Zoe Kleinman, BBC’s technology editor, recently shared her experiences with “brain fog” in a LinkedIn post that garnered significant attention. Her post has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, prompting conversations with many women about shared encounters with this phenomenon. Brain fog, although not a medical term, describes instances where individuals may forget familiar words or lose their train of thought.
Kleinman noted that her personal challenges with brain fog began around the time of perimenopause, which typically occurs in women during their 40s, as hormone levels fluctuate. This condition can affect various professionals, including teachers, business leaders, and journalists. Kleinman used notes during a live broadcast after experiencing difficulty remembering a key phrase, marking a departure from her usual practice of forgoing notes in favor of memory.
The stigma around using notes in public speaking is prevalent, as it is generally discouraged, particularly in settings like TED Talks where memorization is expected. Despite the discomfort, Kleinman found that some viewers perceived her preparation as authoritative rather than a failure.
A study indicates that approximately 10% of women may leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms, with half considering it during their transition. Experts, including Dr. Louise Newson, suggest that hormone levels, including testosterone, could contribute to brain fog. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) traditionally includes estrogen and progesterone, testosterone is sometimes prescribed separately.
The market for menopause-related supplements is booming, with women reportedly spending an average of £147 annually in hopes of alleviating symptoms, although the effectiveness of these products can vary. New treatments such as red-light therapy are being explored, with some researchers investigating their potential benefits for cognitive function. Kleinman plans to take further steps, including hormone testing and therapy, as part of managing her experiences.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gpkenx9dzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss