While the pandemic increased stress levels and our reliance on technology – both of which are still giving our memories a run for their money, it’s not just external factors taking their toll.

Hormonal fluctuations in women have long been linked to lapses in memory, and recent research has painted a clear picture of what leads to these changes. One study, published at the end of last year, saw scientists perform detailed brain scans of women at different points in their menstrual cycle. They observed some significant changes.

“The studies showed increases in oestrogen were linked to expansion of the para-hippocampal cortex, a grey matter cortical region that plays a role in memory encoding and retrieval,” explains Dr Sohère Roked, a GP, functional medicine and hormone doctor. “Elevated progesterone was also tied to greater volume in the perirhinal cortex, an area that receives sensory information and is also important for memory.”

While the changes observed during this study are valuable on a variety of levels, their potential ability to explain the memory lapses many women experience during perimenopause is particularly important. Research by the British Menopause Society suggests almost 40% of women experience issues with memory and concentration as they go through the menopause – a time when worries about age-related cognitive decline can make memory lapses anxiety-inducing. But understanding the link between hormones and these symptoms can make them easier to deal with.

Forgetfulness: the science behind why your memory is getting worse (and how to make it better)