Brain Fog During Perimenopause: You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Crazy
If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why, struggled to find the right words mid-sentence, or felt like your brain just isn’t firing the way it used to—you’re not imagining things.
Brain fog is one of the most common (and often overlooked) symptoms of perimenopause. And while it can feel unsettling, exhausting, or even a little scary, it’s also very real—and very treatable.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it describes a frustrating collection of cognitive symptoms, such as:
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Memory lapses or forgetfulness
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Trouble focusing or staying organized
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Slower processing or mental fatigue
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Difficulty recalling names or details
Many women describe it as feeling like they’re in a mental “haze” or like their thoughts are swimming through molasses. It’s not your imagination—and it’s not just stress or aging.
Why It Happens in Perimenopause
As your body transitions toward menopause, hormone levels begin to fluctuate significantly—particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones don’t just affect your reproductive system; they also play a vital role in regulating brain function, mood, and memory.
When they drop or become imbalanced, your brain can feel the impact.
Estrogen, for example, is involved in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which support memory, focus, and mood. A drop in estrogen can disrupt these pathways, leading to that frustrating fog.
The Hidden Workplace Impact: You’re Not Just Forgetful, You’re Affected
Recent research underscores how significant brain fog during perimenopause truly is. A recent article published by the National Library of Medicine highlighted how brain fog during perimenopause has impacted women in the workplace—causing some to turn down promotions or step back from leadership roles due to cognitive challenges. Current evidence found that cognitive symptoms like memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and slower processing are common for women in the menopause transition.
What’s more, these changes don’t just affect day‑to‑day life—they can impact career performance, opportunities, and advancement. When your focus, memory, or decision‑making suffers, it’s not always visible, but it is real. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Studies estimate that up to 60% of perimenopausal women experience noticeable brain fog. The good news? You don’t have to just “push through it.” You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
There are supportive, science-backed solutions—and we’re here to help. At Leawood Total Wellness, we’ve seen how for high‑achieving women the cost isn’t just frustration—it can be stepping away from promotions or feeling like you’re not delivering the way you used to.
How Hormone Optimization Therapy Can Help
At Leawood Total Wellness, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to hormone care. That means we look at your full picture—symptoms, labs, lifestyle, and goals—to design a plan that supports your brain and your body.
For many women, hormone therapy can:
✅ Restore balance and mental clarity
✅ Improve focus and memory
✅ Regulate mood swings and irritability
✅ Support better sleep (which also helps your brain!)
Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or have been struggling in silence, you don’t have to do this alone. Our team is here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Ready to Feel Clearer, Brighter, and More Like You?
📞 Call or text us at 913-227-9150 to schedule a hormone consultation.
Metcalf CA, Duffy KA, Page CE, Novick AM. Cognitive Problems in Perimenopause: A Review of Recent Evidence. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023 Oct;25(10):501-511. doi: 10.1007/s11920-023-01447-3. Epub 2023 Sep 27. PMID: 37755656; PMCID: PMC10842974.
