by Janis Smyth of Jan’s Sushi Bar
When I posted on my blog that I was having trouble writing because of the brain fog that so often accompanies the whole menopause experience, Jane asked if I’d write about what it feels like for MidLifeBloggers.com. I said “Of course!” I mean, no time like while you’re experiencing it to describe it, right? The problem is, brain fog often discourages coherent thinking, much less writing. But I’ll give it my best shot.
For me it often accompanies other symptoms of perimenopause, most notably night sweats, insomnia and the ever-popular non-existent sex drive (heavy on the sarcasm with that last one). Not always, though; I’ve slept like the dead the last couple of nights, and woke up feeling like a zombie. I still feel like a zombie and can only wonder if George Romero needs any subject matter. Or maybe Richard Matheson. I Am Menopausal – now there’s a horror story for you.
I don’t have a headache, although it feels as if I’m on the verge of one. My eyeballs feel like they’ve been wrapped in wool and my head as if it’s been stuffed full of cotton. I can’t really concentrate on any one thing for more than a few minutes. Making a decision about even minor stuff feels overwhelming, and the simplest tasks seem daunting. I am completely unmotivated to do anything more demanding than discovering how many times my office chair will spin around until it falls completely off of its base.
You know what it really feels like? It feels like my brain has hired a temp to take messages while it’s gone on vacation. I mean, I cleaned out my purse today. (Ancient, sticky root beer barrel anyone?) If that doesn’t tell you about my state of mind – or lack thereof – then nothing will.
Have the hormones stolen your brain as well? What does it feel like to you? Does anything help?
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