How to improve pre-menstrual/period brain fog

[ThatNimblePeer]

Not really an AIBU, posting for traffic. Every menstrual cycle I have brain fog for at least a few days before the period starts and the first 2-3 days of the cycle itself. I have to switch tasks away from something that requires full function (like writing a report) to something more mechanical or that can be done more passively (reading a report, transferring data into a spreadsheet). It’s so frustrating. I’ve tried powering through but unless I’ve got a hard deadline I just know that I’m not going to be giving an important task anything like my best on those days. Has anyone found an actual solution or anything that works for this? Supplements? Diet? Something else? I’m resistant to going on the pill but I’m wondering if it’s my only option if I don’t want to essentially lose 4-5 days a month of full function?

How old are you? HRT has helped mine but I still need to do what you’ve described and leave certain tasks for another day.

Getting enough sleep, reducing caffeine and sugar also helped me

Thanks. Early 40s but I’m not sure if peri has started yet, my periods are still pretty regular. I get enough sleep and don’t have much caffeine, but sugar is an issue… periods tend to be exactly when I crave it though? Tbh I think I’d struggle to get through them without it…

I hear you and this sounds v familiar…
Personally I work very hard to plan my work around it, and negotiate other deadlines etc. I also ensure I take notes! I find I need a midday walk to clear my head. It’s a real struggle both at home and at work. Thankfully DH is understanding and I’ve got a fair degree of flexibility at work.

Thank you for posing this question. I too look forward to others’ thoughts!

I drink green tea instead of tea and coffee and avoid alcohol

Thanks. Yeah I usually find instinctively that I don’t feel like caffeine that time of the month. I’m not much of a caffeine or alcohol drinker at any time though, so I think for me there must be something else that’s causing the fog.