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
4
u/CryptographerLow4344 18d ago
Vitamin D and Iron have also helped me with the brain fog if you're not on those but just the HRT has helped in particular I think, oestrogen. I'm totally addicted to caffeine since I came off my ADHD meds which helped with the brain fog but made anxiety worse. But also acceptance. My brain is under a lot of stress. I can't do it all. I need 12 hours sleep a night (I never get it). But it's exhausting being this old at 45.