She was preparing a presentation for her boss. Her first step was to find a key document in her OneDrive.

She opens OneDrive repeating the name of the document in her mind whilst hoping she had filed it logically. Suddenly a team member shoots her a question about the 4.00 meeting. They agree the agenda could be clearer. Then, blank. Not only could she not recall what document she was looking for, she forgot why she opened OneDrive at all.

Sound familiar? Hello brain fog.

It’s common to experience memory challenges like losing your words mid-sentence or mid-meeting or both. You love your brain and its key to self-belief – especially at work. Be realistic with yourself. Understand that menopause is a neurological process and above all, manage your stress to protect your brain health.

Do you find yourself forgetting things? Losing words? missing appointments or meetings?

Changing hormones change your brain. Be aware, be prepared. Don't be scared.  

We need to talk about brain fog and cognition because it helps. 

60% of women experience cognitive difficulties during their menopause transition. It’s often referred to as ‘brain fog’ which causes memory loss and ‘word holes’ – especially in important discussions when all eyes are on you.

It’s not you, it’s your hormones.

Cognitive impacts are temporary but……the impact on confidence is real. When we feel foggy or forgetful at work, we fear negative perception of our own credibility. 

One woman in our community shared her experience of brain fog at work. 

“This has been one of the scariest parts of peri for me (the other being fatigue)... I'm very attached to my brain function ....my whole life has been built around a high functioning brain; I'm really concerned if it doesn't return to its prior performance” 

Be aware of how menopause affects cognition

The decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, has a big impact on cognitive function.

Many women report brain fog, memory problems, and cognitive changes during the menopause transition. This is because women's brains need to adjust to the changing levels of hormones, which can be difficult if they are constantly fluctuating!

Additionally, loss of estrogen reduces the glucose or sugar metabolism in the brain by 20-25%. Glucose is the brain's primary fuel! As a result, it cannot operate as efficiently if it has less glucose to power its functioning.  

Perimenopausal women report less satisfaction with memory and more frequent memory lapses.

Key symptoms include: 

• Short term memory problems 
• Issues in processing and sentence formation 
• Problems in numerical analysis
• Difficulties with focus and concentration

Have you experienced the following?

• Trouble recalling names and specific words
• Forgetting what they were about to do 
• Leaving things behind 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Losing their train of thought 
• Forgetting what they were about to say 

Be prepared by knowing what you can do.

The good news is there are many ways we can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Try building self-confidence about midlife memory by:

• Learning more about how it works
• Being realistic with yourself - forgetting is a normal part of the memory system preventing overload. 
• Reducing the pressure on yourself 
• Paying attention to paying attention 
• Managing and reducing stress 
• Exercising regularly 
• Managing and reducing menopause symptoms  
• Trying not to feel anxious about your memory 
• Making positive lifestyle adjustments to support sleep
• Embracing social connections, new experiences
• Drinking plenty of water

Source: Memory Wise: How memory works and what to do when it doesn't. Dr Anne Unkenstein

Its disconcerting and unlikely its dementia.

Sometimes you need to close the office door, turn off notifications and say, “hang on, let me finish this task first”. Try putting your phone on ‘do not disturb mode’.  

Be open about it, it’s a reality and it helps to have a laugh.

Perimenopause begins before you know it's begun

Busy women tell us they aren’t in peri and go on to describe a symptom they are experiencing ALL THE TIME.

This is your opportunity. We’re here to remind you:

• It’s better to know the signs
• Own where you’re at
• And proactively manage your health

Peri is sneaky and stigma runs deep.

If you want to take the next step, grab our Peri Symptom checklist.

Imagine a workplace where the effects of the menopause transition are well understood? Where there is empathy and consideration? Where knowledge is power. Instead of 10%+ of women leaving their job at the top of their game, they stay, survive and thrive.

We call that a menopause friendly workplace. It makes great business sense.