Regularly struggling to remember words

[CarolineKnappShappeyShipwright]

I'm finding I am having issues over remembering words. I have sometimes then spoken and I realise what's come out is not clear and I have to start again. It's been getting worse over the past year. I can be mid sentence and then just can't get the word I need to mind. Then spelling, I'm a good speller ( I guarantee there will now be a spelling error in this post given I've said that) but again I get to a word that I've written hundreds of times and have to check the spelling. Is this age, I'm 47. Or should I be worried and seeing a doctor?

I think this is not uncommon after mid 40’s, I’m beginning to experience similar things myself. It’s infuriating as have always had a very broad vocabulary. Potentially could also be linked to perimenopause, if you are in the frame for that? x

Could be peri-menopause? Also try taking daily B vitamins...Berocca do a soluble tablet of B vitamins.
Check how much water you are drinking ....should be bare minimum 2 litres. Those things helped me.
If no improvement after 2-4 weeks, speak to GP.

This happens to me usually when I’m on the spot or needing to think fast . So it’s like my brain hasn’t caught up quick enough with my words. I’m autistic and I assumed it was a processing issue. I’m also 47 and it has definitely got worse in the last couple of years and also forgetting where I have put things, forgetting birthdays etc. I’ve put this down to perimenopause, I have started hrt so hoping it will improve.

It could be something simple like that but only you know how significant it is and the impact it’s having on your life. If you feel it’s more than menopausal brain fog definitely go to the GP.

Ageing/menopause I’d guess.

Definitely consider speaking to someone re: perimenopause. I was like this. HRT finally starting to balance out (takes a while to work out right combination) and the brain fog is lifting.

Also trying taking Vitamin D tablets. We get so little sun in the UK I was surprised how low mine was. Started to feel better very quickly.

For me this was very much a part of peri-menopause. HRT massively helps. I also make an effort to remain cognitively active by doing things like word-based puzzles (oral as well as written), writing poems (doggerel which I do not show anybody!) and arithmetic (using pen and paper if I can't do it mentally, rather than using the calculator). I do find that, even on HRT, I forget my words when I am tired.

Yes as others have said it is a symptom of peri menopause. I often get stuck on getting a word out or I say the wrong word.

Thanks all, I still have regular periods so presumed I wasn't perimenopausal but sounds like I could be. I'm already taking vitamin D and have been for a while. I'm almost always low in iron so I take that but I shall look at B vitamins to see if they can help.

Will a doctor be willing to do any blood tests to check hormone levels or will they just try HRT?

With my friends and I it’s usually names. We have whole conversations like this -

Oh it’s really good, it’s got your woman in it. You know the one, red curly hair, was in that film…
The one with the stately home? With the guy, you know, whatsisname, with the deep voice…
No, the train film, and he had a check suit on that we laughed at…
Oh of course! With the theme song by that couple from the telly…

I swear we used to mock our grannies for the same sort of thing.

Peri menopause is a great leveller.

@CarolineKnappShappeyShipwright blood tests are often useless because your hormone levels can vary so much within a month, so lots don’t bother with them.

Basically if it’s not peri menopause (which can last for years before your periods get erratic) then HRT won’t make any difference so you just stop.

I found it a godsend and wish I’d known to ask for it years before I got it.

P. S. - The lemon is in play…

It could be menopause, but it could be a sign of dementia. Definitely worth mentioning to your doctor.

If you can't get to the GP to talk about menopause or hrt, you could try ordering online, magnesium capsules and also L-Tyrosine capsules.

I saw L-Tyrosine mentioned on a mn menopause thread described as a Brain Pill. Well, I didn't need to be told twice!
In my experience, I would say I have had a lessening of the 'lost the thread of conversation' or can't remember the word I've been saying daily for decades.
I still have the 'can't remember names(people)' or say, film titles, but less often.

Yes, I had a similar problem, it was frightening. I'm an editor so work with words all day. I'm in perimenopause and started to get brain fog. I started forgetting how words were spelled and had to look them up! Became disorganised and felt incompetent and unable to do my job.

A few months ago I was diagnosed with ADHD. I'm academically inclined so have been able to push through the symptoms my whole life up until now, killing myself to succeed and do well in my career. It all came to a head with burnout and perimenopause. I could barely function and thought I'd have to stop working. I started taking medication for ADHD and also HRT - estradiol gel and micronized progesterone (bio-identical). I am nearly back to being my old self. Not sure if it's the meds or the HRT; I'm just grateful my brain is working again.

I hope you manage to find the problem and get better.

@NaeRolls that sounds like a really tough situation and I'm glad you have managed to get meds that work for you. My job means I need to be able to talk clearly pretty much all day and I am a bit worried about it.

@2catsandhappy I already take magnesium for sleep and digestion, will look up L-tyrosine.

@MoistVonL have recently met with old friends from school and yes we were a bit like that talking about old times etc. I get that a blood test won't necessarily help so will just ask about HRT. I always like to know what to expect as don't want to be fobbed off.

Thanks again everyone I am going to make a doctors appointment to see if they're willing to give me HRT.

@CarolineKnappShappeyShipwright check with your GP practice as to whether there is a women's health specialist. We have a nurse who is great.

I had this very badly when first diagnosed with an autoimmune, I had really bad brain fog.

I get it when feeling run down, having a flare or tired. My spelling which used to be excellent, is atrocious and I forget words.

See your GP for a check up.