If you know a vibrant menopausal woman experiencing uncomfortable hot flashes and she seems to be at a loss for words, well, there’s a link, according to researchers.
A 2020 study suggests that physiologic hot flashes are associated with decreased verbal memory and with alterations in brain function during encoding and retrieval of memory, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Study results are published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).1
Previous studies have already shown that women experience a decline in memory for verbal material, such as words and stories, as they transition through menopause. In this new study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to document the occurrence of physiologic hot flashes and their specific effect on hippocampal and prefrontal cortex function during encoding and recognition conditions of a memory task.
So, among women in menopause who experience the frustration of trying to find the right words, there is scientific validation that this isn’t just in their heads.
And there’s also a potential herbal powerhouse supplement duo that can help: Nu Femme™ and IQ200®.
Nu Femme™ is a unique blend of Labisia pumila and Eurycoma longifolia standardized extracts, new from HP Ingredients; it represents the certified Woman-Owned company’s first foray into women’s natural health. Nu Femme™ has been shown in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 119 menopausal women (aged 41 to 55) to reduce hot flashes after week 12. Interestingly, hormonal profile measurements also showed statistically significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from baseline, and compared to placebo group.2
IQ200® is a breakthrough water-soluble, high-antioxidant food-based herb (Persicaria minor/Polygonum minus) that has been shown in clinical studies to improve cognitive flexibility, processing speed and executive function in adults. A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of 6 months supplementation with IQ100® on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among 30 older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
According to the study authors, 6 months of IQ200® supplementation appeared to improve visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Further, significant improvements were observed in most of the negative mood status particularly tension, anger, and confusion.3
In only two years, the North American Menopause Society estimates that approximately 1.1 billion women globally will be post-menopausal. Help make sure they aren’t needlessly searching for words by creating a cutting-edge supplement regimen that pulls double-duty by knocking out hot flashes.
1 The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). “Hot flashes impair memory performance: New study suggests hot flashes may alter hippocampal and prefrontal cortex function to decrease verbal memory.”
2 Chinnappan, et al. “Efficacy of Labisia pumila and Eurycoma longifolia standardised extracts on hot flushes, quality of life, hormone and lipid profile of peri-menopausal and menopausal women: a randomised, placebo-controlled study” Food & Nutrition Research 2020, 64: 3665
3 Lau H, et al. “The effects of six months Persicaria minor extract supplement among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 2020 20:315
