Mon, 17 Nov 2025

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 How my on-air 'brain fog' moment sparked a big debate

When the BBC's Zoe Kleinman spoke about going through perimenopause she got a huge response.
A recent personal post on LinkedIn about dealing with brain fog at work has gone viral, with hundreds of thousands of views and an outpouring of support from people sharing their own experiences. Brain fog is a common symptom for many women going through perimenopause or menopause, characterized by difficulty remembering words, losing train of thought, and feeling mentally foggy. For some women, brain fog can be particularly debilitating in professional settings, such as public speaking or live reporting on TV. The author of the post, a journalist, shared her own experience of using notes during a live broadcast for the first time due to her struggles with brain fog. Her decision was met with surprise and support from others who also struggle with this symptom. Research suggests that low testosterone levels can be a contributing factor to brain fog in both men and women. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is traditionally prescribed as a combination of oestrogen and progesterone, but some doctors are now recommending separate testosterone prescriptions for female patients. Experts also recommend alternative treatments such as yoga, supplements, and red-light therapy to alleviate symptoms. Some companies are developing innovative products like headbands that use frequencies of red light to improve focus and reduce stress. The author plans to take her own steps in addressing her brain fog, including booking a blood test to check her hormone levels and trying red-light therapy. She encourages others who struggle with this symptom to seek support and consider alternative treatments.
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