Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 01:21:56 PM

Title: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 01:21:56 PM
Hi Guys,

What the heck is with this brain fog!? I feel like i am going mental.... Does it get better at all?

Struggled with many symptoms but this one is the one that I don't seem to find any solution for???
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Gnatty on October 20, 2022, 02:08:35 PM
Are you taking testosterone?
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 20, 2022, 03:38:26 PM
I have it too. Driving me mad and getting worse!
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 20, 2022, 03:42:59 PM
Does testosterone actually help brain fog, Gnatty?
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Gnatty on October 20, 2022, 03:54:14 PM
I think it does, definitely my recall is much better, I feel more alert and energised.l
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 20, 2022, 03:58:25 PM
That’s promising then.
Which testosterone do you use? How long before you saw an improvement?
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Gnatty on October 20, 2022, 04:19:40 PM
I have been using testim for some time now, probably 18 months. I upped the dose a few months back because my levels were still low ( I have no ovaries so need more than usual) and when I upped the dose I could feel the difference I would say within 3 to 4 weeks. So one tube now lasts me a week. I experimented in the summer with dropping back down a bit but definitely then didn't feel so good so am now back to tube a week. It does seem to be the missing link for a lot of women.
 
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 04:40:08 PM
Ummm I had a full hysterectomy so not sure I am allowed that???

I swear I'm getting worse each day.. is it worth talking to my Dr??
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Gnatty on October 20, 2022, 04:41:04 PM
Why wouldnt you be allowed it? I would have thought you would need it more as it sounds like you are in the same position as me.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 06:13:49 PM
I know there is one thing they say you don't need if don't have Ovaries... I get so confused over it all... I'm nearly 3 year post op and I still have no clue what's going on lol
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 20, 2022, 06:15:07 PM
We have a thread: Doing Silly Things or it might be Stupid ....... do join in.  It's all part of peri .......
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Gnatty on October 20, 2022, 07:08:18 PM
Hi Lisa I think you mean progesterone which isnt needed if you have had a hysterectomy. I take just oestrogen and testosterone.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 07:21:03 PM
Oooo ok, so how do I get this?? Through the Dr??

I feel like I need to retrain my brain to think
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 20, 2022, 07:30:46 PM
My brain is lazy, partly due to the medication I take as well as not having to interact very often  :-\

GPs can prescribe HRT however: you may find that you need to ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic as GPs aren't always in the know about how HRT works.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Joaniepat on October 20, 2022, 08:53:15 PM
Oooo ok, so how do I get this?? Through the Dr??

I feel like I need to retrain my brain to think
You could ask your GP for testosterone, but as it is only licensed for women for low libido, rather than its other benefits, the GP may not be confident to prescribe. It depends how good your GP is. Other than that, you may need referral to a menopause clinic (or go private). But stress the low libido bit (whether true or otherwise  ;)).
JP x
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 20, 2022, 11:09:07 PM
Ewww the thought of sex makes me feel sick lol... I'm on a hormonal cream to help with that and dryness already.

Is the memory thing something that later comes back?  I swear people around me think I'm just losing the plot 🤣
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 09:36:41 AM
We do lose the plot at times, my brain shuts down completely at times.  Like meringue inside  >:(
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: sashaWalker87x on October 21, 2022, 10:36:43 AM
Hi Guys,

What the heck is with this brain fog!? I feel like i am going mental.... Does it get better at all?

Struggled with many symptoms but this one is the one that I don't seem to find any solution for???

My brain fog has been so bad it's so nice to know its not all in my head ! I read a really insightful article that explained why we experience memory loss during the menopause and it put it down to a drop in oestrogen that then affects the memory section in your brain - im sure it was explained more scientific then this but that was the jist !  if you search 'menopause acetylcholine decline' google explains it way better.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: G on October 21, 2022, 10:40:02 AM
Hi so happy to have found this site. The term brain fog isn't big enough! I'm forgetting literally everything just now and can't get my head straight to sort and plan things. I was referred to the memory clinic and an MRI done to rule out early onset dementia - turns out it is 'just' the menopause. This is so debilitating. Reading back on other posts I luckily got a locum Dr and have just been prescribed one pill for all 3 hormones inc testosterone - does seem that day to day GP's don't like it though apparently it's expensive. Try living a day in my shoes! Anyone else with random crying, completely exhausted and muscle and joints hurting too, sense of impending doom and palpitations??
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 11:21:25 AM
Hi G - R U in the UK?

I watch MotoGP every week from March through to November.  Can I tell you on Monday who won on Sunday: nope.  I've mentioned elsewhere on the Forum that I can really enjoy reading a book but within 24 hours of shutting the pages, I am unable to tell anyone the plot, author etc.; partly because I am lazy in that I no longer work so no longer have to keep stuff in my head. 


