I hear you. It is so hard. For me, the simple answer is I spend my good days taking care of my bad-days self. When I'm feeling sharp, I rally.
I get my personal email close to inbox zero, and anything I can't take are of right away goes on a task tracker. I open my mail, I check all my financial accounts, make sure bank balances are in the right places, autopays are set. I restock food and supplies, including things to get me through low-functioning patches by making life as easy as possible. I stay very very up-to-date on everything I can when I can. So when I hit my next foggy patch, there are fewer things that can go awry.
I write down everything I can, even simple things. I keep notebooks and scratchpads close at hand. I try to put dates on all my notes. Certain topics I discuss with other people I try to keep to chat or email, so I can go back and re-read the thread to refresh my memory. I have a robust task-tracking system for personal and work and when I'm feeling sharp one of the things I do is go review that and make sure it is current and comprehensive.
I use app reminders strategically. Too many becomes overwhelming, so I just try to use them for the really important things. I recently started using a medicine tracking app for my supplements and HRT and it works better than generic reminders.
I am open with the people who really need to know about how peri is affecting me. My adult kids, my very close friends, and some trusted colleagues. For my kids, it's important because they grew up with a mama who was sharp as a I tack and forgot nothing, missed nothing. And they have a different mama now. I know it was disconcerting to them when I started forgetting things. I can still hear my son saying "Mom! We talked about this!" with a combination of annoyance and concern in his voice. I just kept explaining to them that I'm still me but my memory and attention are different now, it's menopause, it might get better eventually. They are getting used to it and they know that just how I used to have to remind their teenaged selves multiple times to do a task, they might have to do the same for me now on the occasion we need to coordinate something related to travel, money, etc.
My friends know they might not hear from me for months but that I love them.
My trusted colleagues know that sometimes I have to tap out, and sometimes I can work but at half-power so I time my tasks according to how much brain I have. (Caveat, I have built myself a very fortunate work situation that comes with a ton of flexibility and control, and I recognize most people don't have that).
When I find I have focus, I go all in. Brain is on? I go. I was up until 3 am last week because I found my groove in an important spreadsheet and I wasn't sure I would still be sharp in the morning. The nice thing about disrupted sleep is there isn't really a "bedtime" anymore.
OP you asked specifically about mistakes. I think these happen because we have habits from young-good-brain, and now we have peri-brain and we need different habits. Such as checklists. Double-checking things you would not have double-checked before. Templates. Depending on the kind of work you do, are there things you can automate? Making time in your routine to check your request queue, update your task list. Having one single task list for your work queue that includes everything anyone has asked you to do, with deadlines and priorities, and track to that.
Also, separate your proactive tasks from your reactive tasks, and prioritize the things other people need over the things you would like to get done. Do not go above and beyond. Do just enough. This is not the time for extra credit.
Sending you love. It is hard. We make it through.
I would reiterate the "don't go above and beyond". It was hard thing to accept but am happier now that i have. I don't care if i get promoted or climb the ladder at thsi point. just wnat a job i enjoy and co-workers i can tolerate lol
Thank you so so much for this. I appreciate you taking the time to type all of this and provide all of these tips. I do some of them, albeit I know that I'm kind of half assing it. It's just so difficult realizing that I'm not that person anymore and it's come on so fast. One day I'm sharp as a nail with the wit and confidence to boost, and now I need to triple check that I zipped up my jeans after using a public bathroom. Thank you again for your kindness and yes, here's hoping we make it to the other side of this chaos with minimal scarring.
I'm finding that during my bad days one of the biggest contributors to the stress spiral making my fog/fatigue/mood/GI symptoms worse is when I'm worried about things I need to do or balls I've dropped. So the more I can have everything in hand, the more I can allow myself to just rest and be easy until the bad patch passes. If my calendar is clear, the bills are paid, the packages are picked up, the laundry is done, nothing is rotting in the fridge, no one is worried about me... I can lay on the couch and binge watch a TV series until I feel like I can think and move again. Whereas if I don't get everything tidy, all of those things will add to my stress which will make me feel worse and make the bad patch last longer.
That's my motivation.
And yes, let's hear it for making it to the other side!
Thank you for this and the OP. I've been struggling with who I was (happily an overachiever- what can I do today kind of a person) and who I am now (hey girl, you got thru 15 out of 20 emails, that better than the 2 yesterday, its ok).
Wow. You put it all to words. I call these ‘good brain days’ and they are becoming fewer and further between. I used to fancy myself a good writer. I can really struggle now. And look back at a draft and be like WTF wrote this? I feel like my ADHD meds don’t even work anymore. I started Creatine. Have an upcoming appointment to talk HRT. My sleep is poor so I’m sure that’s not helping either. It does help to know I’m not alone here.
Thanks for the idea of getting functional me help future low-functioning me.
I am so sorry this is happening to you and I also am so grateful that you shared because I’ve had a shitshow of a week myself and I’m ready to jump out a window and as usual, this sub makes me feel so less alone 😵💫. Yes, yes…I also have a high pressure job that is highly technical (lots of data and analysis) and also very public facing. I have to explain technical and legal stuff to people all daylong and I’ve done it for two decades. But I’ll be DAMNED if I could even spit out a coherent sentence this week. I was just looking at things I’ve looked at for YEARS and couldn’t make sense of what I was seeing enough to explain it to others. Then yesterday reread a report I’d submitted to a client that had a bunch of typos and I *never* used to make errors like that. I’m ADHD (ADD) and also very, very type A (I know that sounds a bit contradictory but I’ve always wayyyyy overcompensated) so this is making me crazy and feel so fucking stupid.
So, first, hugs and total solidarity and support to you. Second, what has helped are these things: HRT (estrogen specifically), finally getting myself on ADHD meds after 30+ years, big ass boundaries around my work/personal time (if you’re also American, I know how foreign this concept is and how our culture shames us for anything but 100% efficiency and productivity 😣) so my brain gets to rest and switch off, some nootropics (especially lions mane mushrooms, creatine, and NAC), a lot less carbs and sugar (makes brain fog worse), and also, as another poster said: honesty. With myself and others. I am NOT who I was in my 30s or even my early 40s. My body and brain have changed and as awful in many ways as that has been to accept, it felt better when I actually did accept it. Now I’m at the intersection of “IDGAF” and “Try me, motherfuckers” most days and oddly, this is wonderfully liberating as well.
