I’ve had fibromyalgia and fatigue since 2016. However, since being peri menopausal, brain fog has increased and I don’t know the difference between fibro fog and good old fashioned forgetfulness. Struggling to find words and sentences not coming out properly.Anyone else struggling with other ailments on top of the menopause? What are your coping mechanisms?– Deborah, London
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13Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Kristina5 years ago
I found that a topical (natural) progesterone cream, along with electrolyte supplementation have been life savers! I absolutely know when I miss a dose.
Gigi5 years ago
I have fibromyalgia too since 2007! I am lately struggling with brain fog, obesity and extreme fatigue. I am perimenopausal since last year. My heart goes to u. I know what ur going thru. Hold on and keep believing “one day at a time".
Katy5 years ago
Brain fog started for me a couple of years ago. I too started to forget what I was saying mid conversation and struggled with my daily tasks. I work in the legal profession and it was causing me a lot of worry. To begin with I would tackle easier tasks on days I felt particularly “foggy”, leaving anything more challenging for another day when my thinking would be sharper. This isn’t always possible when working to deadlines however. I did a bit of research and tried a few different things and in the end I’ve found that taking a daily magnesium supplement helps a lot. I still have my moments, especially when I don’t get enough sleep, but I do feel better now and can get things done
Tracy5 years ago
I have fibromyalgia too and also struggle to understand where symptoms for FMS ends and the ones for menopause start! I have been struggling to get my GP to understand this and look at my hrt I’m more detail so that my meno symptoms could be potentially addressed more. So much so I going to see someone reputable privately. It terms of coping mechanisms, I prepare loads in advance for work to reduce any forgetfulness/lost for words episodes. I have also recently asked to go part time with a recovery day in the middle of the Week (realise that isn’t always financially viable for everyone) and generally pace your life sensibly where you can which I know is difficult if you have carer responsibilities etc. Finally, do things that make you happy wherever you can, better to be fatigued after doing some things like that than any daily drudgery!
Marcia5 years ago
I have trouble with forgetfulness most of the time, since I started my menopause since 2010. It’s very embarrassing and emotional for me especially when going to meetings at work. I can get very angry when I cannot gets my words out. Anyone have any suggestions, please?
HD5 years ago
Yes yes yes!!!! I have fibromyalgia too plus major depression and anxiety all of which I am taking meds for. Menopause is making all of that worse. Brain fog so bad I am scared to speak to people. Lack of complete sentences while speaking out loud make me feel like I’m no longer a whole person.
Meri5 years ago
Hi there, I feel your confusion, I too was diagnosed with fibro. Back in 2006 when the fibro descended, it was suggested that it was menopause (I hoped it was!) but it wasn’t. Now that I’m in early stage meno with wretched periods not quite yet gone but hot flushes and night sweats here, I can feel the difference. Menopause has a different type of intensity and emotionality which I’m assuming is my hormones figuring things out. I work for myself and that helps. I take CBD oil to help with sleep, I take Ashwagandha and cal carb (the flushes and night sweats stopped) I also take a high dose of magnesium, organic seaweed and Sea Buckthorn oil and can honestly say the brain fog has reduced and I have less pain and more energy. Wishing you really good luck.
Jolange5 years ago
Goodness yes, I have chronic depression, panic disorder possible ptsd and the symptoms seem to all be so similar they just pile up all the dr says is take the antidepressants, not working well let’s try a different one you can cope without any in your system for a couple of weeks and some withdrawal as well, of course you won’t need additional support. Hmm I seem to be left with more frustration and a lot of sarcasm. I can do this because I can see and end, I pity anyone just setting out.
Deborah5 years ago
Thank you all so much ladies. I was starting to think I was the only one out there struggling with this. The stringing sentences together is getting so embarrassing that I’m preferring not to talk, which is so not me and also difficult to do in a board meeting. The chronic fatigue is worse now than ever. I just about managed the lack of sleep before but all my methods of coping just don’t seem to be there. The chronic pain and fatigue management team at the hospital empathise but have no real suggestions other than what I’m doing which is lots of mindfulness exercises, maintaining a healthy diet and trying to relax as much as possible with the family. The times we are currently living in are not helping and add to our stressors. All we can do is try to connect with others in the same situation as no one else can really understand the difficulties we face each day. I’m so pleased I put this question out there.x
Annie5 years ago
I’m dealing with fibro, RA, and now early menopause (I’m 40). As if that weren’t enough my family consists of a husband who has major memory problems from some neurological issues and four kids with demanding medical needs. The best thing I can do is write EVERYTHING down in a planner, keeping it visual and all in one place.
Tima5 years ago
Ugh the crap we have to go through. I’m post meno. Bad hot flashes, fatigue, brain fog all of the symptoms. I’ve gone on and off HRT pellets, pills etc. Just found out I have a large uterine cyst and fibroids. It’s so frustrating; doctors still have no clue how to resolve all of this.
Daphne4 years ago
To try to keep it all together, keep a month at a glance diary. My iPhone is now my friend. I use all the features reminders calendars, alarms, timers, password reminded , scanner etc to keep me on track. Physically deep breathing an a glass of soy milk (morning & evehas helped with physically symptoms. I haven’t figured out what to do about low mood though.
Helen k4 years ago
I have bipolar disorder and the last year has been awful! After being stable for 3 years I totally lost it, went hypomanic, couldn’t sleep or eat and very aggressive. I took myself to a and e after a week of no sleep. Then my 81 year old mother broke her femur. Absolutely panicked! Got blood tests done and referred to the CMHT and now have HRT patches. Then followed the depression. I was very ill and exhausted. I’m still climbing the mountain every day, and suffer from fatigue, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Keep going ladies!