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Brain Fog

Brain fog describes the feeling of slowed thinking, poor concentration, forgetfulness, or mental “heaviness” that many women experience, especially as they move in their 40s and beyond. It isn’t a disease, it’s a signal. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, changes in sleep quality, shifting cortisol patterns, inflammation, blood sugar swings, and nutrient deficiencies can all disrupt the brain’s ability to process information efficiently.

These changes often appear gradually, making women feel unlike themselves long before they realize the cause is physiological, not personal.

This tag brings together evidence-based insights on what drives brain fog and how to support clearer thinking through midlife transitions. Topics include the role of estrogen and cortisol in memory and cognition, the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms, the gut–brain axis, thyroid and metabolic influences, and lifestyle strategies that strengthen focus and mental clarity.

Whether you’re navigating forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or feeling mentally “off,” this section helps women build clarity and confidence around one of the most common and most misunderstood symptoms in women’s health.

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Prickly Pear Health will showcase how it’s helping women’s brain health at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Prickly Pear Health demos AI voice tech for women's brain health at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 - tackling hormone-driven fog proactively.
Brain & Cognition