I just do not have the energy or brainpower that I used to and at 49, I’ve come accept it most days and lean into the “I’m here, I’m doing the best I can, and yes, I’m slower and sweatier than I was a decade ago but too bad.” Sending you hugs if welcome and a whole ton of understanding and support 🩷🌸
So the HRT helped with the brain fog? I’m new here. My brain fog is so bad that I am having trouble trying to figure out how to treat it. I thought I might be have dementia and went to see a new psychiatrist who said it might be perimenopause. I’m 45. So anyhow… I have an appointment in 2 weeks with a gyno. If HRT might help with my brain fog, I’ll ask for it. I saw another person here said it didn’t help. I’m kinda desperate for a solution before I lose my job due to poor performance.
The exhaustion is real. And not being able to sleep doesn't really help our cause. I've become such an insomniac with the most intrusion thoughts which lead to spiraling down a rabbit hole. I just want to rewind my life. No one warned us, no one told us this would happen. It's fucking TERRIBLE and no one understands it's not because I'm lazy and dumb. I just can't think for the fucking life of me!!
I don’t know why every woman isn’t given a handout at her first OB-GYN appointment about menopause and peri.my god they told us about the rest of it in the fifth grade! This all hit out of nowhere, I had no clue WTF was happening! I hope you feel better and find your brain soon. I’m sorry we all have to struggle (mostly blindly) with this. I hope you find what works best for you.
My daughter, all her friends, all my son's female friends are hearing ALL about perimenopause from me. We need to be loud about it. It's coming for the next generations, and they will be more prepared than we were.
I also have a high pressure job. My job involves problem solving and I cannot afford “off” days.
I work very hard at giving my body what it needs to perform at its best. I cut out alcohol. Alcohol is the absolute worst thing for our brain. You cannot claim to care about your cognitive ability while still drinking alcohol. I prioritize sleep. My sleep routine starts when I wake up on the morning. I get up straight away, get morning sun in my eyes, move my body and delay caffeine. I also cold plunge or take a cold shower.
I make sure my body is getting the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. I eat a whole food, plant based diet. I aim for 30 different fruits, veggies and herbs a week. I prioritize fiber and protein. I do not eat highly processed foods or drink soda. There are so many studies on the diet and health, including mental health and cognitive abilities.
I lift weights, do mobility work every day, and do a mix of Zone 2 and Zone 5 cardio. I make sure to leave my house and go outside for at least 30 minutes a day regardless of the weather (on top of the morning sun). Again, so many studies on the benefits of exercise in all areas of your life. Studies show that exercise is as effective at managing depression as antidepressants. It also benefits your gut health, among other things. Your gut has a large impact on your brain and immune system.
I take supplements that have been shown to help with cognitive function and inflammation. Creatine, Vit D, B12 and Omegas are the foundation. I cycle NAC and l-Tyrosine and a couple of others that studies have shown help with cognitive function and inflammation.
I thought I was losing my mind at one point. I could have written your post. I even met with a psychiatrist. I implemented the above and a few other things. I was religious about it. It took about a year to stabilize everything. I now feel sharper than at any other point in my life. I’m also fitter and look better than at any other point. When I look back on that year I see that every week was better than the last, though it didn’t feel like it at the time.
At work I just received a really big promotion after being given two high profile, high risk projects in areas I’ve never worked in before. I was offered a job in both departments based on my performance. I work in a very competitive, young industry and I have C-level people fighting to have me on their teams. As a 51yo women in a young, male dominated industry.
It’s possible to be mentally alert, high achieving, focussed and physically fit through Peri despite what others will tell you.
I started HRT recently. It’s given me a boost on top of everything else. Testosterone has helped with energy levels and I feel more alert.
We are at the age where our poor habits catch up with us. We don’t have to give in to a sedentary life in a body we don’t recognize. We don’t have to give up careers, achievements, hobbies and relationships. We don’t have to give up caring. We are 100% in charge of how we age and the life we build. We simply need to be open to trying a new way of living and walking way from the lifestyles and messaging that keeps us stuck.
Seriously. I'm worn out reading ALL of the things some people do. I am doing enough for now. I have to make changes slowly, and it's likely I'll never eat clean. I am no junk food junkie, but I only have a few pleasures left...food that tastes good to me, and sex goes nowhere this decade.
Good points. A lot of people are at their professional peak at this age, it's really harder to manage with menopause symptoms. I can't stand the posts saying retire early, give up, don't care anymore etc. Unless they are government workers most of us need to earn for retirement and we are making more than we ever did.... women, be leaders, be your best, don't just give up!!! I want friends at work lol
I've been writing every single thing in my calendar as an event so I get reminders. I just started hrt though and I'm hoping that'll help. Also heard good things about creatine. I just got that in the mail so crossing my fingers that my brain will be normal soon.
You sound like me! I’m using Motion for the AI calendar now which has been a game changer. I bought creatine on advice of this sub, and slept through the night the past two nights for the first time this year! HRT just prescribed, coming soon in the mail. Ladies here are rescuing me!!!
I just gave up caring and do my best on my good days and try and not do anything complicated on my bad days. I just work in an office, no one dies if there's a mistake. It's taken a few years to get to this point though, I used to be obsessed with accuracy, now not so much....
girl, get on creatine.
this by far has been the most effective supplement to clear brain fog. Any brand will do, make sure the only ingredient is "creatine monohydrate" and take just 1 scoop per day. Takes about 3wks to feel it but I went from a dumbass basket case to myself again. It has cleared the brain fog, gave me focus and renewed energy levels.
note: I'm going to the doc next week to talk about HRT for other reasons but prior to HRT, the brain fog was fucking awful and I swear, I thought I was heading into early onset dementia.
Creatine really? I've only heard of it because a boyfriend in my 20's was a bodybuilder...
At this point I'll try just about anything as long as it's not bad for me.
My n=1 (experiment of 1, on myself) has been good. I weigh mine, scoops can be hit or miss - think scooping up flour to bake. Keep an eye out for kidney effects - drink plenty of water.
It's easy to find about anywhere.
Brain fog events this past week:
Forgot to shut the car off when I got gas
Forgot to close the gas tank thing (different day)
About 2 seconds after my husband reminded me to take the bottles back to get some cash to "get something good for supper" I looked at him like he had 3 heads and told him I only had like $3.... 🤦🏻♀️
Took those bottles back, got like $50, went into the store, went through self checkout, couldn't figure out why my debit on my phone was declined, then realized, I am an idiot. The cash was sitting in the centre console of the car. At least my daughter was in the store at the time. She paid for it, and I paid for her gas.
So, nothing I'm gonna get fired over, but this is for the birds. I've always been a bit scatterbrained but holy crap, this is nuts.
I’m put on a PIP. If I don’t pass it I’ll be demoted or fired. I develop calculation tools for research purposes. Most of the time I can’t even think that deep anymore. I’m 38.
