stress
Long periods of stress can really interfere with hormones. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can affect the levels of other crucial hormones like testosterone.
Lifestyle Factors
Having a lifestyle full of unhelpful habits like poor food choices, lack of exercise, lack of hydration, poor sleep, one to many glasses of wine, and smoking can all be directly linked to hormone imbalances in men and women.
Being Overweight
Excess body weight, especially around your middle, can lead to disruptions in hormones. Tissue in this area produces hormones and can result in increased estrogen levels in both men and women.
If you feel like you are suffering with any of these issues – you can take control back. Many people don’t even consider how much hormones affect memory, fatigue, mood and so many other bodily and brain functions. Call your doctor and make an appointment to have a chat about your worries. Try to get someone who specialises in the area with lots of experience.
Mental Health & Wellbeing are also important to reduce stress levels and cortisol so please reach out to someone to talk to – a friend or professional.
Make sure that you are making the right lifestyle choices – remember we have evolved to heal given the right conditions.
If you need a chat – please contact me on mmcglynn@theopencollege.com
Mind yourselves.
Marys Mental Health Corner