Hiya Everyone ,

Hiya Everyone ,

Recently, I’ve been dealing with brain fog—trouble focusing, low energy, forgetfulness, and just feeling mentally off. It’s starting to affect my schoolwork, job performance, and overall motivation. For anyone who’s been through this, what helped you manage or overcome brain fog? Whether it’s changes in routine, food, supplements, mental health tips, or anything else—I’m open to all suggestions.

Just trying to find ways to feel sharper and more like myself again. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

37 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    First thing, get a health checkup. There are several conditions that can impact brain function including thyroid issues, diabetes, blood pressure (high or low), vitamin deficiency (D, the Bs), lactose intolerance or allergies. Brain fog can be an early symptom of a lot of these.

    For me, I avoid ultra processed foods and very closely monitor my sugar intake. I've noticed that the more sugary things (soda, sweets, treats) I ingest, the worse I feel both mentally and physically.

    Be kind to yourself. We all beat up on ourselves way too much about everything which just leads to negative feelings and stress, all which can contribute to all the things you listed.

  2. Anonymous

    This could be a medical or a mental health issue. You need to see a doctor. The other poster had the correct answer, I just wanted to echo what she said, but as one who has tended to ignore symptoms until they developed into other issues (cardiac issues and a brain tumor), I can say it's never too early to check some things out. It could be anything from depression to a serious medical condition.

  3. Anonymous

    I have heard many who had Covid have serious brain fog. But lack of sleep is definitely a direct cause. I get at least 8-9 hours of sleep each night and I match that with at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Your doctor will ask you about your alcohol consumption, water consumption and how well you sleep. If you are not taking care of you, your body will not perform. Think of all of these things and write them down to share with your doctor. I bet you just have a lot going on. Food, water, sleep and exercise all contribute to a fully functioning body. If you are not putting gas in your car it won't run, right? Think how or what things or lack of you are putting or not putting into yours.

  4. Gem0124

    Are you in perimenopause? I know that I experienced the exact same thing while in peri and didn't realize that was the issue.

  5. Barb Hansen

    I came here to say that exact same thing. Perimenopause - depending on the OP's age - could be the cause. If the OP is younger than perimenopause age (and they have the ability) they should see their family physician as there are other medical conditions (thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions) that can cause brain fog.

    And don't take no as an answer from your doctor. You may hear "you're a woman over XX age, of course you are suffering from XYZ" or "brain fog isn't a real thing" or "you just need to take a vacation." Advocate for yourself if you get push back from your healthcare provider.

  6. CMT

    Love the article

    all is very true!!

  7. G Kelly

    Have a look at Dr Berg on YouTube. He covers just about every topic and before anyone asks, no, I haven't had to buy anything from him. All of my supplements are bought from mainstream health food stores in the UK. I've found his advice very beneficial and pretty well on the ball.

  8. Anonymous

    Dr. Berg is amazing. I agree - check him out asap!

  9. CMT

    For me this was all very true after my hysterectomy

    I am 55 and I recently read that all of the responses below are spot on.
    For me specifically I have ADHD never formally diagnosed but all my physicians over the years would laugh and say oh yes it’s obvious.
    I read an article where it gets worse in menopause & causes all kinds of brain fog, more anxiety etc.
    I just went on a small dose of medication and I couldn’t be more grateful and pleased. I have my brain back! And I am once again articulate when I speak instead of coming across like a babbling fool ?

  10. Tabbi Kinion

    So, perimenopause can start in your mid-30s, and these are all the symptoms that I encountered.

    I did some research and now use a low-level dose of topical progesterone and estrogen - and before anyone comes for that, the research that showed these raise your risk of breast cancer was thoroughly debunked and retracted by the journal that published it. Many doctors don't know that it was retracted.

    Women's health research is underfunded, and many OBGYNs only have a couple of days of training in the perimenopause - menopause journey. Definitely find a reputable source of information from an organization that focuses on this stage of life.

