Brain fog: how could I forget my cute cat’s name?

I may have regular brain fog but for some reason I remember the first day I thought I was losing my mind, as if it was yesterday.

I was talking to my husband about one of our cats and I couldn’t remember his name.

I was looking at him, feeling the love in my heart but my mind was totally blank. Yet with the awareness, it was a simple fact I had known until that moment.

OMG, is this brain fog the start of dementia?

Or something even more sinister?

Has that kind of thing ever happened to you?

Over the next few weeks, my memory loss became more regular and I started to get seriously worried.

Until I discovered brain fog is a common symptom of menopause because of the way lower levels of estrogen impact women’s brains.

Phew, what a relief! Maybe I’d get my mind back?

Thankfully I think I have!

You’re probably not losing your mind

It’s obviously worth getting all medical concerns checked out but if you’re experiencing brain fog, memory loss, or poor concentration this could be because of hormonal changes due to perimenopause (when you still have your periods) or menopause.

Ways to cope better with peri-menopause and menopause

The good news is there are many ways you can lessen and manage your menopause symptoms. Strategies people find helping include changing your diet to exclude triggers and increase levels of estrogen, taking HRT, getting more sleep, reducing stress, and doing more slow mindful movement such as yoga, walking, or pilates. It’s a case of exploring what works for you.

Getting the right medical advice

It’s obviously important to speak to your doctor about any medical or health concerns. 

If you’re forty, it’s also worth exploring whether your symptoms are peri-menopause or menoapuse related.

Unfortunately most GPs don’t currently have up-to-date training on menopause and what they’re allowed to prescribe is limited. I’ve personally found that researching this myself through the Newson Health & Podcast and the British Menopause Society has helped me get the support I need. 

Hopefully you’ll have an easier experience than me! 

Remember, YOU matter, your impact matters, and what you do next matters.

With love