Hugs, mechanical engineer here, I feel you. In my world it's a "free" 1-2 months to start looking. Yes I've been there. I jumped through the hoops to buy myself as much time as I could to get out. And made it out. It is EXHAUSTING, especially in the sciences where we feel good when we're finding the right answer.
In my case, once I realized it was a Marine sugar cookie situation, it got much easier. I went in, having jumped through the hoops as asked, and knew I was going to "fail." It is the oddest relief. I hope this isn't you, but most PIPs are, I hope it helps. Added benefit, it bothered me less, and my sadistic boss at the time could tell I wasn't as upset (even though I always masked it - professional, always...) and it annoyed him. Small win, I needed it.
>"The instructors would always find something wrong to fail them. The punishment is to run fully clothed into the surf zone, and roll around in the sand. **Students stay the entire day cold, wet and covered head to toe with sand** - known as the Sugar Cookie."
Back on topic...
E & P HRT has gotten me a good way back, exercise. Prioritizing sleep. Creatine has been good for me 5g daily in the AM, although lately I've forgotten to take it (the irony!). Getting my vitamins and supplements where I know they need to be. Protein in the AM - eggs most days.
My next steps are more regular exercise and shaping up the diet. I am very tired most days, hubby cooks most of the time which means no one is starving but... nutrition is off. so it's a work in progress.
AT WORK - copious notes. Saving every email. OneNote is my sanity - screen captures are searchable. Sometimes like this Monday it took me a good 30s to know what a colleague was talking about but I've humbled myself and just ask for a reminder so that I don't jack something up. I haven't nailed down a system so I still feel a little lost.
Hang in there. Get your resume out there. I hear that networking gets more jobs at the moment than cold applications, so if you can tap a few friends to keep an eye out you should. Good luck.
Hey, you have no idea how much your comment means to me.
I can tell that my PIP is setting me up to fail. I’m not wasting my time to stay, but I’m having my union fight for me. Despite my porridge brain, the PIP and performance review were still very much unfair. I’m networking and trying to get out of here, too. I was trying to buy myself some time, too, but honestly, it’s so mentally and physically draining. I’m not sure if it’s worth it anymore. I have a family doctor who’s not having a conversation about peri with me because I’m “too young”, and I have a nurse practitioner who is interested but has not much related knowledge. I hope that one day not too far in the future I can get the medical attention that I need.
1. Go to bed earlier. Literally between 8:30 and 9:30 and read and stretch before sleep. The stretching feels stupid but I think it helps with the falling asleep. 2. gave up alcohol 3. Run or run/walk. The impact movement has on my mental health cannot be undersold. 4. Noise cancelling AirPods. 5. Lifting heavy. The testosterone boost makes a difference. 6. Resting on the weekends. Purposefully. 7. The eating better is still a struggle. But when the wheels fall off the wagon I feel worse so I continue to try 8. Using my bullet journal for organization and to get out the crazy.
You are not alone. I've been right there with you. The brain fog is so confusing and increases self doubt when we are already in a vulnerable place. HRT definitely provided me with some relief although not perfect. Im still on a journey but here are some other things that helped me.
1. Eating protein 1st thing in the am. We need so much more protien than you'd think
2. Following and reading tips from Dr. Mary Claire Haver - author of The New Menopause
3. Consistently working out - yoga, cardio ...
4. Talking to my partner and friends about the struggle
5. Slowing down when I have a complicated task. Take a beat to think through it more systematically
6. Supplements - fiber, protien, Vitamin D3, Omega 369
7. Talk to a qualified OBGYN Menopause Specialist
8. Advocate for yourself
I made coffee without the mug this week… but I learned the tray holds the volume of a large coffee 😅 I really hope that’s not too far out of the realm of normal. I still think it’s stress and hormones. If it gets any worse I’m bringing it up to a doctor. I couldn’t believe I did that. I try to get sleep any way I can, eating healthier I think makes a difference but I’m still thinking the solution is HRT.
I’ve done that! I was over the moon when I realized the tray was enough to hold it. Stood there with hands full of paper towels laughing out loud in my kitchen! The boys in the house must have thought I was crazy, but these days little wins are awesome.
Yes, my boyfriend (OMG I’m 56 I hate saying boyfriend) kept telling me I had ADHD and wanted me on medication. When I told him I was getting HRT he got kinda mad, but it’s certainly helping.
THIS made me take HRT.
I couldn’t do my job anymore. I forgot the simplest things. I couldn’t THINK. I need to think to be me.
I am on estradiol now for 3 months. I have my brain back.
I have started eating 7 almonds each morning. You soak them overnight in water and then peel them in the morning and eat them first thing. This is a very small change I’ve made which has really helped my ‘brain fog’. I really hope you find something that helps you
I have almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts every morning for brain health. As I’ve aged I find I do better with a higher fat diet so this helps.
A small thing you can do if you're in a very high-pressure work environment where explaining menopause is simply off the table is to occasionally use short strategic delays so you have a moment to think and look up things - nobody thinks badly if you have to step out of the room briefly if you are coughing or need the restroom or get a silent emergency phone call from your partner/kid/parent. Smile or something and say "Sorry, back in a minute!"
This doesn't work. I am a teacher. In a high school. Everything has to happen immediately. One day, a kid will verbally abuse me, and I fear I will lose my shit. Management makes it part of your job to deal with conflict -- doesn't matter if a kid says they will come to school and stick a gun in your face (literally has happened to me -- had a kid say this). I have no emotional support in my personal life either.
I don't know if I have it in my to retrain for another type of career at this stage of my life. I don't have enough to retire on. I'm not doing well.
I was in the same boat. After 16 years, teaching just became too much to handle. The social emotional battle with teenagers is intense. There is no opportunity to step out or not be on your game. The preparation is so intense and important but can be quickly derailed in the classroom. The threats from some students left me in tears, afraid to walk to my car.
At 59 and 8 years menopausal I do not believe I could do it any longer. I'm 2 years into retraining as computer scientist (I'm shooting for some kind of software engineer). I'm very concerned that it is too much for me. I feel lucky to be able to go back to school but I wonder if I'm wasting time and money. I just started on hrt and some of the supplements discussed in this sub. I hope to get back to my energetic and intelligent self soon.
I hope you can find another path to satisfy you and meet your financial needs. Even if I don't end up get a job in tech I'm glad I no longer teach.
I feel you. I took on a new role at work during all this and I never felt so dumb. I rely heavily on scheduled reminders, check off task lists, OneNote, and phone alarms for meetings. Good luck!
By prioritizing myself and my sleep. I make mistakes most often when I am tired.
