Peri menopausal brain fog/ total malfunction- any advice please?

[StillDumDeDumming]

I am new to the peri menopause world. Just diagnosed. Physically I feel crap and extremely tired. But the lack of concentration is my biggest problem. I have zero motivation too. I have a job I’ve worked hard for and invokes a lot of sustained focus, concentration and decision making and I just can’t do it. To the point it is actually distressing me. My brain honestly engages for literally around 5 minute bursts. And not that often. I have a stressful home life and my boss is understanding but I get a decent wage for very little output and it cannot go on.

I am already diagnosed with depression (no anxiety thankfully) and I take sertraline which I think may actually be making it worse.

I am seeing my GP who is great this week I hope.

What am I asking. I suppose has anyone had this and is there anything I can do to help it? Thanks so much. I am going to put my phone to one side for an hour now and try to finish a report. So much work is half done.

Sorry the sertraline might be making brain fog worse and not the depression- it is keeping that at bay!

HRT improved my brain fog

Thank you fazackerley - I’m finding it difficult to find hrt info on this particular symptom.

I have similar sounding demands at work and had been struggling with serious brain fog for a couple of years before I finally approached the GP about HRT last year. I started on evoril sequi patches (spelling?), then switched to Elleste duet 2mg for various reasons. 9 months in and my brain fog has definitely improved. There are some downsides for me, mostly serious rage for a day or 2 around week 3. However the benefits outweigh the downsides for me with improved concentration, more motivation and improved energy levels. Don’t know anything about taking it with other medication but I know it’s helped with the anxiety I was experiencing too. Good luck as there’s so many options if you do decide to try HRT. I’m 45 now & wish I’d started earlier!!

Thank you Maximoo. I’m hearing that a lot actually! I’m 45 too - my mum said if they offer it just take it!

The same! I am 43 and wish I had started earlier! I was unable to work without hrt cause my symptoms were absolutely horrible!

I have this and I’m three weeks into the patches. Hot flushes are getting better but no effect in the brain fog as yet.

Hmmm... I think it’s worth a try. I didn’t manage to get into the dr but I have a phone call next week. Thank you for your replies

It's awful isn't it. I have to be self-motivated at work and it can so so hard to sustain focus.

I haven't tried HRT yet but it may be on the horizon. But wanted to say one thing I have noticed is it comes and goes - I can have a few weeks or months of one symptom, then it's replaced by another and they kind of rotate. Brain fog is one, but also sore boobs, mood swings, itchy skin, exhaustion - I mean none of these are nice, but you may find it doesn't last or you sometimes get a break from it.

Anyway good luck.

Thank you Queen. It couldn’t have come at a worse time frankly! I’m so worried about my appraisal on Monday- I hoped to have seen my dr.

However I’m kind of reassured that it isn’t just me being pathetic!

Brain fog lasted about a year for me. I used to keep an exercise book at my desk and, throughout the day, write down everything I'd done after I finished it, as I was forgetting from one day to the next! Not helped by stress & tiredness either, so make sure you're getting enough sleep (in between the hot flushes if you're like me!) On HRT now, but only started that post-fog, to reduce flushes.

Posting to a link that a couple of friends have found really useful

I need to make time to watch it ( and take notes, or it’ll go in one ear...) but it’s various nutritional ( I think) approaches to different menopause symptoms.
One of my friends has followed the advice for sleep disturbance, and says it’s hugely improved her quality of life.

Thank you- that’s right up my street! I do know 3 highly trained nutritionists.

Also I use Yoga Nidra and it makes you realise that the nature of sleep is not a solid 7 or so hours but much more cyclical with wakefulness part of that. So you can take some rest from being awake. I’ll post a link later

I’m 43 and just started HRT after around 7 months of brain fog (not great in my job), emotional rollercoaster, night sweats and day flushes, I’m 10 days in, and feel much brighter already. I’m feeling sharper if that makes sense. So for me so far it’s been the right decision after a pretty horrendous time

Thank you User - I am more hopeful

Morning gang

I think I may be joining you. Had my blood tests back yesterday and my FSH was 80. I am 43. I don't have the brain fog. Just terrible hot sweats. I haven't slept in days and for the first time in years have taken a couple of days off work. I'm seeing my doctor again next week but in the meantime might pop to a Holland and Barrett today to see if I can take anything I the meantime. I just feel exhausted. Windows wide open and just walking around in my pants!!!!

Handbag with an FSH score that high you need HRT not H&B!

Your score is higher than mine was when I was 10 years older than you.

This is classed as early menopause.

Don't faff about with herbs and stuff- they work for some women but there is no reputable research (RCOG did a survey of all of this) that works well.

You need HRT for your long term bone and heart health- have a read about early menopause / risks etc.

Hey Jingling. That's so much for the reply. Yes that's what my Dr has advised. They are also going to refer me to a specialist. We have private Drs in my office who aren't afraid to refer. Got an appointment on Wednesday. The hot sweats are the worst. My mum had meno at 27. I don't have children. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Yes been reading up on HRT and I'll be taking it if offered. Some of my friends are on it and it's been life changing for them.

Sorry. Appointment on Thursday.... Perhaps I do have brain fog..... 😂

So my FSH was 40 so not too high but peri menopausal. I don’t know. The dr has increased my sertraline. No hrt. I think I’ll have to support myself in the meantime. I’m very overweight but apart from that my bloods, thyroid, calcium cholesterol, heart everything is really good. I’m vegan so really pleased with my vitamin, iron etc

I think your dr is wrong.

These are the levels

Before puberty - 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL (0 to 4.0 IU/L)

During puberty - 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L)

Women who are still menstruating - 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL (4.5 to 21.5 IU/L)

After menopause - 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL (25.8 to 134.8 IU/L)17 Jul 2017

With an FSH of 40 you are in the post meno bracket.

Mine was 50-something when I had a test at 52.

I did carry on having a few periods but all over by 53 more or less.

My FSH was 90 and LH 61 two years ago yet I was still having periods! Even now I still suffer from Oestrogen surges. Brain fog is horrendous but I know its because of poor sleep quality.

You see my sleep is pretty good. I do daily yoga, yoga nidra and meditation. So apart from waking up soaking, I’m ok. And that doesn’t keep me up long.

Hmmmm my GP is really good and very thorough. I have some odd falling over stuff happening so I’m having an mri for that. Maybe she’s getting that out of the way first.

Interestingly it seems there are no levels for hrt as such so it depends on how I describe symptoms I suppose. I’ve not had a period this year.

I write so much stuff down now, it does seem to help it stay in my brain and is there for reference.

This thread is so helpful. I went back to my Dr's today after more bloods and definitely am post menopausal at 43. There is a menopause expert at my surgery who is he going to speak to and I'll be getting the prescription next week. Hopefully hot sweats will be a thing of the past....