Mental lapses during perimenopause
I am quite young to be in perimenopause (like I started at 40 and am now almost 44). However, I noticed that I have been having more frequent memory lapses. I am typically sharp as a tack and detail oriented, but have been having a hard time remembering to do things and miss errors WAY more than I used to. I feel like I went from a great employee to a dud. I don't want to say why to my colleagues, because it sounds like an excuse. Anyone else?
Michelle Rieber
14
10/27/20 at 6:18PM UTC
I can relate ladies!!! I work in the compliance/anti money laundering field and my team mates are now all younger than me and mostly male including my new supervisor. Luckily the majority knew me before the “change” started. I was such a mess one day that I couldn’t stand the “secrecy” of my issue. I say that like there is something wrong with going through peri menopause and there shouldn’t. So I basically told them - if there is nothing else you can learn from me, remember my forgetfulness, lateness etc. when your wives start going through this process and please support them and tell them they are not the only woman who feels crazy.
Barbara Mark, Ph.D.Living and Leading Fully and on Purpose
107
08/30/20 at 9:14PM UTC
Hi Ladies,
Yes, this is a very common experience in Perimenopause (which I entered at 38 - quite young!) It is part and parcel of the shift in hormones. I have clients who feel that they are losing their minds because of memory lapses, diminished focus and concentration, and mood swings. And, yes, this can certainly be exacerbated because of the current stress of the pandemic.
Eating well, getting as much good sleep as you can and exercise will be helpful.
This will improve as your body acclimates to the diminished hormones. In the meantime, developing a good habit of writing things down can help (I had to write down virtually everything!) Many of my clients use a calendar system on their phones that alerts them to important things to remember - meetings, due dates, etc.
Also, taking some quiet time like mediation can help.
Above all, be kind and compassionate with yourself about it!
Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like to chat about your particular situation and to discuss possible coping strategies!
Anonymous
08/27/20 at 6:02PM UTC
I worry about this too. I was an excellent proof reader for everyone but now find myself missing errors.
FlourI worked it out
264
08/25/20 at 2:05PM UTC
Similar boat, 48 been going through symptoms for 4 years. I wonder now, since it has gotten more prevalent in both of us, if it isn't a subliminal stress of covid