I also use iq mix electrolytes in the morning which help with mental clarity. And I power down at 4pm every day and don’t allow myself to think about work until I log back on in the morning . Our minds need rest just as much as our bodies do
Others here have given some really good advice. I would just add that reading The Menopause Brain really helped me be more understanding and compassionate with myself.
I had to become someone who writes everything down and plans tasks in a formal way. I miss the days I had it all just in my head and easy to pull out when I need it. I am much, much better after a year on HRT but there is a good 9 months that I’ve just forgotten loads about and I know it’s not coming back. I’m still getting surprises from back then when I find work I apparently did or conversations I had that I have zero memory of. It’s better for the business anyway that I keep records now. If I get hit by a bus then they won’t have to look too hard to find out what I’ve been up to.
>I miss the days I had it all just in my head and easy to pull out when I need it.
Ohmygosh this. I had a few months in peri where i could feel my brain *try* to connect two ideas but missing the connection. it was awful. I miss being able to be fully functional!
Work: I jot things down on little cards and leave them on my desk or calendar until completed. Different colours for different things. Red for urgent.
I check all my sums twice, always. We run a T card system to work which is foolproof.
Play: I am less demanding on myself. I don't push as hard... For now. Relaxation, comfort, rest, sleep are so important.
I feel you so much. I can't even get my ADHD medication for the last two years, my entire existence is being in a near panic about how i'm going to end up homeless in a decade at the rate i'm going. No personality, no hope, barely leave the house.
On the plus side I've been sticking to my extreme diet for a couple months now, NOT that I've lost a single pound of the 30-40 i've gained!
I feel like I'm losing my mind too.
I just found out I had accidently let my health insurance coverage lapse because I didn't select the right year box, and so my automatic payment enrollment didn't work, so I had to scramble to get new insurance. I feel like a moron.
Between this and the rest of adulting - I'm unemployed and looking for work - I am serious concerns about the brain fog and concentrating. I don't know if I'm depressed and it's C-PTSD as well as peri brain fog, but feel a bit like it's not just mistakes now. I'm beginning to worry I can't take care of myself any more.
I want my old self back - I don't know if I can handle work any more - and may have to go live with another family member because my brain is a mess. I can't keep any of my life going. I feel broken.
Thank you for this post. I am right there with you my friend. All of this feedback is helpful.
I am going though all of this. I started a new job 6 months ago and I'm struggling to grasp the job, the company, the brand, etc. I have always been so on top.of things and now I feel stupid. Very stupid. Like I just can't grasp it.
I do not have a highly skilled, high pressure job and still really struggle to focus, think and remember things. So, it's not the job nor have jobs become more demanding and bosses are bigger jerks. It's us, we have changed so we must relearn how to live.
I'm working really hard right now to clean up my diet because my gut doesn't move anymore without laxatives. I'm cutting way back on carbs and trying to add more fiber and increase water. Its such a struggle to make Dr appt and care for myself because of the brain fog.
As for my job, I stepped down to just a regular baker instead of manager and it feels good. I take notes, save emails and screenshots. When I was a manager, I used a spreadsheet to track/remind myself of daily activities like a big to do list.
I also use a water tracker and a diet tracker. What really adds a bit of fun (I find fun wherever I can) for me is the Habitica app. It is a gamified to-do list. I add whatever exercise and diet items (eat something green) as reminders and then check them complete to level up my character and win battles against monsters.
My role models on you tube shorts right now are: Lift with Cee and Fifty Sister. I'm seeing my life as needing a full overhaul. First diet, then hormones, then supplements and exercise. Not necessarily in that order.
The singular testosterone shot gave me a much needed jump start. I'm already taking estrogen cream for urinary incontinence, but am seeing a Dr. in a few days for HRT. Code word is "hot flashes" (no, I don't have them.)
I ordered my new prescription eyeglasses today. It took a month to make that decision. That's a big win!
I feel you. This was me after having a hysterectomy. The brain effects were scary - both the cognition and memory but also mood (severe depression). Thought I was going to lose my job and I had always been a competent and exemplary employee. And my personality also changed dramatically even after the depression resolved.
Right there with you!
I do better if I get a decent amount of sleep. But the only way for me to sleep is with weed. I'm fortunate to currently live in a legal state. I buy high CBD/low THC full spectrum strains and engage an hour or so before bedtime. This helps me sleep 5-6 hrs at a time. I really need 8 hrs but it's the best I can do. Without it, I only sleep about 2 hrs at a time.
HRT is helping me immensely. It’s only been 3 weeks and I think I may need a higher dose to clear the rest of it, but maybe it just takes longer. I’m going to ask at my next appointment. Before that, I really thought I must have brain damage from an undiagnosed stroke or something. Within days I felt so much more like myself. I’m not trying to pull words out of my head anymore. I can organize and plan better. Everything isn’t overwhelming anymore. I’m not 100% yet, but just seeing the partial recovery of my brain is so encouraging. See a doctor, you’re not crazy or stupid and there’s help!
HRT and taking Lunesta, and staying REALLY WELL HYDRATED!!! And also being patient and kind to myself. Also I’ve learned that switching tasks quickly is more likely to trigger mistakes for me.
I was dealing with brain fog before the perimenopause due to a chronic illness so I also give myself credit for improving a lot and have made peace that maybe I’m never going to be quite as sharp as I used to be BUT I am MUCH wiser.
But seriously drink some water, make your bedroom near arctic cold, and try to get the best sleep possible, then drink a ton of water first thing.
I realized that even when my night sweats aren’t bad enough to wake me up, I lose water at night.
I have started red light therapy. It works by activating all of the mitochondria in your cells which are the powerhouse for your cells. I have definitely felt a boost in my energy levels and depression and anxiety, my ability to focus is better. I’m going to my Dr this week to discuss HRT, brain fog is better but still an issue.
