Perimenopause and losing words and memory - when you talk for a living

[EveryChairIsWobbly]

Peri for a couple of years now and have been on HRT for 18 months (3 pumps and I have the coil fitted). I have noticed for about a year that I’m losing my words. I know what I want to say but I have a blank. It’s not so bad when I’m writing as I’m not on the spot but I’m afraid that I’m starting to look unprofessional. Half of my working day is in meetings where active discussion is important. I’ve started to hold back and not speak unless necessary because I know I’ll fluff my words. There’s only so many times you can say “sorry, I know I’m being a bit indirect/waffly/unclear”.

I’m also increasingly forgetful. I don’t know if I’ve had a conversation or told a story before. I don’t remember key details that the person in front of me is telling me. Last night I was frustrated that some online shopping had disappeared from my basket when it was there 20 mins earlier (before I was distracted by another task). I eventually checked my emails and realised I’d already checked out and paid 20 mins earlier and I’d forgotten.

Am I doomed? Can I do anything to help this?

@ForFunGooseand @SheridansPortSaluthave you had any downsides to testosterone? I’ve read about hair loss which is one of the things I ended up getting the third pump of oestrogen to combat.

@TheShiningCarpet yes you’re right. That’s the bottom line isn’t it. I’ll ask my GP if there is a menospecialist. It’s never been mentioned but perhaps there is a service they can refer me to.

@CanelliniBeansand @Game0fCrones sorry you’re so impacted too. I work with some vulnerable people and my worry is that I’ll mess up at work. I can’t describe the frustration I feel about it all. Sorry you’re having to change jobs canelinibeans. I’ve not long since been promoted and need these few years to boost my pension after motherhood.

Since you are going to the GP ask about testing for known deficiencies that cause cognitive difficulties such as B12 and very importantly Omega 3 index. There could be a very simple explanation for what you are experiencing.

No. I haven't experienced anything negative on it. It hasn't done much for my libido (which it's often prescribed for) but it has been unexpectedly amazing for returning my mental sharpness.

@staryellow thank you! ❤

This may or may not be relevant, so I apologise if not. When I was 49 I started to get confused at times and often asked the same question several times, but couldn't remember that I had already asked, never mind remembering the answer. I got very anxious thinking it was dementia but a visit to the GP and a blood test showed that my thyroid has started to fail. A couple of weeks of thyroid tablets and I was back to normal. It might be worth raising it with the GP.

thats not strictly true, you can take continuous HRT in peri - that is the regimen I was prescribed by my specialist

NHS specialists are almost non-existent, I would go private for a quick referral - you'll get much better advice and guidance, they can write prescriptions that can then swap over to your GP and you get so much more time to go through all the issues and explore options

Thanks everyone , I’ve really appreciated this advice. I’ve sorted out some private healthcare GP paperwork and am going to try them first next week. I’m going to specifically mention thyroid too and see if I can get some tests done. If I get anywhere I’ll come back and update the thread as shared knowledge is invaluable!