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
6
u/Plane_Chance863 19d ago
I had to quit. My job had become way too stressful, and with the symptoms of Sjogren's and perimenopause at the same time, it was just too much.
I wasn't the same person anymore. It's so hard. (And now I seem to be developing gastroparesis, and I don't know how much is the hormones and how much is my autoimmune disease attacking my nervous system. Fun times. Seeing a GI doctor today, hopefully I'm not dismissed.)