Laura Thorburn, M.S., CCC-SLP
Communication creates bonds between people. However, sometimes communication can be difficult, or it can break down altogether. There are many factors that can cause a failure in communication. Some are under our control, such as speaking too quickly. Others aren’t, such as being in a loud environment.
Age-related health changes, such as menopause, are one factor that can affect communication skills. The impact of menopause on communication is often overlooked, but for many women, it’s all too real–whether it shows up as brain fog, word-finding problems, emotional shifts, or other challenges.
In this article, we explain how menopause can affect your cognition and communication skills and what you can do to navigate through the changes.
Cognitive changes during menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s. This transition can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive changes due to hormonal fluctuations, which affect how we communicate in several ways.
Studies have shown that cognitive changes can occur with menopause, including memory issues. As a matter of fact, these memory lapses are often referred to as “menopausal brain fog.” In some women, menopause causes word-finding difficulty. You might forget names or words, or have a harder time thinking of the words you want to use in a conversation.
The onset of menopause has also been shown to affect concentration. Hormonal changes can make it harder to concentrate, leading to a shorter attention span and difficulty staying engaged in conversations.
Emotional changes during menopause
Hormones are critical for regulating our emotions. During menopause, fluctuations in hormone levels can result in increased mood shifts, anxiety, and irritability. This makes it more likely that you’ll speak with others from a position of dysregulation.
It may feel harder to maintain a calm and composed demeanor. You may be more likely to say something you regret or use an unintended tone. This may lead to a decline in self-confidence, which can affect your willingness to speak up or engage in conversations. It can also cause problems in your professional or personal relationships.
Physical changes during menopause
Finally, the body itself experiences instability during menopause. For example, changes in hormone levels can cause hot flashes or night sweats. Hot flashes can be extremely distracting if they occur during conversations. They are likely to commandeer your mental attention, making it hard to organize your thoughts, stay on point, or find your words.
Similarly, night sweats can create sleep disturbances and poor quality of sleep. When person has insomnia, they’re more likely to have difficulties with concentration, comprehension, and focus.
How to manage communication challenges during menopause
It’s important to work with your health care provider to develop a plan for managing symptoms and maintaining good health, both during and after menopause. For example, you’ll want to learn how to protect your heart and prevent bone loss as you get older.
While we can’t control the fact that hormones change, we can learn how to manage communication challenges that arise during menopause. Here are a few tips and strategies that can help:
1 Memory training
Do activities that boost your memory skills, such as puzzles, reading, and memory games. Learning something new, like a language or a musical instrument, can also be helpful for your memory.
2 Meditation and mindfulness
Practices such as meditation that enhance your focus and reduce stress can do wonders for improving concentration and overall cognitive functioning.
3 Regular exercise
Physical activity of any kind can improve your mood, energy levels, and cognitive functioning. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
4 A healthy diet
Eating a nutrient-rich diet supports brain health and can alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
To sum up, it’s important to know that the changes you’re experiencing are normal, not a sign of neurological problems. However, symptoms such as mood swings or forgetting words can be frustrating, agitating, and stressful. Recognizing these challenges and learning how to manage them can help women maintain effective communication in their personal and professional lives.
Using any of the above tips can promote relaxation, boost mood, and increase energy levels. Speech therapy can also be a valuable resource during menopause. A speech therapist can teach you targeted strategies to manage and improve your communication challenges.
At Expressable, you can work with a speech therapist who specializes in cognitive, professional, or social communication. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone! Schedule a free consultation call with one of our specialists to learn more about how we can help.
