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Menopause

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Forgetfulness: Menopause brain, mental overload, ageing, or something worse?

6 replies

shearwater2 · 04/01/2024 15:33

I'm 48 and have always needed to write things down/be organised/set reminders on my phone to remember things. I work FT in a senior job, it's not stupidly demanding or horribly stressful but generally I have quite a busy life, married two teenage DDs, usual stuff. I take regular exercise, look after myself, have always had bouts of insomnia all my life but am sleeping pretty well at the moment. I am fit and feel generally very healthy and have plenty of energy, a bit overweight, trying to lose a stone or so. My diet is pretty good, alcohol consumption usually very moderate. I take Floradix and Vitamin D.

In the last year or so I have noticed that every now and then I just can't remember someone's name, like the name of a really well-known celebrity. It's just gone, whereas I know it's someone I know of pretty well. I'll remember it suddenly the next day. I've done the "Bill, Fred, Bob, name of dog, name of cat" before I get to someone I know well's name every now and then for a long time, and I can't remember a time when I didn't go upstairs and forget what I'd gone up for.

Another thing is, perhaps potentially more worrying, is making myself a cup of coffee in the morning. Sometimes a couple of times a week I go to the machine and I've already made myself a coffee. Thank you, 5 minutes ago me! I suppose I must be half asleep or it's so routine I've done it without thinking. Also if anyone asks me to do something for them, if it's out of the ordinary and I haven't written it down, like as I'm going out of the door with the dog- Can you get X from the shop while you're out? OK sure. Ten minutes later - completely forgotten.

Is this all normal or is there anything to be worried about?

OP posts:
Leftoversgalore · 04/01/2024 15:41

Well that's me. But names and nouns. I was at the GPs last week on my HRT review and couldn't remember the name for 'lubrication' when referring to an internal exam (that gave me thrush!).

I drew it in the air, looked at the ceiling and looked in desparation at the GP.

The other day it took me three days to remember the name of a Hollywood actress. Whose name I've forgotten again. I can list all the movies I've seen her in. And tell you the names of the actors in it with her.

It's one of my worst peri symptoms and it hasnt got any better with HRT!!

Leftoversgalore · 04/01/2024 15:42

Oh and I'm on ALL the HRT! Highest oestrogen, and testosterone to boot.

shearwater2 · 04/01/2024 15:49

I'm still on Femodene which I'm allowed to take until I'm 50 apparently- was put back on it cautiously after being on desogestrel for a few years after I asked about it a year or so ago. I feel so much better on it generally even having periods. I was really getting vaginal atrophy and all those symptoms have gone, thank goodness.

Thanks @Leftoversgalore - that is reassuring!

OP posts:
HundredMilesAnHour · 04/01/2024 21:41

I used to have a fantastic memory, and then peri-menopause hit and turned me into a goldfish. I'm on HRT now but I still forget the most random things. It's so frustrating!! I try to cover it up at work (I have a high pressure, senior role) but I feel like an idiot and spend so much time cringeing at myself.

everythingisgoingup · 09/01/2024 19:13

shearwater2
I am so pleased to read your post I gad come on here to start my own.

I have made a a silly mistake at work today and could cry I appear soooooo incompetent.

Where have I gone, it is so ageing this forgetfulness, I feel old and redundant.

I used to be sharp as a tack, now I am blunt 😢

shearwater2 · 10/01/2024 07:47

everythingisgoingup · 09/01/2024 19:13

shearwater2
I am so pleased to read your post I gad come on here to start my own.

I have made a a silly mistake at work today and could cry I appear soooooo incompetent.

Where have I gone, it is so ageing this forgetfulness, I feel old and redundant.

I used to be sharp as a tack, now I am blunt 😢

😪 TBH personally I have never been razor sharp at work. Slow processing, I think. I've not noticed any difference there but the bar has never been particularly high!

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