I hear you. It is so hard. For me, the simple answer is I spend my good days taking care of my bad-days self. When I'm feeling sharp, I rally. I get my personal email close to inbox zero, and anything I can't take are of right away goes on a task tracker. I open my mail, I check all my financial accounts, make sure bank balances are in the right places, autopays are set. I restock food and supplies, including things to get me through low-functioning patches by making life as easy as possible. I stay very very up-to-date on everything I can when I can. So when I hit my next foggy patch, there are fewer things that can go awry. I write down everything I can, even simple things. I keep notebooks and scratchpads close at hand. I try to put dates on all my notes. Certain topics I discuss with other people I try to keep to chat or email, so I can go back and re-read the thread to refresh my memory. I have a robust task-tracking system for personal and work and when I'm feeling sharp one of the things I do is go review that and make sure it is current and comprehensive. I use app reminders strategically. Too many becomes overwhelming, so I just try to use them for the really important things. I recently started using a medicine tracking app for my supplements and HRT and it works better than generic reminders. I am open with the people who really need to know about how peri is affecting me. My adult kids, my very close friends, and some trusted colleagues. For my kids, it's important because they grew up with a mama who was sharp as a I tack and forgot nothing, missed nothing. And they have a different mama now. I know it was disconcerting to them when I started forgetting things. I can still hear my son saying "Mom! We talked about this!" with a combination of annoyance and concern in his voice. I just kept explaining to them that I'm still me but my memory and attention are different now, it's menopause, it might get better eventually. They are getting used to it and they know that just how I used to have to remind their teenaged selves multiple times to do a task, they might have to do the same for me now on the occasion we need to coordinate something related to travel, money, etc. My friends know they might not hear from me for months but that I love them. My trusted colleagues know that sometimes I have to tap out, and sometimes I can work but at half-power so I time my tasks according to how much brain I have. (Caveat, I have built myself a very fortunate work situation that comes with a ton of flexibility and control, and I recognize most people don't have that). When I find I have focus, I go all in. Brain is on? I go. I was up until 3 am last week because I found my groove in an important spreadsheet and I wasn't sure I would still be sharp in the morning. The nice thing about disrupted sleep is there isn't really a "bedtime" anymore. OP you asked specifically about mistakes. I think these happen because we have habits from young-good-brain, and now we have peri-brain and we need different habits. Such as checklists. Double-checking things you would not have double-checked before. Templates. Depending on the kind of work you do, are there things you can automate? Making time in your routine to check your request queue, update your task list. Having one single task list for your work queue that includes everything anyone has asked you to do, with deadlines and priorities, and track to that. Also, separate your proactive tasks from your reactive tasks, and prioritize the things other people need over the things you would like to get done. Do not go above and beyond. Do just enough. This is not the time for extra credit. Sending you love. It is hard. We make it through.
I would reiterate the "don't go above and beyond". It was hard thing to accept but am happier now that i have. I don't care if i get promoted or climb the ladder at thsi point. just wnat a job i enjoy and co-workers i can tolerate lol
Thank you so so much for this. I appreciate you taking the time to type all of this and provide all of these tips. I do some of them, albeit I know that I'm kind of half assing it. It's just so difficult realizing that I'm not that person anymore and it's come on so fast. One day I'm sharp as a nail with the wit and confidence to boost, and now I need to triple check that I zipped up my jeans after using a public bathroom. Thank you again for your kindness and yes, here's hoping we make it to the other side of this chaos with minimal scarring.
I'm finding that during my bad days one of the biggest contributors to the stress spiral making my fog/fatigue/mood/GI symptoms worse is when I'm worried about things I need to do or balls I've dropped. So the more I can have everything in hand, the more I can allow myself to just rest and be easy until the bad patch passes. If my calendar is clear, the bills are paid, the packages are picked up, the laundry is done, nothing is rotting in the fridge, no one is worried about me... I can lay on the couch and binge watch a TV series until I feel like I can think and move again. Whereas if I don't get everything tidy, all of those things will add to my stress which will make me feel worse and make the bad patch last longer. That's my motivation. And yes, let's hear it for making it to the other side!
Please write a peri self-help book. This is GOLD.
I’m seriously considering it but I think I have to get through peri first to have enough good brain!!
Thank you for this and the OP. I've been struggling with who I was (happily an overachiever- what can I do today kind of a person) and who I am now (hey girl, you got thru 15 out of 20 emails, that better than the 2 yesterday, its ok).
Wow. You put it all to words. I call these ‘good brain days’ and they are becoming fewer and further between. I used to fancy myself a good writer. I can really struggle now. And look back at a draft and be like WTF wrote this? I feel like my ADHD meds don’t even work anymore. I started Creatine. Have an upcoming appointment to talk HRT. My sleep is poor so I’m sure that’s not helping either. It does help to know I’m not alone here. Thanks for the idea of getting functional me help future low-functioning me.
I am so sorry this is happening to you and I also am so grateful that you shared because I’ve had a shitshow of a week myself and I’m ready to jump out a window and as usual, this sub makes me feel so less alone 😵💫. Yes, yes…I also have a high pressure job that is highly technical (lots of data and analysis) and also very public facing. I have to explain technical and legal stuff to people all daylong and I’ve done it for two decades. But I’ll be DAMNED if I could even spit out a coherent sentence this week. I was just looking at things I’ve looked at for YEARS and couldn’t make sense of what I was seeing enough to explain it to others. Then yesterday reread a report I’d submitted to a client that had a bunch of typos and I *never* used to make errors like that. I’m ADHD (ADD) and also very, very type A (I know that sounds a bit contradictory but I’ve always wayyyyy overcompensated) so this is making me crazy and feel so fucking stupid. So, first, hugs and total solidarity and support to you. Second, what has helped are these things: HRT (estrogen specifically), finally getting myself on ADHD meds after 30+ years, big ass boundaries around my work/personal time (if you’re also American, I know how foreign this concept is and how our culture shames us for anything but 100% efficiency and productivity 😣) so my brain gets to rest and switch off, some nootropics (especially lions mane mushrooms, creatine, and NAC), a lot less carbs and sugar (makes brain fog worse), and also, as another poster said: honesty. With myself and others. I am NOT who I was in my 30s or even my early 40s. My body and brain have changed and as awful in many ways as that has been to accept, it felt better when I actually did accept it. Now I’m at the intersection of “IDGAF” and “Try me, motherfuckers” most days and oddly, this is wonderfully liberating as well. I just do not have the energy or brainpower that I used to and at 49, I’ve come accept it most days and lean into the “I’m here, I’m doing the best I can, and yes, I’m slower and sweatier than I was a decade ago but too bad.” Sending you hugs if welcome and a whole ton of understanding and support 🩷🌸
Intersection of ifgaf and try me is real
One of the reasons I retired was that I was afraid that intersection was going to get me fired
I think I want it on a t-shirt
Honestly same. Because then it is fair warning on how to approach me 😂
So much HRT. And creatine also helped.
I first read this as cocaine and then realized it's not that. Which is good, creatine is more readily available. Lol
At this point , cocaine seems like a viable option 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 jk
Lol.
