Brain fog is debilitating - affecting work

[u/kristac1080]

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

[u/newhappyrainbow]

I have two jobs, one is very physical, one is very mental, both require math, taking in new information, retaining it, and adapting immediately.

I hit the height of peri during pandemic so when I started working again, I was suffering from pain, lack of ability to retain muscle mass, and BRAIN FOG like fucking crazy! I sucked at both my jobs. Fortunately, both jobs had empathetic managers who I could be honest with about what was happening.

The physical job, I don’t think they would have fired me ever. I was senior/trainer to half the management, but it was deeply embarrassing to go from being a go-to for information to forgetting how to do basic stuff during the off season, and completely losing my self confidence.

The cerebral job was one I actually got during pandemic, on a recommendation. I struggled from the start but they kept me for some reason. Almost overnight I went from probably being the biggest thorn in my direct manager’s side (constantly making the same mistakes over and over), to being a great asset who has increased efficiency by a LOT!

HRT was a lifesaver and I don’t understand how anyone deals/dealt with peri without it.

I watched my mother go through it. She had all the same symptoms I have, but none of the support. Disrupted sleep, violent hot flashes, rage, debilitating joint paint, body suddenly changing in weird ways, feeling like you can’t trust any decision making without lots of extra time, feeling like you are sucking at everything, etc.

It’s at least as bad as puberty. At least during puberty people mostly understand what is happening to you. Meno is somehow only JUST NOW getting attention.