What really works for perimenopause brain fog?

[Biscuitsneeded]

I'm 50 and still having periods. Having occasional hot flushes, but manageably so, and I'm a teacher so I am so bloody knackered by the time I crawl into bed that generally I don't have too much trouble sleeping, although I do wake up in the early hours. Really, though, the only really bothersome symptom so far is the brain fog. It is awful. I have always prided myself on being clever-ish, on being efficient and able to spin plates. And I feel like a walking disaster area currently. I can't remember anything, constantly have to double and triple check everything, can't find the words I need and feel overwhelmed when I have to multi-task. I also get much more anxious about things and I have NEVER been an anxious person. I think it's because I don't feel on top of anything. I don't recognise myself and I hate it. I have read that HRT, whilst great for lots of menopause symptoms, doesn't actually do much for brain fog. Davina McCall seems to be saying that it's testosterone that will help here. Can anyone recommend it? I hardly ever see a GP so don't want to waste their time asking for this if it doesn't help. Thanks.

I'm nearly 49. I've just been put on patches for hrt. My doc said the brain fog is part of the lack of hormone along with way too many other things!
Have you tried looking at the vitamin/mineral options? I think it's a B vitamin for brain fog.

HRT - not testosterone- has sorted my brain fog

I can't believe how much taking a magnesium supplement has sorted me out. I originally got it because I heard it helped with migraines (it does) but after about a week or so of taking it I realised that the brain fog had lifted, I had more energy, I was sleeping at night, my anxiety had reduced, I felt amazing.

A few weeks ago, I used up the packet whilst on holiday and then forgot to buy some more, I realised last week I was back to sleeping badly, my anxiety levels were back through the roof, I couldn't think straight and I had no energy.

So I would definitely recommend trying a magnesium supplement, it's been a game changer for me and I definitely won't forget to buy a new packet in the future.

@brittanyfairies would you mind saying which ones you first had? I've tried a couple and they haven't helped, I'd like to try a brand that's actually helped someone!(even if they don't help me, as we are all different)

@Biscuitsneeded it's god awful isn't it. No suggestions as mine is terrible but I'm hoping to get some suggestions too!!

Wow, some interesting advice already. I'm very willing to try Vit B and magnesium, and will look at HRT if that doesn't work.

I'm 50 and finding this too.
I'm chatting away and then suddenly pause for about five seconds whilst I try and remember what I was going to say. It's awful!!

I have read that HRT, whilst great for lots of menopause symptoms, doesn't actually do much for brain fog

HRT sorted it for me but brain fog wasn't my most pressing symptom. For me it was the utter exhaustion & terrible sleep, and terrible mood swings / anxiety. Even describing how bad it was makes me feel tearful.

I saw an improvement within days. Amazing.

Hi OP. Totally get what you’re describing.

My moods and the brain fog were the biggest symptoms for me. I was honestly thinking I’d gone “stupid” - my ability to make connections, spin ideas and contribute to open agenda meetings seemed to have vanished. I was peddling madly to appear like I was keeping up. but did I have an idea? A relevant contribution? Nope! I’m really happy and relieved to be able to say the hrt patches have put me back and I feel I’m firing from all cylinders again. Such a bloody relief!!! I’m 47.

I get “regular” PMT now and am a bit low for two days before period.

good luck!

HRT has helped me op.

Hrt was amazing for my brain fog

also anything that helps sleep quality eg not drinking too much alcohol etc

HRT.
some of the brain fog is undoubtedly linked to poor sleep.
If you are prescribed the patches the progesterone part of that is synthetic and has some testosterone like qualities I think, so maybe that’s why they are working so well for me!

I just started on HRT this week as I can not cope with the brain fog. My job means I must be accurate and think very quickly on my feet. I felt like the walking dead last week.

I feel better already, which is great. I am now really confused. I used my first patch earlier this week and feel significantly better already but it’s also been rather sunny. I’m now not sure if it’s coincidence. The patches are only 25 . I then wondered if it’s better within a couple of days should I just use half a patch?

You should start with HRT. Lifts brain fog for most. They normally only prescribe testosterone after HRT, if HRT is not enough.

It takes 3-4 weeks for hormone levels to start to change and the recommendation is to be on it for 3 months before deciding if it suits. That’s what they told me anyway. I wouldn’t be cutting patches in half.

@LoveSpringDaffs I don't live in the UK so possibly not available to you but I've just checked the box and it's quite a strong dose 360 mg by a company called Cooper. Honestly, before I started taking it I was really worried I had early onset Alzheimers I was in a constant fog, I was really worried when driving because I'd suddenly be on the road and think where the fuck am I? I'd have no idea how I got there. I hadn't realised how unwell I'd been feeling until I suddenly felt so much better.

I'm 51 and have been taking HRT for the last 3 years.

Don't waste your time with supplements. HRT, HRT, HRT. It's a lifesaver.

@brittanyfairies thank you, I'll have another look, I'll see if I can get that one, if not another one with the same amount.

@brittanyfairies

coopercomplete.com/shop/mood-stress-supplements/

I found the website, but I can't find a product on there with that much magnesium in it? I'd also forgotten there are several different types of magnesium.

sorry to bother you, but can you find the product you use on their website? & what type of magnesium is it?

thsnks
Daffy

@LoveSpringDaffs

www.santediscount.com/mag-2-24h-extra-fort-45-comprimes.html?___store=fr&type=shopping&campaign=produits-css&pays=FR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1N2TBhCOARIsAGVHQc5xa2KWmPrxbNHqiNTH4qSWAwBSbbwmx5zcxzuLnPRv9z0nQKHWCZMaAlHPEALw_wcB

This is the one I take as recommended by the pharmacist. It's French but I'm sure you can find something similar or even have it delivered

I would say try the HRT and see if it helps. Agree with wasting no more time trying supplements.

HRT definitely helps.
Magnesium as mentioned above really helps with my restless legs/insomnia though.
It's as important to me for a good nights sleep as the HRT. Combined with an audible book I'm off to sleep for 8 hrs within 20min rather than the 2 hrs it used to take me followed by waking at 4am.

@LoveSpringDaffs it's magnesium citrate that you want.
They're huge in tablet form but you can chomp them in two. Capsules are a bit easier to swallow.
I take one a night unless feeling premenstrual when I take 1.5-2. My insomnia was always worse in the build up to my period, I'd often not sleep at all (it's a (semi-) recognised thing, pre menstrual insomnia although given many gps still insist on a blood test to prescribe hrt, don't hold your breath re knowledge on that one!
My GP was very good though.

@brittanyfairies thank you for that. Im
pretty sure that's not on their website, but I'll compare it to others here tomorrow. I can't take your one anyway as I can't take Taurine.

unfortunately magnesium citrate was the one I was taking @HumourReplacementTherapy
200mg. Per tablet.

I will make an appointment at the Drs, I'm due some blood tests anyway.

though I'm not sure about taking HRT & it's not the ideal time to try & get it in the U.K.

but something needs to change, I can't cop with this FOG!!

thanks all

I could have written the long paragraph here. I feel like I've become stupid!

Sadly HRT is unlikely to be an option due to a strong family history of breast cancer, so I'm reading the supplement recommendations with interest.

@43percentburnt it can work quickly; look at how our natural rises and falls of hormones can change things within days. However, don't reduce. You need to review after 3 months of a steady dose.