Menopause - not coping at work

[Floursacktabletop]

Just that really , I feel like I have brain fog. I feel so incapable, like there is so much to do and I am drowning.
I've spent time training a person who is second to me, and now have the feeling she is getting ready to stab me in the back ...

Ugh feel terrible

I’m sorry you’re feeling like this. Are you taking any medication?

Are you on HRT? It made all the difference for me.

Does your work have a menopause policy? Increasingly workplaces do, still rare though

I can't take medication unfortunately. I'll investigate the menopause policy.
I'm probably being overdramatic but it's a tough time of life!

If you can't take HRT, maybe check with a pharmacist whether you can take sage tablets. They worked wonders for me.

Happened to me, the moment I was actually physically ill the knives came out. Menopause policy isn't worth Jack, its box ticking.

I had terrible brain fog. Was convinced I had dementia. I was fortunate I could go on HRT. Also used to get terrible rages. It’s just like a sort of backwards puberty!

I am not on HRT, was suffering brain fog and discovered my iron levels were low but within the normal range, started taking liquid iron and no brain fog after 1 week. I say this not because it is necessarily the same for you, but to say don't assume you have to put up with brain fog.

You are not being overly dramatic, brain fog is pretty debilitating, I have been at my company for 2 years and apart from my immediate team, I can't remember anyone else's name, I have made a fool of myself by asking questions that I have actually answered myself, I used to be so on the ball, I do sympathise.

Can I ask why? HRT is much safer these days

@GOODCAT may I ask what one you take, I think I'll try it.

It isn’t advised for everyone. If there’s breast cancer in the family for example.

Yes, feel the same. I feel very undermined in spite of 35 years of experience. It’s shit. Was on patches which I loved, but my skin didn’t. Then was prescribed a mix of patches and tablets. Due to brain fog, I couldn’t remember which days of my cycle I was on in order to take the tablets. Currently running the gauntlet. Feel shit & utterly incompetent. And the office is like a furnace.

I feel your pain OP. For me it’s the poor sleep. I get to sleep fine but wake up around 3.30pm and can’t get back to sleep. It makes working very difficult.

Have an appointment with my GP next week to discuss starting HRT. I can’t wait.

I have slept on average 3 hours a night for the last 8 weeks and the bloody hot flushes are off the scale and happening night and day. I feel awful. I finally got to the gp yesterday and she gave me HRT, (gel and pills) which I can pick up tomorrow. I’ve never got on well with anything hormonal so I’m slightly terrified of HRT but I cant carry on this way. I’ve got a very physical job and I can do about two thirds of it just now as I’m so exhausted and muddled. It is so rubbish.

This was me 5 years ago - I genuinely thought I'd have to give up my job, I could no longer follow the thread of a meeting or conversation and I suddenly felt as though I didn't understand anything and couldn't talk properly. I felt so overwhelmed and scattered, like someone threw a blanket over my brain. I was teary and angry and resentful, and the hot flushes and poor sleep were miserable.

Fortunately I was offered HRT gel, which was miraculous, but it was combining it with an Omega 3 supplement which really cleared the fog. I felt 80% better within a week or two. 5 years on I still use HRT patches, and I switched the Omega 3 to a decent vitamin B complex supplement. I recently interviewed for a (terrifying) C-suite role at a global insurer, and was rigid with fear that my brain would scramble and shut down when I got in there - but I prepared really well, nailed it and was offered the job! Our careers don't have to end with poxy bastard menopause.

My sleep is still broken because I have to pee 4 times a night, I still can't find some words occasionally, and my joints hurt, but - that terrible broken brain feeling has gone. If you really can't use HRT (the NICE guidelines have changed in recent years though, worth another look?) try looking into natural supplements and remedies. Hang in there, it will pass.

I don’t know how I would have got through the last two years without HRT. I have also been taking supplements, which I think did help a bit. Worth looking at, anyway.

It doesn't last though, Flousack. Like everything, it will pass. Eat healthily, drink lots of water, take some exercise. There are natural things you can take which are harmless but may help. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Good luck.

I'm supposed to be out the other side of the menopause but the anxiety and brain fog is still awful.

I take feroglobin. It has been life changing.

I've found menopace max by vitabiotics very beneficial to keeping my symptoms under control

Thank you @GOODCAT , I've just ordered some 🤞