Losing job and can't think straight is it meno?

[menohavoc]

I'm being made redundant along with others as the business scales down a business unit.

I know I just haven't been able to apply myself, can't think straight, distracted etc. Business has been in constant change which hasn't helped.

Right now, I just don't have the brain power, or clear thinking for an interview, and am seriously unable to perform well anyway. I'm on HRT, GEL and progesterone and my testosterone is in normal levels. I don't get hot flushes.

Has anyone else just had to stop working in their profession because the lost their ability to actually work?!

If you are using HRT (and testosterone?) it doesn't sound hormonal unless you need the dose increasing.

What kind of work do you do and how is this now a problem?

Can you apply yourself to other things like reading, or anything that needs brain power?

I'm not on testosterone, but had it tested in April in the hope that might be the answer. It was 1.22 nmol/L (Range: 0.101 - 1.42), so pretty much ok.
I work in communications and have to get an understanding of complex products. Lots of constant change in the company and WFH since Covid. It all probably contributes to how I function.
I have an active and enjoyable personal life though, but lack focus when reading stuff.

Those symptoms could be menopausal but this could also be shock and stress.
Redundancy is a big thing to come to terms with especially if it was unexpected.

It may be worth taking some time out, a holiday or visit some friend with a view to clearing your head and deciding what you want to do next.

See a doctor to check that you have the right levels of HRT but also look after yourself a little and have a break.

Wishing you well.

Thanks @Witch708 , I will get my HRT checked. I've had the awful brain fog and inability to concentrate for 2 years really but worse in the last year though that could be the stress of the company constantly restructuring.

TBH it sounds as if it was more a loss of confidence and the upheaval at work. You say you feel you won't do well in an interview but have you had any to 'test' this? You might do much better than you imagine.

Yes, definately lost confidence but also my head is kind of fuzzy all the time. Just changed glasses too in case my eyes were causing it. When I have to really concentrate, it takes so much out of me and I just can't manage l9ng.

How much gel are you using? Maybe you need more.

I'm on 3 gel applications but didn't experience any change when I was on 2.

No advice but sympathise on brain fog. I too am on hrt (tablets) but my underlying ditsyness just magnified lately. I feel like thinking through a steamed window or my brain is wading through fudge. Sat chatting to someone who I had been told who was but forgotten and thought someone else for entire conversation. Only realised my mistake later... Last night so feels bit raw still.

OMG. I totally relate to this!

Something struck me which is that you say you lost your job and are implying it was performance related, but wasn't everyone made redundant?

Not sure if you are saying that you were made redundant because of your issues at work, or because the business is closing/contracting anyway?

Not meaning to be flippant, but is the work you do not really 'you' and would you prefer something different?

Some people were moved to new areas of the business, but I think performance is behind my redundancy. Not said, but I know I have been underperforming.
I do think I need a job that is less intensive now I can't work at my previous level.