Low Iron Levels Linked to Brain Fog During Menopause Transition, New Study Finds

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oklahoma highlights the potential connection between low blood iron levels and cognitive challenges faced by women during menopause transition. The research emphasizes that maintaining adequate iron levels may help improve cognitive function, such as memory and attention, during this transitional phase.

Published in the journal Nutrients, the study reveals that women with blood iron levels below the expected range for their age perform worse on cognitive tests. Interestingly, the research also indicates that having sufficient blood iron does not lead to excessive iron accumulation in the brain, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Lead researcher Dr. Michael Wenger explained that during menopause, women typically cease monthly blood loss, which in turn reduces iron loss. Despite this natural change, some women still experience iron deficiency, which correlates with cognitive impairments. The study involved blood tests, MRI scans, and behavioral assessments; none of the participants were iron-deficient or anemic, but many had iron levels below the ideal range for their age.

The findings suggest that even marginal iron deficiency can negatively impact cognitive performance. For example, a small decrease in reaction time—milliseconds—can significantly affect daily decision-making and speech fluency. Furthermore, the amount of iron in the blood did not predict its accumulation in the brain, offering reassurance that maintaining healthy blood iron levels does not raise neurodegenerative risk.

Iron plays a critical role in producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for many brain functions, as well as in ocular signaling. Iron deficiency might therefore contribute to symptoms like brain fog and visual changes often reported during menopause. While supplementing iron might not always be advisable due to gastrointestinal side effects, dietary adjustments to increase iron intake could be beneficial.

The study underscores the importance of monitoring iron levels in women during menopause, as addressing deficiencies may ease cognitive and sensory symptoms. The research team intends to conduct larger studies to further explore these findings. OB-GYN Dr. Pamela Miles highlighted that understanding this transitional period better could improve health management strategies for women.

This research adds to the growing body of knowledge about women’s health during menopause and suggests that maintaining balanced iron levels could be a crucial factor in cognitive wellness during this phase.