  11. Anonymous

    Sounds like you need to look into dietary and sleep patterns to assure you are doing the best for your body and brain and how you are physically reacting to things in your life. You could try process of elimination as a path to finding out what is triggering this problem. Good luck with getting back in sync....perhaps a naturopath?

  12. Rosa Valenzuela

    I’ve been experiencing the exact same symptoms. After some testing, I discovered that perimenopause had triggered insulin resistance in my case. Thankfully, my levels weren’t too severe, so I’ve been able to manage them naturally with a few changes.

    One supplement that has really helped me is Myo-Inositol in a 4:1 ratio, taking 4g per day. I also made a conscious effort to exercise more regularly and increase my protein intake.

    In addition, I started taking a few other supplements that made a noticeable difference:

    Vitamin B-Complex

    Vitamin D3 with K2

    Magnesium Glycinate

    These changes have really helped stabilize my energy and overall well-being. That said, please don’t start anything without checking with your doctor first, as everyone’s body and medical needs are different.

  13. Lisa McCartney

    As people have said, sounds like perimenopause (can start as early as 35ish) or low thyroid. My suggestion is to see a doctor and have ALL levels tested. Check out Dr. Mary Carver for a list of the menopause tests.

  14. Anonymous

    You MUST get checked out by your doctor before doing anything. Bring them a list of all medications and supplements along with a list of what you eat and drink over a 2 week period. Provide a description of exercise and hours of sleep a week and any other measures of lifestyle.

    Get a comprehensive workup and then discuss the results.

  15. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    PLEASE consult your physician - this is not the place to be asking for medical advice.

  16. Anonymous

    I had similar symptoms and was let go from my job in 2020… so be careful how you proceed and try to get answers. File an intermittent fmla with your company if you’re able. I thought it was perimenopause or something else. I’ve had a million tests done in the past 5 years. Primary care doc finally agreed to order MRI in January this year so had that done and come to find out I have frontal brain lobe atrophy so more tests were done. I’m also getting a neuropsychiatric tests done soon. My diet is clean and I exercise and lift weights when I can. I also see a naturopath doc who has reviewed all my supplements. I found out that I need to take methylated vitamins based on an MTHR test. I also thought I may have breast implant illness (yes it’s real) so got an explant in March. File the intermittent fmla if you think you need to which will give you time to figure things out

  17. Anonymous

    Pls have a rheumatologist consult, helped me enormously, at least for answers

  18. Ally Morgan

    Please forgive me for asking, but what is your age? I'm 49 and was experiencing this. Treating my perimenopause nearly eliminated my brain fog symptoms. Good luck.

  19. Anonymous

    Hi, I am 21.

  20. Kathleen Perron

    If you are at peri or full menopause, look into bioidentical hormone therapy. It has saved my career and, truthfully, probably my home life as well. A good start for me was reading the book, The Secret Female Hormone. A friend turned me onto it. I read every last page, some of them multiple times. BHRT is not normally covered by insurance, but I'll do it until I die or simply can't pay for it anymore. I could talk all day about this. Wish you well!

  21. Anonymous

    There are so many remedies depending on the cause, which is difficult to diagnose yourself, and the medical industry won't help either. First - stay away from sugar. Very important. Favorite remedy: Gingko Biloba.

  22. Courtney

    I struggle with the same symptoms and its allergy related. No runny nose, sneezes, itchy eyes, just extreme fatigue and brain fog. Good luck, hope you figure it out!

  23. Anonymous

    I suggest getting to the doctor. Personally, I struggle with this also and turns out I just needed some vitamins and rest.

  24. Anonymous

    Something is definitely not right. A doctor can help you detect the best course of action.

  25. Autumn Meeker

    Glad to see a number of responses pointing to peri- and menopause-related symptoms. If you're of the age to experience the onset of menopause-related symptoms, speak to your gynecologist.

    (I would love to see a whole post on recognizing and supporting women experiencing menopause in the workplace. The more I read and hear, some of the symptoms women have lived with for years are horrible. I'd venture to guess we don't make near the same level of accommodations for women at this stage of life as we do for women in their child-bearing years.)

