A constellation of symptoms including impaired memory, poor concentration, mental sluggishness, and difficulty processing information, directly attributable to dysregulation within the endocrine system. This cognitive impairment is not a primary neurological disorder but a secondary manifestation of hormonal imbalance affecting neurochemistry and cerebral function. It represents a common, yet often overlooked, clinical presentation of endocrine dysfunction.
Origin
“Brain fog” is a lay term describing subjective cognitive deficits, while the addition of “hormonal causes” anchors the etiology firmly within the domain of endocrinology. This clinical framing acknowledges the profound influence of endocrine signaling on central nervous system performance and distinguishes it from other causes of cognitive impairment.
Mechanism
Fluctuations or deficiencies in key neuroactive hormones—including thyroid hormones, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone—modulate the expression of neurotransmitter receptors and impact mitochondrial energy production in neurons. For instance, low thyroid hormone slows metabolic rate across the cortex, and estrogen withdrawal can disrupt synaptic function in the hippocampus. These hormonal shifts collectively lead to the subjective experience of mental cloudiness and reduced cognitive efficiency.
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