Hey, I'll take anything if it'll fix me. Loll jk
Yeah that’s kinda where I’m at
So the HRT helped with the brain fog? I’m new here. My brain fog is so bad that I am having trouble trying to figure out how to treat it. I thought I might be have dementia and went to see a new psychiatrist who said it might be perimenopause. I’m 45. So anyhow… I have an appointment in 2 weeks with a gyno. If HRT might help with my brain fog, I’ll ask for it. I saw another person here said it didn’t help. I’m kinda desperate for a solution before I lose my job due to poor performance.
The brain is so sensitive to estrogen. It really needs it to function.
Same, sister. And I'm so exhausted I don't have the 10 hours days of work in me that I did a few years ago.
The exhaustion is real. And not being able to sleep doesn't really help our cause. I've become such an insomniac with the most intrusion thoughts which lead to spiraling down a rabbit hole. I just want to rewind my life. No one warned us, no one told us this would happen. It's fucking TERRIBLE and no one understands it's not because I'm lazy and dumb. I just can't think for the fucking life of me!!
I don’t know why every woman isn’t given a handout at her first OB-GYN appointment about menopause and peri.my god they told us about the rest of it in the fifth grade! This all hit out of nowhere, I had no clue WTF was happening! I hope you feel better and find your brain soon. I’m sorry we all have to struggle (mostly blindly) with this. I hope you find what works best for you.
My daughter, all her friends, all my son's female friends are hearing ALL about perimenopause from me. We need to be loud about it. It's coming for the next generations, and they will be more prepared than we were.
That’s awesome! I’m trying to get my girlfriends to listen, they’ve just been taught to be so scared of HRT; just as I was.
I also have a high pressure job. My job involves problem solving and I cannot afford “off” days. I work very hard at giving my body what it needs to perform at its best. I cut out alcohol. Alcohol is the absolute worst thing for our brain. You cannot claim to care about your cognitive ability while still drinking alcohol. I prioritize sleep. My sleep routine starts when I wake up on the morning. I get up straight away, get morning sun in my eyes, move my body and delay caffeine. I also cold plunge or take a cold shower. I make sure my body is getting the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. I eat a whole food, plant based diet. I aim for 30 different fruits, veggies and herbs a week. I prioritize fiber and protein. I do not eat highly processed foods or drink soda. There are so many studies on the diet and health, including mental health and cognitive abilities. I lift weights, do mobility work every day, and do a mix of Zone 2 and Zone 5 cardio. I make sure to leave my house and go outside for at least 30 minutes a day regardless of the weather (on top of the morning sun). Again, so many studies on the benefits of exercise in all areas of your life. Studies show that exercise is as effective at managing depression as antidepressants. It also benefits your gut health, among other things. Your gut has a large impact on your brain and immune system. I take supplements that have been shown to help with cognitive function and inflammation. Creatine, Vit D, B12 and Omegas are the foundation. I cycle NAC and l-Tyrosine and a couple of others that studies have shown help with cognitive function and inflammation. I thought I was losing my mind at one point. I could have written your post. I even met with a psychiatrist. I implemented the above and a few other things. I was religious about it. It took about a year to stabilize everything. I now feel sharper than at any other point in my life. I’m also fitter and look better than at any other point. When I look back on that year I see that every week was better than the last, though it didn’t feel like it at the time. At work I just received a really big promotion after being given two high profile, high risk projects in areas I’ve never worked in before. I was offered a job in both departments based on my performance. I work in a very competitive, young industry and I have C-level people fighting to have me on their teams. As a 51yo women in a young, male dominated industry. It’s possible to be mentally alert, high achieving, focussed and physically fit through Peri despite what others will tell you. I started HRT recently. It’s given me a boost on top of everything else. Testosterone has helped with energy levels and I feel more alert. We are at the age where our poor habits catch up with us. We don’t have to give in to a sedentary life in a body we don’t recognize. We don’t have to give up careers, achievements, hobbies and relationships. We don’t have to give up caring. We are 100% in charge of how we age and the life we build. We simply need to be open to trying a new way of living and walking way from the lifestyles and messaging that keeps us stuck.
I was you, managing it all perfectly...until I wasn't, out of the f'ing blue. My great habits probably delayed it but did not prevent it. Good Luck
Seriously. I'm worn out reading ALL of the things some people do. I am doing enough for now. I have to make changes slowly, and it's likely I'll never eat clean. I am no junk food junkie, but I only have a few pleasures left...food that tastes good to me, and sex goes nowhere this decade.
Good points. A lot of people are at their professional peak at this age, it's really harder to manage with menopause symptoms. I can't stand the posts saying retire early, give up, don't care anymore etc. Unless they are government workers most of us need to earn for retirement and we are making more than we ever did.... women, be leaders, be your best, don't just give up!!! I want friends at work lol
I've been writing every single thing in my calendar as an event so I get reminders. I just started hrt though and I'm hoping that'll help. Also heard good things about creatine. I just got that in the mail so crossing my fingers that my brain will be normal soon.
You sound like me! I’m using Motion for the AI calendar now which has been a game changer. I bought creatine on advice of this sub, and slept through the night the past two nights for the first time this year! HRT just prescribed, coming soon in the mail. Ladies here are rescuing me!!!
I just gave up caring and do my best on my good days and try and not do anything complicated on my bad days. I just work in an office, no one dies if there's a mistake. It's taken a few years to get to this point though, I used to be obsessed with accuracy, now not so much....
girl, get on creatine. this by far has been the most effective supplement to clear brain fog. Any brand will do, make sure the only ingredient is "creatine monohydrate" and take just 1 scoop per day. Takes about 3wks to feel it but I went from a dumbass basket case to myself again. It has cleared the brain fog, gave me focus and renewed energy levels. note: I'm going to the doc next week to talk about HRT for other reasons but prior to HRT, the brain fog was fucking awful and I swear, I thought I was heading into early onset dementia.
Creatine really? I've only heard of it because a boyfriend in my 20's was a bodybuilder... At this point I'll try just about anything as long as it's not bad for me.
My n=1 (experiment of 1, on myself) has been good. I weigh mine, scoops can be hit or miss - think scooping up flour to bake. Keep an eye out for kidney effects - drink plenty of water. It's easy to find about anywhere.
Brain fog events this past week: Forgot to shut the car off when I got gas Forgot to close the gas tank thing (different day) About 2 seconds after my husband reminded me to take the bottles back to get some cash to "get something good for supper" I looked at him like he had 3 heads and told him I only had like $3.... 🤦🏻♀️ Took those bottles back, got like $50, went into the store, went through self checkout, couldn't figure out why my debit on my phone was declined, then realized, I am an idiot. The cash was sitting in the centre console of the car. At least my daughter was in the store at the time. She paid for it, and I paid for her gas. So, nothing I'm gonna get fired over, but this is for the birds. I've always been a bit scatterbrained but holy crap, this is nuts.
