brain fog….it’s legit!
I am known in my family for my memory, my dad often jokes and asks me what I was wearing / doing in March of 1985 on a Tuesday, he thinks he’s funny like that! For the most part it’s true, I have a great memory and attention to detail. Lately though, my memory has been failing me. I missed a meeting the other day with representatives from an organization that could support my small business. Thankfully they were kind and understanding enough to reschedule and the meeting was successful. I’ve also been looking forward to my mountain getaway this week. My bestie and I are going to hang out together and enjoy fresh mountain air, no kids, no dogs, just some good ole’ girl time. I was surprised yesterday when the lodge called me and offered me the option to check in early that day. I called them back and told them they were confused, my reservation was Fri – Sun not Thursday. Wrong….my reservation was for Thursday – Saturday. Why the hell I made a weekend reservation on a Thursday, I’ll never know, but needless to say my attention to details lately is falling short!
In periomenopause one of the symptoms that often goes overlooked is the “brain fog”. The fog that overcomes you when you’re standing in the pantry, wondering why they hell you got up to go to the pantry, only to realize minutes later you meant to get something from the fridge. The fog that shows up when you forget your schedule, or how to make the correct reservations for a trip. It’s unnerving!!! Lately I’ve been having the most hilarious conversations with customers and guests in my retail workspace. On a cold day, one woman came in and I asked her how the temperature was outside, and she replied, “I’m not sure, I’m in my 40’s and always hot!”. Another guest came in complaining about not finding pants to fit her anymore because her weight had redistributed to her middle and she didn’t know what to do about it, her reaction was “this freaking menopause”. Someone on social media posted the funniest video about her friend peri- who showed up unannounced, is always hot, and is unwelcome and uninvited. I am enjoying these conversations, memes and humorous videos about this life stage. More women should be sharing their experiences.
There are so many things to keep track of when it comes to perimenopause symptoms, which leads me back to the brain fog, it’s a real and legit thing! According to maisi hill, author of Perimenopause Power, women in this stage of life are “moody bitches”. One of the contributing factors is the effect hormonal changes have on our brains. Yup, true story!
In addition to hot flashes and night sweats, forgetfulness is a very commonly reported symptom. She describes brain fog as preventing “the ability to concentrate and think clearly”. She uses the example of a thought or word being present, right on the tip of our tongue, but you can’t quite get to it. I cannot tell you how many times that has happened to me lately, I was starting to think I had some kind of synapses malfunction. She continues to share that many women who have climbed the career ladder enter this phase of life and can’t keep track of their thoughts or schedules and spend a great deal of time worrying about making a huge mistake. This experience deteriorates their sense of self. I feel both relief that this is a “normal” part of periomenopause since it accurately reflects my own experience, and yet I’m concerned as well and can’t help but wonder how long to I have to go on forgetting things????
Let’s put this into perspective, I am an educated and intelligent woman who has built a successful career over time. I’ve been known for my attention to detail, a sharp recollection of facts and the ability to recall conversations. And now, I can’t find the right word I’m looking for half the time, I’m standing in the pantry when I should be in the fridge and I can’t remember what I wore yesterday let alone what my schedule is. Hmmmm, this definitely screws with your self-esteem! In fact, this kind of brain fog can cause additional stress, which impacts hormones, and further impacts your brain fog! These issues can also significantly affect self esteem and self worth, especially if women lack the foundational knowledge that this is “normal” and also unnerving. These experiences can lead to additional anxiety and even depression.
It's not all doom and gloom though, there are ways for us women to take care of ourselves and each other. Exercise is key to reducing stress and improving mood, yoga is a wonderful practice to address both. Aromatherapy can also improve moods and help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Having a supportive community of people with shared experiences who understand and relate to what other women are going through is also helpful.
I’d invite you to journal this week on one of your brain fog moments, but I’m afraid you’ll sit down with your pen and forget what you wanted to write (just kidding!). Share your funny brain fog story on our Facebook page and get the conversation started! Join me for yoga on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings to help reduce stress and reconnect with your inner peace. Ask about our aromatherapy appointments and products.
