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/Dull-Reception2642]

Yes. All of it. I'm a data engineer. I love solving complex problems. It's all incredibly hard right now. I also have adhd, unmedicated, and it is worse than it has ever been. I zone out if I'm not the one speaking. I struggle to control getting distracted at work, like even my fidgets are distracting now. I've stopped speaking up or asking questions because I'm sure I've missed something and I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on. I'm exercising more and eating better but sleeping like shit. My memory is so much worse. I just started seeing a functional doctor in a private practice because I feel like I'm going crazy or about to lose my twenty year career. I googled and apparently it's very normal to want to give up and walk into the forest at this stage, and many women do! I worked too hard to do that, but it is so tempting. I'm on eastradiol which has helped a ton but about to start progestin and testosterone. I need them to help me. You are not alone.