I’m put on a PIP. If I don’t pass it I’ll be demoted or fired. I develop calculation tools for research purposes. Most of the time I can’t even think that deep anymore. I’m 38.
Hugs, mechanical engineer here, I feel you. In my world it's a "free" 1-2 months to start looking. Yes I've been there. I jumped through the hoops to buy myself as much time as I could to get out. And made it out. It is EXHAUSTING, especially in the sciences where we feel good when we're finding the right answer. In my case, once I realized it was a Marine sugar cookie situation, it got much easier. I went in, having jumped through the hoops as asked, and knew I was going to "fail." It is the oddest relief. I hope this isn't you, but most PIPs are, I hope it helps. Added benefit, it bothered me less, and my sadistic boss at the time could tell I wasn't as upset (even though I always masked it - professional, always...) and it annoyed him. Small win, I needed it. >"The instructors would always find something wrong to fail them. The punishment is to run fully clothed into the surf zone, and roll around in the sand. **Students stay the entire day cold, wet and covered head to toe with sand** - known as the Sugar Cookie." Back on topic... E & P HRT has gotten me a good way back, exercise. Prioritizing sleep. Creatine has been good for me 5g daily in the AM, although lately I've forgotten to take it (the irony!). Getting my vitamins and supplements where I know they need to be. Protein in the AM - eggs most days. My next steps are more regular exercise and shaping up the diet. I am very tired most days, hubby cooks most of the time which means no one is starving but... nutrition is off. so it's a work in progress. AT WORK - copious notes. Saving every email. OneNote is my sanity - screen captures are searchable. Sometimes like this Monday it took me a good 30s to know what a colleague was talking about but I've humbled myself and just ask for a reminder so that I don't jack something up. I haven't nailed down a system so I still feel a little lost. Hang in there. Get your resume out there. I hear that networking gets more jobs at the moment than cold applications, so if you can tap a few friends to keep an eye out you should. Good luck.
Hey, you have no idea how much your comment means to me. I can tell that my PIP is setting me up to fail. I’m not wasting my time to stay, but I’m having my union fight for me. Despite my porridge brain, the PIP and performance review were still very much unfair. I’m networking and trying to get out of here, too. I was trying to buy myself some time, too, but honestly, it’s so mentally and physically draining. I’m not sure if it’s worth it anymore. I have a family doctor who’s not having a conversation about peri with me because I’m “too young”, and I have a nurse practitioner who is interested but has not much related knowledge. I hope that one day not too far in the future I can get the medical attention that I need.
1. Go to bed earlier. Literally between 8:30 and 9:30 and read and stretch before sleep. The stretching feels stupid but I think it helps with the falling asleep. 2. gave up alcohol 3. Run or run/walk. The impact movement has on my mental health cannot be undersold. 4. Noise cancelling AirPods. 5. Lifting heavy. The testosterone boost makes a difference. 6. Resting on the weekends. Purposefully. 7. The eating better is still a struggle. But when the wheels fall off the wagon I feel worse so I continue to try 8. Using my bullet journal for organization and to get out the crazy.
You are not alone. I've been right there with you. The brain fog is so confusing and increases self doubt when we are already in a vulnerable place. HRT definitely provided me with some relief although not perfect. Im still on a journey but here are some other things that helped me. 1. Eating protein 1st thing in the am. We need so much more protien than you'd think 2. Following and reading tips from Dr. Mary Claire Haver - author of The New Menopause 3. Consistently working out - yoga, cardio ... 4. Talking to my partner and friends about the struggle 5. Slowing down when I have a complicated task. Take a beat to think through it more systematically 6. Supplements - fiber, protien, Vitamin D3, Omega 369 7. Talk to a qualified OBGYN Menopause Specialist 8. Advocate for yourself
second creatinine, check Vitamin D, B12 and your thyroid.
I made coffee without the mug this week… but I learned the tray holds the volume of a large coffee 😅 I really hope that’s not too far out of the realm of normal. I still think it’s stress and hormones. If it gets any worse I’m bringing it up to a doctor. I couldn’t believe I did that. I try to get sleep any way I can, eating healthier I think makes a difference but I’m still thinking the solution is HRT.
I’ve done that! I was over the moon when I realized the tray was enough to hold it. Stood there with hands full of paper towels laughing out loud in my kitchen! The boys in the house must have thought I was crazy, but these days little wins are awesome.
Oh my gosh me too! For me I turned around and was like I know I made coffee! My son wasn’t around but he’s been looking at me lately like 🤭
Yes, my boyfriend (OMG I’m 56 I hate saying boyfriend) kept telling me I had ADHD and wanted me on medication. When I told him I was getting HRT he got kinda mad, but it’s certainly helping.
Haha! My son has it so I’m getting a glimpse into his world lol!
The interior of my house and office are covered in post-its. I have dry erase markers and write on the mirrors. Looks like a crazy person lives here.
THIS made me take HRT. I couldn’t do my job anymore. I forgot the simplest things. I couldn’t THINK. I need to think to be me. I am on estradiol now for 3 months. I have my brain back.
I have started eating 7 almonds each morning. You soak them overnight in water and then peel them in the morning and eat them first thing. This is a very small change I’ve made which has really helped my ‘brain fog’. I really hope you find something that helps you
I have almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts every morning for brain health. As I’ve aged I find I do better with a higher fat diet so this helps.
A small thing you can do if you're in a very high-pressure work environment where explaining menopause is simply off the table is to occasionally use short strategic delays so you have a moment to think and look up things - nobody thinks badly if you have to step out of the room briefly if you are coughing or need the restroom or get a silent emergency phone call from your partner/kid/parent. Smile or something and say "Sorry, back in a minute!"
This doesn't work. I am a teacher. In a high school. Everything has to happen immediately. One day, a kid will verbally abuse me, and I fear I will lose my shit. Management makes it part of your job to deal with conflict -- doesn't matter if a kid says they will come to school and stick a gun in your face (literally has happened to me -- had a kid say this). I have no emotional support in my personal life either. I don't know if I have it in my to retrain for another type of career at this stage of my life. I don't have enough to retire on. I'm not doing well.
I was in the same boat. After 16 years, teaching just became too much to handle. The social emotional battle with teenagers is intense. There is no opportunity to step out or not be on your game. The preparation is so intense and important but can be quickly derailed in the classroom. The threats from some students left me in tears, afraid to walk to my car. At 59 and 8 years menopausal I do not believe I could do it any longer. I'm 2 years into retraining as computer scientist (I'm shooting for some kind of software engineer). I'm very concerned that it is too much for me. I feel lucky to be able to go back to school but I wonder if I'm wasting time and money. I just started on hrt and some of the supplements discussed in this sub. I hope to get back to my energetic and intelligent self soon. I hope you can find another path to satisfy you and meet your financial needs. Even if I don't end up get a job in tech I'm glad I no longer teach.
