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Menopause

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Original poster

Can ‘brain fog’ feel as extreme as this?

14 replies

Hibbutyhop · 08/12/2025 10:46

I’m beginning to wonder whether I may be in peri menopause. I’ve just turned 40 but there is a history of early menopause in the family. My brain is always busy and overwhelmed due to work/ family commitments but recently, I’ve started to be concerned at how extreme my brain fog is. I can be looking at someone and just cannot remember their name, when I read, I get the words jumbled, totally the wrong thing comes out of my mouth in conversation. I’ve also got a huge mental block about dates and cannot recall whether I’ve missed a birthday or what time of the year we’re in (sounds weird, but after thinking hard about it, it comes back to me). Sometimes I feel so worried that these are actually dementia symptoms! Could it just be peri? I’m so tired and just can’t think straight!

OP posts:

FirstCuppa · 08/12/2025 10:50

It can be but it is also a common sign of B12 deficiency and anemia. I'd get some bloods at the GP and check levels yourself - often they'll say all is fine when really you are on the very low end of their grading system and a lot of women feel terrible for years before being treated. Don't be fobbed off with anti-depressants!

Janiie · 08/12/2025 12:31

Not knowing what time of the year it is or names of people you know must be alarming and upsetting. It could be anything but I would definitely ask to see your GP asap for a full assessment.

BigFenianEnergy · 08/12/2025 12:43

Check your iron levels - ask for a serum ferritin blood test. I had intense brain fog and went to the doctors who advised a menopause/hormonal blood test and pharmacist who advised I take iron. However, my iron count is actually really high which also causes it so take the test before you buy the iron supplement.

also, look after yourself more. Life is quite stressful getting through the every day. Take vitamins and other supplements, eat well, drink water. We need it far more than we think.

cabjlhbojhs · 08/12/2025 15:06

I was very much like this around 45. I really thought I had dementia as I couldn't remember what time of year it was (and even when I knew it felt wrong). I couldn't remember once if my grandmother was still alive. 🥲 It was terrifying and I almost gave up work. My doctor was awful and just signed me up for a group therapy session which I didn't go to. Actually getting into menopause and taking iron and B12 helped a lot.

redfishcat · 08/12/2025 17:04

And vitamin D levels too, as low levels can cause brain fog

Original poster

Hibbutyhop · 08/12/2025 20:40

Thank you for the responses. I do actually have low ferritin levels (15 I think) and have tablets for that. I’ve been very lax about taking them though (due to letting other things get in the way and tummy discomfort when I do take them)- you’ve given me a bit of a prompt to take it reliably now. I didn’t connect that it could be causing some of these symptoms.

OP posts:

Janiie · 09/12/2025 15:59

Hibbutyhop · 08/12/2025 20:40

Please see your gp for a full neurological assessment though, many people are iron deficient and symptoms are usually minor. To not know what time of year it is and forget the name of people in front of you must be awful. I don't want to alarm you but please don't presume it's a deficiency or peri related. Good luck.

Original poster

Hibbutyhop · 11/12/2025 05:36

@Janiie thank you. You’re right- best to get it checked out properly. I will contact the GP.

OP posts:

TonyTheImpala · 11/12/2025 05:52

Hibbutyhop · 11/12/2025 05:36

@Janiie thank you. You’re right- best to get it checked out properly. I will contact the GP.

I have those symptoms, though I have done for probably a few years now. I definitely think it’s perimenopause with me. At times I have been scared it’s dementia, but it would’ve got a lot worse by now if it was!

The time of year thing, I can 100% get too. I think as I get older it also feels like time is going past more quickly and it’s harder to keep up with it, if that makes sense?

DoingAway · 11/12/2025 06:24

Go to gp to discuss

Betty91 · 11/12/2025 07:32

I can also have the time of year issue - I blame the weather. It's like deep in my ancestral DNA I know this weather means it should be March - but actually it's a warm day in December so I have to pause to work it out.

And exactly as @TonyTheImpalasaid - months are also flying by.

But I do also have the issue of forgetting words. But definitely get checked out - I worry sometimes that lots of symptoms are dismissed as peri menopause when actually we should be double checking.

soupyspoon · 11/12/2025 07:36

Ive got this and no deficiencies at all, I take lots of supplements and my levels are ok, I have them checked regularly privately. Next lot will be in Feb

summitfever · 11/12/2025 07:42

I had this, I’m 42. I got body identical hrt gel from the gp and I felt almost instant relief of the tension and fog in my brain. Been on it a couple of months now and it’s not fully cured but better. My hormone levels were fine from the bloods but I was on the pill for a start and also symptoms can start before hormone levels get too low. Ask to try it can’t hurt

DappledOliveGroves · 19/04/2026 20:35

@Hibbutyhop sorry to resurrect this thread but your symptoms seem very like mine and I’m wondering how you’re getting on? I have the same thing re: struggling to work out which month it is and forgetting names of people/words. I’m 44 and wondering if it’s perimenopause, but also worrying about early onset dementia.

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