What was I doing? Where are my keys? Was I supposed to pack lunches today? If you find yourself asking these and similar questions more often every 28 days, you might have PMS brain fog, says MarlaAhlgrimm. And you’re not alone.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, most women feel a little more forgetful than usual when Mother Nature comes to call. This is due to a sharp drop in a brain chemical, serotonin, which is brought about by a rise in progesterone. It’s no fun feeling like you’re making your way through each day in a daze, but it’s only temporary and not a cause for concern.
The goods news is that, if you’re willing to track your cycle, there are ways to improve your mood and memory.
- Keep a journal. Marla Ahlgrimm says to keep a notebook handy so you can make a note of when your cycle starts. This is the day after your period. Keep track of when during your cycle you begin to feel sluggish and forgetful.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is important every day, but even more so when your brain doesn’t want to get started in the AM. Give yourself and extra 30 to 45 minutes of downtime each night during the week or so you aren’t thinking clearly.
- Try an iron supplement. If you feel worse when you are menstruating, your mental fog might be due to iron deficiency anemia. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this is common in women who have heavy periods. Any time you lose a great deal of blood at once, your body will struggle to make up the difference. Eat plenty of lean beef, beans, and leafy greens. Iron supplements should only be used after consulting with your doctor .
- Talk to your doctor. Finally, Marla Ahlgrimm insists that your doctor is the best person to help you overcome this or any other issues stemming from your menstrual cycle. Talk to them about ways you can reclaim your energy and memory.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,