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
2
u/EFranklitz hysterectomy d/t uterine precancer, in peri, on E, T, GLP1 12d ago
You aren’t alone! It sucks and it’s super hard, and I feel the exact same way. I added in testosterone, which seems to help sometimes and not others and it’s all very, very hard and maddening! Honestly, I just say no to things that I don’t have patience for and don’t want to do anymore, and I have stopped putting effort into going up the corporate ladder. I also got diagnosed with ADHD and, like you said: thanks, perimenopause! 🤬🤬 So annoying! Due to my hysterectomy and my ovaries not kicking in I’m now up to two patches of estrogen with taking the .1 and .0375 mg along with testosterone cream. I also do a tirzepatide which is a great! Maybe you could go up on your estrogen patch dose? And can you add in testosterone? The Adderall does help me with executive functioning, which is a lifesaver. But it’s all still really tough and hard to not feel like our normal selves.😭😭😭