Floundering in new job and suffering brain fog.

[RubyTuesdayBlues1]

I started a new job over a month ago, it was just what I was looking for and within my capabilities. I think I'm going through peri-menapause (I'm awaiting blood test) but I just can't seem to concentrate properly on anything, I have terrible brain-fog. The feedback so far is good in some ways but my immediate line manager has found me slow to complete projects and there's a few things I've forgotten. I've always been very organised and I'm just mortified, what's worse is I don't feel I have the capability to improve right now which is making me really anxious and affecting my sleep. I don't want to lose this job, I can't afford to lose this job, but it just feels like I'm in a downward spiral. This morning I feel almost to anxious to go in. What the hell do I do? I feel like a completely different person to the happy and confident woman who went for an interview a few months ago and I know they must be thinking the same.

Hi Ruby, bumping this for you as I'm sure some wiser people than me will be along in a minute. Would it be worth reposting on the menopause board for advice?

Blood tests are often useless for confirming peri-menopause because your hormones are fluctuating all over the place. HRT is a lifesaver.

Can you think of practical strategies that will help you with the remembering to do things?

Notebooks, daily to do lists, diaries where you write down deadlines in red pen?

I hope you have gone in today

I unfortunately have no experience with this.

I do seem to remember reading something about adhd and menopause but that was ages ago so it's all very fuzzy.
But I'm sure that there are mumsnetters that know more.

Don't be too nervous, starting a new job is often super stressful and you can't be perfect. It's ime normal to be a bit slow in the beginning. Or forget certain things...

Are you physically healthy and manage to exercise regulary?

Have you had your Vit B12 checked? I had brain fog when mine was low and had to have the injections

Its very early days in terms of a new job. I always think it takes a minimum of 6 months to settle in and learn the ropes in any new environment. Your colleagues will expect you to forget or struggle with things at the moment - it's entirely normal! Stress and lack of sleep will make brain fog worse though so you do need to stop worrying so much. Perhaps have a little chat with your line manager, not saying you are struggling or worried though, just a "how is it going so far?" chat.

I was just going to say b12 or iron too. I've sorted my brain fog out in a week of high dosing on tablets/sprays.

I could’ve written that post, so you are not alone! I’ve got blood tests coming up to too as I’m under 45. But I have other health complications too, so might not be such a quick straightforward diagnosis, even though everything adds up. I have been advised that the mirena coil & oestrogen patches could be the route to go whilst they work out if it is peri-menopause & whether I can start HRT.

If it is, I’m told I’ll notice a huge & distinct difference in a 3 month period. If it not, then I won’t notice any difference and there‘ll be no harm done, can just stop the patches.
As for work, is there a understanding manager you can have a quiet word with to just say your going through this at mo’/working on sorting it all out etc, but you do really want the job, will do your best to get through this etc if they can just bare with you.