Understanding Brain Changes in Perimenopause
Why Is My Brain So Foggy?
Understanding Brain Changes in Perimenopause
If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feel like your mind just isn’t what it used to be — you’re not alone.
You might forget simple words mid-sentence, walk into a room and blank on why you’re there, or feel like your thoughts are moving through molasses. This is what many women call “brain fog,” and it’s one of the most frustrating — and under-discussed — symptoms of perimenopause.
Let’s unpack why it happens, and more importantly, what we can do about it.
What’s Going On in the Brain?
During perimenopause, your hormone levels (especially oestrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate. These hormones do far more than regulate your cycle — they play a crucial role in your brain chemistry, inflammation, stress response, and neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to adapt and change).
When these hormones start shifting, it can affect:
Your ability to focus
Verbal recall and short-term memory
Mental stamina and resilience
Sleep quality — which directly impacts cognitive performance
Many women describe it as “losing themselves,” especially if they’ve always been sharp, organised, and driven. This change can feel deeply unsettling.
The Stress Link
The brain changes of perimenopause don’t happen in isolation. This is often a time of high stress — work, family, caregiving, and the invisible load of life. Chronic stress pushes up cortisol, and combined with oestrogen fluctuations, it can leave the brain feeling depleted.
This is especially important if you're already burnt out or running on empty. The brain literally starts reallocating resources toward survival, not memory or focus.
How We Support Brain Fog Naturally
At Her Earth Medicine, we take a whole-body, hormone-aware approach. No quick fixes, but real strategies that work.
We focus on:
Supporting the brain and adrenals with herbs like Withania, Bacopa, Rhodiola, and Rehmannia
Improving sleep and melatonin rhythm through gentle nervous system support
Nourishing the brain with omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins and adaptogens
Regulating cortisol with nervous system work, acupuncture and tailored lifestyle shifts
Addressing inflammation and gut health, which can significantly impact the brain
We also guide you through testing when needed, so we’re working from the full picture, not just masking symptoms.
You’re Not Losing It. You’re Changing.
Perimenopause can feel like a quiet unraveling — but it doesn’t have to. With the right support, you can reconnect to clarity, calm and vitality. We see this shift every week in clinic.
If this feels like your story, we’re here to help you write the next chapter with more energy, focus and ease.
👉 Book your appointment today — personalised care starts here.