Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on short-term memory and nappy rash

I am going through the menopause and it seems to be affecting my short-term memory. I keep forgetting where I’ve put my keys, purse or phone. It’s very frustrating for me and my family. Will it pass?

The menopause has a number of symptoms, physical and psychological, related to the hormonal changes that are taking place in your body. It literally means the last menstrual period.

Short-term memory loss can be upsetting and annoying but it is unlikely to be long term and many women do find that it passes after the menopause. This might be related to hormonal fluctuation affecting moods, disrupted sleep from night sweats and thus causing irritability, fatigue and poor concentration during the day.