Difficulty Concentrating Causes
Difficulty Concentrating Causes
Difficulty Concentrating Causes

Causes of Difficulty Concentrating

For those women suffering from difficulty concentrating as a result of menopause, many times this symptom can be unexpected. Changes in the way the brain functions may leave a woman feeling as though she is losing control of her own self. There are a variety of reasons why a woman may experience difficulty concentrating; however for women of menopausal age, hormonal fluctuations  that  occur  naturally  during  this  time
Research

Up to 2/3 of menopausal women reported difficulty concentrating on day to day tasks in a recent study.

period are the most likely suspect. Other menopausal symptoms can also lead to a lag in concentration, and in some cases other factors may be at work.

Read further to learn more about the various causes of difficulty concentrating, in order to gain back control of one´s own sense of focus.

Difficulty Concentrating

Hormonal Causes

While a number of factors may play a role in the incidence of difficulty concentrating, for women undergoing the menopausal transition the most likely cause is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen in particular plays a key role in the function of the brain, for several reasons.

There are several neurotransmitters in the brain which play a role in cognitive function, including heightened memory and ability to concentrate. Acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine have all been shown to regulate cognitive abilities. If there is a shortage in these neurotransmitters, there may be a decrease in cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating.

Estrogen has an effect on the production of all three of these neurotransmitters, as when estrogen levels are higher the production increases. In addition, estrogen also stimulates blood flow to the brain.
Difficulty Concentrating Overview
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It follows then that when estrogen levels fluctuate during menopause, so do the production levels of these important neurotransmitters.

Estrogen has also been shown to have effects specifically on short term verbal memory as well as motor skills and spatial ability. The overall result of this decrease in estrogen that comes along with menopause is that a woman experiences cognitive interferences, including difficulty concentrating.


difficulty concentrating estrogen causes

Keep reading to learn more about other potential causes behind this troubling symptom, including other menopausal symptoms that may have an effect, as well as risk factors that can aggravate the situation.

Other Menopausal Symptoms that Cause Difficulty
Concentrating

In addition to the primary hormonal causes behind difficulty concentrating, many women may have concentration issues that stem from other menopausal symptoms. Sleep disorders and fatigue can render a woman too exhausted to concentrate properly on daily tasks at hand. Psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or panic disorders can also have a hand in difficulty concentrating. When a woman is under stress she may not be able to focus to her best abilities.

Related Menopausal Symptoms:


• Sleep Disorders
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Pain Disorders
• Hot Flashes

Besides these menopausal factors, there may be other risk factors a woman possesses that will make her more susceptible to difficulty concentrating. Keep reading to learn more about these other potential causes.

Other Factors that Lead to Difficulty Concentrating

Though the main cause of difficulty concentrating is attributed to the fluctuations in estrogen that influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain; there are a host of other factors that may also influence a woman´s level of concentration. This is not including the other menopausal symptoms listed above.


• Natural Aging
• Hyperactivity Disorders
• Drug Use
• Poor Nutrition
• Neurological Disorders

 difficulty concentrating factors

If experiencing difficulty concentrating for any combination of the factors listed above, it is beneficial to note that there are indeed treatment options available. Read on to learn more about ways to overcome difficulty concentrating and get life running smoothly again.

difficulty concentrating causes

More About Difficulty Concentrating

Difficulty Concentrating Overview
About Difficulty Concentrating
Causes of Difficulty Concentrating
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Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.
Difficulty Concentrating
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Causes of Difficulty Concentrating
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