  26. Anonymous

    I started a supplement called Magic Mind. I feel so much better. It took a while. Stress reduction helps immensely as well. I started walking when I started to feel like I had more energy. Just some ideas!

  27. Sheila

    Yes, might be Menopause or Pre or even Peri with the other comments. Also, when you see your OBGYN and also ask to check your Thyroid. I am Hypothyroid and had had to deal with Brain Fog, but more and more lately women even in their 30's have been diagnosed as Neurodivergent, ADHD or even somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Don't rule out the mental along with the Physical

  28. Anonymous

    Your doctor may have limited peri-menopause training, Women’s health in the US is behind but catching up, Get another opinion as needed.

    Good luck OP ?

  29. Anonymous

    I understand what you're going through - I have been suffering from brain fog for quite some time. It has cost me jobs and I frequently feel fatigued as well as forgetful and disorganised.

    Brain fog can be a symptom of autoimmune disorder. Just before Christmas in 2016, after months of dizzy spells, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

    I find following a paleo/autoimmune protocol diet helps. I limit gluten, dairy and legumes (peanuts, cashews and beans) and try to eat more vegetables. My neurologist prescribes me amphetamine salts, which I take as needed.

    Please visit a doctor and get to the root of this problem. Best of luck to you!

  30. Anonymous

    I have gone to my endo to rule out perimenopause/menopause. What I find helps is eating clean, hydration, vitamins, no alcohol, 7-8hrs sleep, excercise, sun, and having a sense of purpose in life.

  31. S Maisha

    Stress makes it way worse, no matter the cause. Try to do something enjoyable and relaxing each day. But, specifically, mine is caused by both lupus and perimenopause is making it worse. When anyone figures out a remedy, PLEASE lmk ???

  32. Anonymous

    I would definitely talk to your doctor. I had the same issue and it turned out I was anemic (low iron affects energy). Eventually, I was diagnosed with celiac disease (the reason I wasn’t absorbing any iron) It’s taken a while but things are starting to get better.

    Add on ADJD and perimenopause and there are lots of reasons for brain fog. It cost me my last job.

  33. Anonymous

    So sorry to hear this. May I ask how old you are??

    I’m 35y/o and I experience the same from time to time, and I’m wondering if it could be perimenopause or some hormonal imbalance that comes with age.

    I’ve found that at least 7hrs of sleep (especially when I go to sleep between 10 & 11pm) + vitamin B12 (for energy and brain) + outdoor exercises ie hiking, cycling, group sports etc or simply going for a run helps me greatly.

    *Please see a doctor if you can.

  34. Anonymous

    Hey, Thank you for the advice and I'm 21 and a full-time student and working part-time.

  35. Anonymous

    I went through this after covid and during menopause. What helped me is brain magnesium and ginsing.

    However, there may be another reason such as low iron, thyroid, or something else. I'd definitely speak with my doctor to rule anything out.

  36. Tina Moreno

    Honestly, when I hit this point, what finally pushed me to get help wasn’t struggling at school or home—it was realizing I was slipping at work. That was my wake-up call. I ended up talking to a professional, and it helped me reframe everything: how I was prioritizing, what was fueling the brain fog, and how it was affecting not just my productivity, but my relationships too—personal, professional, and everything in between.

    Everyone’s path looks different, but for me, the first step was getting clarity on what was causing the fog. From there, I started making small changes—eating better, getting some movement in daily, and just trying to take back control in the areas I’d let slip. Some people find supplements or medication helpful, others don’t—it’s a personal journey. Wishing you luck as you figure out what works for you. You’re not alone in this!

  37. AM

    I am sorry you are experiencing this but celebrate that you recognize the changes and are reaching out. If you have not already spoken to your health care professional, I suggest doing so. Therapeutic support (therapy, etc.) can also be very helpful.

Browse recent posts

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members