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?

I've just started a new job in the midst of it , half of them think I've got amnesia and the other half think I'm a nutter . And all of them are right ! Haha
I feel exactly like everyone else here .

I had a look at Louise Newson's site at the weekend and that looked like a really useful resource so will keep going back to that.

I have the GP follow up on Friday so hoping to get started on the HRT soon. But I also spent the weekend reading up on diet, exercise, meditation, sleep and stress as I want to approach this from all angles.

Work I have decided to give up caring and forget about my plans to try for a promotion as that's too much pressure and knowing what the company is like, they'd want my soul for an extra 5k.

Sleep is going to be my main focus for the next few weeks. I've slept better for the last 4 or 5 nights (sheer luck, I haven't actually put anything into practice yet) and while still exhausted, my thinking is definitely a bit clearer.

One thing I need to talk to GP about is the progesterone side of HRT. I get that it's needed to counteract the effect on the womb from oestrogen, but I read about progesterone intolerance which can be a factor if you've suffered PMS, PMDD or PND (I've had the hatrick!). I'm worried that this could make the emotional symptoms even worse, but I will see what she thinks on Friday.

Dontforgetyourbrolly I know what you mean. I had applied to a couple of jobs and my manager did very gently and diplomatically say this might not be quite the right time to be taking on such a big challenge.

I feel vitamin b6 is really helping me with this. Only been on it a week. Memory concentration and forgetfulness been a problem for years on end. Plus cooking vegetarian meals more densely nutritious already helping somewhat.

I have just started on hrt because my brain fog and exhaustion were affecting my work. Couldn't remember a colleagues name to refer a customer to him even though I'd worked with him for years. Early days yet, but I'm sleeping better, sweats are less severe & the crippling anxiety has lessened. Wish I'd gone on it sooner instead of trying to cope.
My bloods all came back normal, but luckily my Dr was excellent & took me seriously. Hope you get sorted soon x

I'm 55 and on HRT. I've lost 1 job due to brain fog, concentration problems, memory. Looking for a job before I get 'let go ' by this one. I was an intelligent, competent woman.
and there are men wanting to be women for some peculiar reason

I know this thread is relatively old, but reading it has been very reassuring to me!
I am 45, think I am perimenopausal and have had a few memory/concentration concerns lately that have been sending me into major anxiety worrying about worse case scenario! It is reassuring to hear others are going through this, thank you all for sharing!

I recognise so much of this. I started a new job recently and have made two major cock-ups due to memory crapness and brain fog. I think I'm on my last chance. It's absolutely awful. I used to be a really competent, effective business professional. It's pretty devastating. About to start HRT and will get on the vitamin thing. I bought a load a while back but forget to take them 🙄🙄🙄

I have a male colleague taking large amounts of time off over the last year, with brain fog because of long covid. It seems unfair to me that women just suffer it and the consequences.