Menopause-related brain fog has easily been my most difficult symptom. It’s gotten steadily worse despite being on E, P, and T, plus taking 60mg of Adderall every day. I’m also supplementing with omega-3s, creatine, and both L-threonate and glycinate forms of magnesium. My ADHD diagnosis came during perimenopause, and now, six years into post-menopause, it’s become completely debilitating. My executive function has vanished, which has trashed my career and various other parts of my life. Everything takes forever—from drafting this message to getting ready in the morning, and especially anything work-related. Initially, it only hit my professional life because of the high cognitive demand, but now I can’t even handle basic organization like tidying a closet. Being single, I have to work to survive, but this ‘janky brain’ is making that impossible. I’m making constant errors! My short-term memory started slipping about 18 months ago, and lately, my long-term and working memory have followed suit. The scariest part was forgetting my own address and putting my clothes on wrong four times recently. I waited eight months to see a dementia specialist, but he was dismissive since my blood tests didn’t show Alzheimer’s markers. My MRI last year was also clear. I get that the tests look fine, but what I’m going through is terrifying and life-altering; if it isn’t dementia, it feels very close to it. I’m so frustrated that the medical field doesn’t recognize or support this ‘dementia-adjacent’ state. I don’t see how I can have a future like this. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of progressive memory loss and executive dysfunction? Did anything help?
I’ve gone through this, though HRT did provide some relief. I should mention that the initial dose didn’t do much for me. Switching from the patch to birth control pills made a huge difference; apparently, some women don’t absorb estrogen well through skin patches. I also had my Adderall increased from 20mg to 30mg. How is your sleep? That’s my biggest hurdle, and the difference between a good night’s rest and a bad one is massive. Also, have you checked your iron, thyroid, and vitamin levels lately? I’m also single and need to work, but I actually took a role below my skill level to cope. It’s annoying because at 45 I should be at my peak, but I just don’t feel as sharp as I did a decade ago, so I stopped chasing higher positions.
In my case, I believe it’s a combination of past trauma and menopause. It is really tough.
I’m right there with you. I feel like I’m barely hanging on, and it’s a miracle I’m still employed. Losing my job would be a disaster. I’ve actually shown up to work in mismatched shoes—one white sneaker and one black loafer. People thought it was funny, but I felt totally humiliated. The way the medical community handles this is shameful. After years of struggling, I decided the best approach is to treat myself with total grace and self-acceptance. I can’t keep up with others anymore, so I’ve had to let that expectation go and forgive myself. Learning to rest without feeling guilty about productivity has been the hardest part. Please try to rest and be kind to yourself.
Yes, it’s terrible. I’m so sorry we’re both dealing with this. I have so many more responsibilities now due to menopause, yet I can barely manage the basics. I wish I had advice to offer, but hopefully, this discussion brings some helpful insights or paths forward.
I experienced similar issues and did end up losing my job. However, my cognitive function has started to return a bit since then. I play video games and had to lower the difficulty after having Covid; it’s only just now returning to where it used to be. I just don’t think I handle stress well anymore.
Because of my ADHD, I didn’t get through the whole post, but wow—it feels like my Adderall isn’t even working. Some days I’m terrified because I can’t grasp things that should be simple. Other days I’m totally on point and 100% functional, while some days I feel like I’m ready to be put out to pasture. I’m 50 and went through surgical menopause.
I relate to this post so much. It makes me feel like a complete and total mess.