As for following threads on here  :-\.  Even to the point of needing to tick the calendar when I open my bowels ..........
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: G on October 21, 2022, 02:28:13 PM
Hi I am in the UK yes. Oh my that all sounds so familiar. Having to look at the dishes and smell them to even remember what we all ate the night before, asking the same question about all be it small things over again and the worst is knowing I need to remember something but do not know what the 'thing' is. Too many times run a bath and forgotten and it is stone cold or boiled water for an egg and pan broken. I started setting alarms but then I just get an alarm to know I should be doing something - I have now got an app which is better - when I remember to use it. Weekly meal planning feels impossible when it was second nature prior. Gosh we really play down the impact of this hey? It is like I am a completely different person.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 02:29:51 PM
It's The Change  >:(  ::)
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 22, 2022, 03:42:57 AM
Omg I feel like a complete different person and it feels so scary

You could hold something simple in front of me like a bottle or keys and ask me what or is and my mind will go blank
..
. I'm losing memories as well which really cares me...I do wonder, If by time this is over, will it get better
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: CLKD on October 22, 2022, 08:57:04 AM
How were you in school when asked a question?  4 me it is sums: if I didn't get the answer correct I had to stand; onto a chair; onto the desk - in front of pupils.  So I never learned sums.  Because my mind shut off.

These days it's finding words for items.  Yesterday I was trying to explain something to DH, 2 items - names escaped me.  I tried drawing circles (why?) in the air  ::) .  I got there eventually.  But internally my brain simply wasn't functioning.  Like mush.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 22, 2022, 10:14:52 AM
I was ok at school I think
...

I now feel I have a stutter when I talk as I'm really trying to concentrate on what I'm saying.... I could stare at something and just go completely blank.. constantly saying Sorry I have no idea what I'm on about 🙈
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 22, 2022, 10:47:14 AM
I think the brain fog is horrendous. It’s like the brain literally closes down!

I had to say a message in staff briefing this week, just a sentence and had to write it down beforehand!!

I feel that menopause is destroying me bit by bit! 😢
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 22, 2022, 03:29:29 PM
There must be away we can take control over this madness...
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 22, 2022, 04:15:46 PM
There must be away we can take control over this madness...
indeed, it’s quite simply a right royal pain in the neck!
Depletion of Oestrogen and testosterone, is not to be taken lightly.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Molly on October 22, 2022, 04:18:53 PM
 lisa06031510 I feel your pain. I recently had an interview and had a full on pain attack before and during it, i literally stumbled over every word, said the most ridiculous things, got knows what I was saying, just sooooo embarrassing, my mind went blank.  I came home then and husband cldnt understand anything that I had just been through or was feeling. so no sympathy there at all, all he said was just forget it, its over. :'(

I just feel so stupid. have to get people to constantly repeat themselves so my brain will register with what they are saying...oh god, it mortifying.
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Nas on October 22, 2022, 04:25:42 PM
lisa06031510 I feel your pain. I recently had an interview and had a full on pain attack before and during it, i literally stumbled over every word, said the most ridiculous things, got knows what I was saying, just sooooo embarrassing, my mind went blank.  I came home then and husband cldnt understand anything that I had just been through or was feeling. so no sympathy there at all, all he said was just forget it, its over. :'(

I just feel so stupid. have to get people to constantly repeat themselves so my brain will register with what they are saying...oh god, it mortifying.
.

That is literally me! Having to ask people to repeat stuff and the mind going blank. It’s awful. No clue how to get over this one !
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 22, 2022, 07:12:19 PM
Omg that sounds awful... Has your work place been good....

Honestly it's so frustrating.. I think I will contact my Dr and see if they can offer anything as this is one symptom that seems to be getting worse not better...
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: Taz2 on October 24, 2022, 10:59:42 AM
Hi I am in the UK yes. Oh my that all sounds so familiar. Having to look at the dishes and smell them to even remember what we all ate the night before, asking the same question about all be it small things over again and the worst is knowing I need to remember something but do not know what the 'thing' is. Too many times run a bath and forgotten and it is stone cold or boiled water for an egg and pan broken. I started setting alarms but then I just get an alarm to know I should be doing something - I have now got an app which is better - when I remember to use it. Weekly meal planning feels impossible when it was second nature prior. Gosh we really play down the impact of this hey? It is like I am a completely different person.

Hi G. Sorry you are suffering such severe brain fog. I just wondered whether you have had blood tests to check for any deficiencies? I felt very much like you when I had low folate and vitamin D. It's easy to blame everything on menopause and overlook something which may be easily treatable.

Taz x
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on October 31, 2022, 10:41:47 AM
So just an update... I took the kids away from half term and the brain fog was so bad.. just constantly repeating myself, which I know frustrates my kids .. luckily for me they are 19 and 12 so can understand better than if they were younger.
I've contacted the Dr this morning and have an appointment on Wednesday...just hoping they can help as I'm 39 and nearly 3 years into this menopause malarkey and I feel like I'm losing the plot!!!!
Title: Re: Brain fog madness
Post by: lisa06031510 on November 02, 2022, 12:16:19 PM
So I spoke to my Dr today and she said they they can't really help me and already doing more than they should by having me on over 100mg of HRT but will increase my HRT to 150mg and see if that helps... But suggested I go on menopause groups and Google things that may help....

I am currently on 125mg and will give the 150 a go just hate the first few weeks of upping my dose as always get side effects.. but will try anything