That One Time I Forgot the Pad… and Other Stories of Brain Fog
When people talk about “brain fog,” it’s often with a laugh.
You forget what you walked into the kitchen for. You lose a word mid-sentence. You blank on a name you should know. I’ve had all of those moments—and plenty more—but one incident in particular made me seriously question whether something was really wrong with me.
It was day two of my period. I was at a mall and ducked into the bathroom to change my pad. I went through the usual motions I’ve followed for years—wrapping, cleaning up, putting everything in the sanitary bin. Then I walked out, feeling oddly light and breezy, thinking I was just glad to be out of the crowd. It wasn’t until much later, in the most awkward way, that I realised I’d forgotten the most important part of the whole process: putting a new pad in.
I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say I was incredibly grateful to have a car to drive home in.
In that moment, I genuinely wondered—Is this early-onset Alzheimer’s? Is something seriously wrong with me?
Turns out, no. What I was experiencing was one of the most common (and most frustrating) symptoms of perimenopause: brain fog.
What is Brain Fog, Really?
Brain fog isn’t a medical term, but it's the perfect description for how it feels.
You’re not thinking as clearly. Your memory’s patchy. Words get lost somewhere between your brain and your mouth. Concentration is harder. You second-guess simple decisions. And sometimes, you forget entire steps of routines you’ve done a thousand times.
It can feel unsettling—especially for women who are used to being on top of everything, all the time. And when it starts happening more often, it can be scary. But here’s the truth: you’re not losing your mind. You’re going through hormonal changes.
Why Perimenopause Messes with Your Mind
As you move through perimenopause, your estrogen levels start to fluctuate and decline. Estrogen doesn’t just affect your reproductive system—it plays a big role in brain function too. It influences memory, mood, and how sharp you feel overall.
When estrogen dips, the brain doesn’t get the same support it's used to. That’s why many women in perimenopause start to notice more mental fuzziness—especially around the time of their periods, when hormones take a temporary plunge.
It’s not just about low estrogen—it's the hormonal fluctuations. The hormonal rollercoaster during perimenopause—sharp drops followed by temporary rebounds—can make symptoms like brain fog feel unpredictable and even more frustrating.
Your brain is essentially trying to recalibrate in the midst of all these changes. And that recalibration period can make your thoughts feel cloudy, your memory patchy, and your mental sharpness… not so sharp.
Add to that poor sleep (thanks to night sweats), rising stress levels, and a general juggling act of midlife responsibilities, and you’ve got the perfect storm for brain fog to roll in.
The Good News?
Brain fog during the menopausal transition is usually temporary. Many women find that once they reach postmenopause—when hormone levels settle—mental clarity often improves. In the meantime, there are simple ways to support your brain, reduce the fog, and feel more like yourself again.
How to Support Your Brain (and Yourself)
While you can’t always stop the fog from coming, there are a few things that can help lift it—or at least make it easier to navigate.
1. Sleep is non-negotiable.
It’s tempting to power through and push sleep down the priority list, but your brain needs it more than ever. Create a wind-down routine, keep your room cool and dark, and try limiting screen time before bed.
2. Move your body.
Even a short walk can get your blood flowing and help clear your head. Physical activity supports brain function and can help stabilise mood and energy levels too.
3. Eat to fuel your mind.
Omega-3s, leafy greens, berries, nuts—these brain-friendly foods help nourish your nervous system. And try to avoid the sugar crashes that can make brain fog worse.
4. Don’t multitask everything.
Multitasking may feel efficient, but it’s a fast track to mental overload. Try doing one thing at a time. It might feel slower, but it often saves time (and mistakes) in the long run.
5. Be kind to yourself.
This one is hard—but so important. Brain fog doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s your body asking for support. Give yourself permission to pause, to laugh at the forgetful moments, and to rest when you need to.
You’re Not Alone
Brain fog is frustrating—but you’re not the only one sitting in the car, laughing or crying at what you just forgot. We’re all figuring this out as we go, learning to give ourselves a little more grace and a lot more understanding.
At MenoMora, we believe menopause and perimenopause aren’t just medical events—they’re life transitions. Sometimes messy, sometimes funny, and always worthy of compassion.
Have a brain fog story of your own? We’d love to hear it.
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Disclaimer - This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to imply benefits of any specific product.