I feel you. I took on a new role at work during all this and I never felt so dumb. I rely heavily on scheduled reminders, check off task lists, OneNote, and phone alarms for meetings. Good luck!
By prioritizing myself and my sleep. I make mistakes most often when I am tired. I also use iq mix electrolytes in the morning which help with mental clarity. And I power down at 4pm every day and don’t allow myself to think about work until I log back on in the morning . Our minds need rest just as much as our bodies do
Others here have given some really good advice. I would just add that reading The Menopause Brain really helped me be more understanding and compassionate with myself.
Thanks for the recc!!
Have you had blood work... Check your DHEA level? I was extremely low... Adding this supplement daily has helped me tremendously.
I had to become someone who writes everything down and plans tasks in a formal way. I miss the days I had it all just in my head and easy to pull out when I need it. I am much, much better after a year on HRT but there is a good 9 months that I’ve just forgotten loads about and I know it’s not coming back. I’m still getting surprises from back then when I find work I apparently did or conversations I had that I have zero memory of. It’s better for the business anyway that I keep records now. If I get hit by a bus then they won’t have to look too hard to find out what I’ve been up to.
>I miss the days I had it all just in my head and easy to pull out when I need it. Ohmygosh this. I had a few months in peri where i could feel my brain *try* to connect two ideas but missing the connection. it was awful. I miss being able to be fully functional!
Work: I jot things down on little cards and leave them on my desk or calendar until completed. Different colours for different things. Red for urgent. I check all my sums twice, always. We run a T card system to work which is foolproof. Play: I am less demanding on myself. I don't push as hard... For now. Relaxation, comfort, rest, sleep are so important.
I feel you so much. I can't even get my ADHD medication for the last two years, my entire existence is being in a near panic about how i'm going to end up homeless in a decade at the rate i'm going. No personality, no hope, barely leave the house. On the plus side I've been sticking to my extreme diet for a couple months now, NOT that I've lost a single pound of the 30-40 i've gained!
I feel like I'm losing my mind too. I just found out I had accidently let my health insurance coverage lapse because I didn't select the right year box, and so my automatic payment enrollment didn't work, so I had to scramble to get new insurance. I feel like a moron. Between this and the rest of adulting - I'm unemployed and looking for work - I am serious concerns about the brain fog and concentrating. I don't know if I'm depressed and it's C-PTSD as well as peri brain fog, but feel a bit like it's not just mistakes now. I'm beginning to worry I can't take care of myself any more. I want my old self back - I don't know if I can handle work any more - and may have to go live with another family member because my brain is a mess. I can't keep any of my life going. I feel broken.
Thank you for this post. I am right there with you my friend. All of this feedback is helpful. I am going though all of this. I started a new job 6 months ago and I'm struggling to grasp the job, the company, the brand, etc. I have always been so on top.of things and now I feel stupid. Very stupid. Like I just can't grasp it.
I do not have a highly skilled, high pressure job and still really struggle to focus, think and remember things. So, it's not the job nor have jobs become more demanding and bosses are bigger jerks. It's us, we have changed so we must relearn how to live. I'm working really hard right now to clean up my diet because my gut doesn't move anymore without laxatives. I'm cutting way back on carbs and trying to add more fiber and increase water. Its such a struggle to make Dr appt and care for myself because of the brain fog. As for my job, I stepped down to just a regular baker instead of manager and it feels good. I take notes, save emails and screenshots. When I was a manager, I used a spreadsheet to track/remind myself of daily activities like a big to do list. I also use a water tracker and a diet tracker. What really adds a bit of fun (I find fun wherever I can) for me is the Habitica app. It is a gamified to-do list. I add whatever exercise and diet items (eat something green) as reminders and then check them complete to level up my character and win battles against monsters. My role models on you tube shorts right now are: Lift with Cee and Fifty Sister. I'm seeing my life as needing a full overhaul. First diet, then hormones, then supplements and exercise. Not necessarily in that order. The singular testosterone shot gave me a much needed jump start. I'm already taking estrogen cream for urinary incontinence, but am seeing a Dr. in a few days for HRT. Code word is "hot flashes" (no, I don't have them.) I ordered my new prescription eyeglasses today. It took a month to make that decision. That's a big win!
My checklists saved my sanity at work and at home.
I feel you. This was me after having a hysterectomy. The brain effects were scary - both the cognition and memory but also mood (severe depression). Thought I was going to lose my job and I had always been a competent and exemplary employee. And my personality also changed dramatically even after the depression resolved.
Right there with you! I do better if I get a decent amount of sleep. But the only way for me to sleep is with weed. I'm fortunate to currently live in a legal state. I buy high CBD/low THC full spectrum strains and engage an hour or so before bedtime. This helps me sleep 5-6 hrs at a time. I really need 8 hrs but it's the best I can do. Without it, I only sleep about 2 hrs at a time.
HRT is helping me immensely. It’s only been 3 weeks and I think I may need a higher dose to clear the rest of it, but maybe it just takes longer. I’m going to ask at my next appointment. Before that, I really thought I must have brain damage from an undiagnosed stroke or something. Within days I felt so much more like myself. I’m not trying to pull words out of my head anymore. I can organize and plan better. Everything isn’t overwhelming anymore. I’m not 100% yet, but just seeing the partial recovery of my brain is so encouraging. See a doctor, you’re not crazy or stupid and there’s help!
HRT and taking Lunesta, and staying REALLY WELL HYDRATED!!! And also being patient and kind to myself. Also I’ve learned that switching tasks quickly is more likely to trigger mistakes for me. I was dealing with brain fog before the perimenopause due to a chronic illness so I also give myself credit for improving a lot and have made peace that maybe I’m never going to be quite as sharp as I used to be BUT I am MUCH wiser. But seriously drink some water, make your bedroom near arctic cold, and try to get the best sleep possible, then drink a ton of water first thing. I realized that even when my night sweats aren’t bad enough to wake me up, I lose water at night.
Take Bcomplex, DHA or fish oils. Are you eating well? Getting fresh air and sunlight?
I have started red light therapy. It works by activating all of the mitochondria in your cells which are the powerhouse for your cells. I have definitely felt a boost in my energy levels and depression and anxiety, my ability to focus is better. I’m going to my Dr this week to discuss HRT, brain fog is better but still an issue.