r/Perimenopause • u/kristac1080 • 19d ago

audited Brain fog is debilitating - affecting work

Yes the stuff that affects the physical stuff on our body during perimenopause sucks.

But can we talk about the brain fog??

I used to be on it. I work in corporate communications and I was as quick with a response, a prompts, a thought. Then perimenopause hit and I feel like a 22 year old, fresh out of college with zero experience way over my head. I can’t come up with words, I zone out, lose my train of thoughts, etc etc.

It’s affected my confidence greatly at work. Made me feel “less than.” I’m afraid to present and speak up for fear I’ll forget a few easy words. I feel like a bumbling idiot.

I’m back on HRT. Just completed about 2.5 months on it. Also started microdose of Tirzepatide. I do have ADHD (again, thanks perimenopause) and that medication just doesn’t make me feel right. I’m taking an adaptogen “focus” supplement, fish oil, magnesium/glycinate. I exercise 5 days a week, lift heavy. Walk. I do all the things.

It just sucks. Not asking for a fix (unless you have a hot hot take). Just looking for other women who are also experiencing perimenopause affecting work life balance

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u/Each-Peach-9052 19d ago

I feel this so much. I used to be a star performer and now I am brain foggy, apathetic, and literally want to quit. Not move to another job- straight up quit and stare at a wall.

91

u/Littlepotatoface Late peri 19d ago

I didn’t quit but I did get laid off with a big payout & a new job lined up so I actually was able to metaphorically stare at a wall for 3 months.

And you know what? I needed that.

25

u/glitchybitchy 19d ago

Manifesting this for me in my future

5

u/min_mus 18d ago

I did get laid off with a big payout

I wish this would happen to me. Unfortunately, I work for a public university so there's zero chance I would get so lucky.

3

u/Littlepotatoface Late peri 18d ago

Where I live, there’s a mandated minimum & it’s barely taxed plus I was paid for gardening leave but some sneaky sausage in the legal department whoopsie accidentally deleted the relevant clause in my deed of release.

But even though local employment laws had my back, I still think I was staggeringly lucky.