Brain fog and tiredness: I have no idea how to do my job or think or make decisions.

[CatNamedEaster]

I'm knackered (I have phases of 6-7 hours sleep but currently in a phase of 3-4am wake up, today was a record at 2.30am).

I have no idea how to actually work today. I can't think about how to solve any problems, can't think of how to respond to shitty PA messages without being rude so I'm ignoring them, have achieved nothing so far.

Is this brain fog? I'm usually great at technical solutions but can't even work out how to put a spreadsheet together today.

Hopefully starting HRT soon once I get blood test results to also check for thyroid and diabetes.

Also had a shit weekend where I burned dinner and ended up arguing with DH in front of DS using "fucking" and "piss off" before storming out. So not only can I not even do my job I also feel like I'm doing so much damage to my relationship as even if DH is in the wrong it's me that comes out as the bad guy because my reactions are so awful.

Not sure what I'm asking really. Does this sound off the scale and not just menopause or can it really be this bad before getting help?

Oh wow, me too

Not so much sleep deprived but foggy. Lack of concentration

Lack of motivation

Inability to think things through clearly and make decisions

Sometimes i can't remember stuff

I think im in denial. Im 43 and have a young child

What do i do about it?

I have increased my B6 from 100 mg daily dose to 200 mg. It governs memory concentration and focus. I already take B complex but it only has 100 mg of B6 in it. Brain fog from menopause plus aging of course.

A man at work took 2 weeks off post covid just for brain fog. Another a couple of days. For some reason it pissed me off. You have my sympathy. I get it and am mid 40s and feel like I can't even read documents.

Estrogen, progesterone and if brain fog continues along with other symptoms like memory loss, lack of concentration and low libido then adding testosterone may make all the difference.

Also check for ferritin (iron) if you’re below 50, you are low in iron and the symptoms could be down to this. Ideally you want ferritin above 100.

@Lightning020

I would be lost without my Vogel Menopause Support supplements. Loathe to take HRT as stroke history both parents had major ones.

Hrt can help protect from heart issues so so discuss that with your gp

OP do you track your periods? With an app? That can help you see that the low mood/anger/anxiety is linked to your cycle.

Blood tests are good to rule out other issues but basically if you are mid 40s you are prob in peri. It happens to us all.

Looking back before all this Poe chat I think my rates were actually peri I’m now 50 I had no idea . Once all this chat happened my main symptoms were complete brain fog hindering my work and overwhelming tiredness the type I remember from new born. I’m early into the HRT tablets first and now trying patches. Fog and crippling tiredness improving . I genuinely thought I had early onset dementia

Oh dear typos galore poes - menopause

Rates - rage

I think this is fairly common. I was seriously worried I was getting dementia for a while. I was unable to think clearly in any capacity. Since going on HRT and getting improved sleep things have got better. I think poor sleep plays a part plus your emotions are shot to pieces which doesn’t help. It’s hard to think clearly when you are getting the rage over everything!

Red clover supplements for the rages and sage for the sweats. Check out Menopace. Get your B12 levels checked.

Being on HRT sorted my moods out quickly. I was a murderous suicidal wreck and I don’t say that lightly.

I can’t sort the brain fog though. I just can’t do my job. I have had to learn new things and my brain just can’t retain them. I think I am at the max dose of oestrogel (4 pumps). I take B vitamins. Maybe I should take Magnesium too?

Oh, and my thyroid is messed up but it’s almost impossible to get a decent dose of levothyroxine on the NHS it seems! Im trying my GP again as I’ve read that HRT can alter how levothyroxine is used in the body? Im trying to get a higher dose of levothyroxine but don’t fancy my chances much. Dosage seems based on blood tests rather than symptoms.

You’re not alone and it can get better but you might need to put in a bit of work managing the medics and getting done supplements. All the best.

Greeceisthebest
My Ferritin was 19
I have taken iron for three months and it went down to 17
How do you get it higher?

@Nickersnackersnockers
I think I need testosterone, but how do you get it? GPs aren't allowed to prescribe it to women.

GP s are allowed to prescribe it to women!! Although many do refuse. Its prescribed off license. The best way to get it is to say you have no sex drive regardless of whether its true.

I have testosterone prescribed by my GP. I did pester her and probably wore her down but I got it!!

@ Nickersnackersnockers I will ask again as my sex drive has totally gone.

@everythingisgoingup I had an iron infusion after years preserving with iron tablets. Mine hovers around the 20s and I have symptoms. So I’d say yours is v low and could be causing multiple symptoms which look like menopause symptoms.

Mine is over 300 now and the difference is incredible. I had really bad Achilles heel pain, restless legs, dizziness, migraines and brain fog. It all disappeared within 10 days of my iron infusion. 800 quid well spent

@CatNamedEaster

I'm knackered (I have phases of 6-7 hours sleep but currently in a phase of 3-4am wake up, today was a record at 2.30am).

I have no idea how to actually work today. I can't think about how to solve any problems, can't think of how to respond to shitty PA messages without being rude so I'm ignoring them, have achieved nothing so far.

Is this brain fog? I'm usually great at technical solutions but can't even work out how to put a spreadsheet together today.

Hopefully starting HRT soon once I get blood test results to also check for thyroid and diabetes.

Also had a shit weekend where I burned dinner and ended up arguing with DH in front of DS using "fucking" and "piss off" before storming out. So not only can I not even do my job I also feel like I'm doing so much damage to my relationship as even if DH is in the wrong it's me that comes out as the bad guy because my reactions are so awful.

Not sure what I'm asking really. Does this sound off the scale and not just menopause or can it really be this bad before getting help?

I guess if it was me id diagnose, stress build up and lack of sleep as contributing factors

There are loads of stories like yours OP on Louise Newson's website. You need HRT. Your severe symptoms match a few stories on there.

These have helped we the brain fog more than I can say. I'm definitely perimenopausal.

Greeceisthebest
Thanks for the info
I am seeing GP on Friday, about something unrelated, and will ask 😊

Where did you get an iron infusion?

@everythingisgoingup I traveled quite a long way to Cambridge Iron clinic as I’d head good things about the consultant

Oh my GP refered me and did all blood work, but had to pay. Infusion not generally available on NHS for iron deficiency.

Thanks Greeceisthebest
Would you be happy l PM me the details?

Thanks Greeceisbest

I have found the website