feeling foggy? you’re not going crazy…it’s perimenopause.

The other day, I went to pick up an IPAD for my son. I bought it off a guy on Marketplace. And like I always do when I go to meet a random stranger to pick up this that or the other thing, I brought along my big scary dog Frank.

He isn’t really a big threat, but he looks like one and that is the point. He’s all talk, but no one else needs to know that.

It wasn’t until I was an adult and finally diagnosed with ADHD that all the little quirks of my personality started to make sense. But then, ADHD met perimenopause, and the intensity of my brain fog…well it intensified.

Do you often feel like this? Like your mind is shrouded in a perpetual fog, making it difficult to concentrate? If you can relate to my story of forgetfulness, fogginess, or confusion and you are over the age of 35 it could very well be perimenopause. It’s a common struggle, especially during this transformative phase.

So why are we experiencing this or why has it all of a sudden gotten worse?

understanding brain fog in perimenopause

Navigating the turbulent waters of perimenopause brings with it a range of physical and emotional changes, and one that often takes center stage is the phenomenon known as brain fog. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, a delicate balance in neurotransmitters is disrupted, casting a shadow over mood and cognitive function.

Estrogens Impact On Brain Signals

Think of estrogen as a traffic cop for your brain. It helps keep everything running smoothly by balancing the signals between nerve cells. But during perimenopause, when estrogen levels drop, it’s like the traffic cop taking a break. The signals get mixed up, especially those related to mood and clear thinking. Imagine a radio station losing its frequency – that’s what happens in your brain. The result? Mood swings and that foggy feeling in your head. It’s like your brain’s communication system is on the fritz, and understanding this helps us figure out why brain fog becomes a common companion during perimenopause.

Sleep Troubles & Cognitive Function

Now, let’s talk about how perimenopause messes with your sleep and, in turn, your thinking skills. Picture this: you’re trying to have a good night’s sleep, but suddenly you’re waking up drenched in sweat from night sweats. These interruptions mess up your sleep routine, and when you don’t sleep well, your brain doesn’t get the chance to recharge. It’s like trying to run on a low battery – things just don’t work as smoothly. This lack of quality sleep doesn’t just leave you tired; it messes with your ability to think clearly during the day. So, it’s not just about being a bit fuzzy-headed; it’s about your brain not getting the rest it needs, and that’s a big part of why you might be feeling that foggy sensation during perimenopause.

Anxiety & Depression

All of these ups and downs and never-ending changes in our bodies can make you feel more stressed and tired. It’s like being on a roller coaster with your hormones, and not the fun kind. These hormone fluctuations can mess with your mood regulators, like serotonin and norepinephrine, making you more prone to feeling anxious or down.

Stress, Hormones & Feeling Confused

If you are like me and have always been ‘a bit spacey’, Brain fog is annoying, but to be honest it has been my companion for so long, that I have become used to the impairment. But for those of you dealing with it for the first time who were otherwise, clear-headed, I can imagine it can be pretty shocking and debilitating. It’s like dealing with an unexpected guest who overstays their welcome.

When your hormones are doing their roller coaster dance, it can trigger not only mood swings but also boost stress levels. Enter cortisol, your stress hormone. Think of it as a signal that your body is on high alert. Now, this extra cortisol in your system can lead to mental fatigue, further adding to the feeling of being in a fog.

It’s not just about emotions; it affects your entire system. Those hot flashes and night sweats you might be experiencing? They’re not just interrupting your sleep; they’re also messing with your blood flow and body temperature control. So, it’s a combo deal – hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, and increased stress, all teaming up to contribute to that feeling of confusion and mental fog during perimenopause.

the multifaceted nature of brain fog

All of this means, that there is no one size fits all fix to eliminate brain fog. Which is not the solution you were looking for I know. It’s like dealing with a symphony of interconnected elements, each playing its part in creating the overall experience of brain fog. Acknowledging this complexity is crucial in developing holistic strategies to address and alleviate the multifaceted nature of brain fog during perimenopause.

But there is one stupidly simple tip that can make a huge difference in your state of cognitive overwhelm.

avoiding multitasking

I can already hear you: “Impossible, can’t be done, I have waaaay too much to get done!” But trust me when I tell you, in this time of cognitive change, confusion and mental haze, you will get much more done if you do not overwhelm yourself.

Your brain is already navigating a complex terrain, and throwing multiple tasks into the mix is like adding extra layers to an already intricate puzzle. Multitasking can lead to feelings of confusion and overwhelm, exacerbating the mental fog. Taking a step back and focusing on one task at a time becomes a simple yet powerful strategy. It’s about giving your brain the space it needs to concentrate fully, allowing you to untangle the knots of brain fog and experience a clearer mental landscape. So, in the midst of perimenopausal challenges, consider the power of single-tasking as a practical tool to cut through the haze and regain a sense of mental clarity.