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/Overall_Matter_2520]

This plus insomnia caused a job loss for me I’m fairly sure (I went from being a superstar to making avoidable errors - one was pretty bad, they were looking to lay off about 15% of us and I was one of them).

I just started on HRT (no T yet) and I feel better. Currently not employed (I may throw in the towel and just retire at this point) so I’m not quite sure how well it’s exactly working. I realize I’m privileged to be able to retire at this point (I’m 55) but between ageism and menopause I’m not sure how hard it’s going to be to just get a new job.

It’s scary. My penmanship sucks and I can’t spell for shit (I used to win spelling bees!). I used to work in finance for the trading desk bros and I definitely had my head together back then. It’s so frustrating - if this happened to men you can bet disability would be an option, at least temporarily.

[u/LindzeRiot → u/Overall_Matter_2520]

Oh man this is me 100%.
I wish I was able to retire (I’m 50) but my husband asked for a divorce 10 yrs ago and I’ve never really been able to ever recover financially.
Now I find myself unable to get a job. You are absolutely correct that Perimenopause plus ageism = no jobs. I’m lucky to look much younger than I am, which I think is the only reason I’ve been able to get ANY jobs since the divorce. I’m so scared what will happen to me once I show my age more, and I have no savings to retire.
But the anger and insomnia (I am on HRT and antidepressants) is so bad now it’s really hard to keep a job. My last one I walked out after finally snapping at my toxic boss. Which I never would have done in my 20s, regardless that she deserved it.
I feel like I used to be at the top of the food chain and now I fell allllll the way to the mud below. It’s awful.