I walked into my laundry room three times this morning. Three. Times. The first time, I had a purpose. The second time, I was trying to remember the purpose. The third time, I was hoping the purpose would magically reveal itself if I stood there long enough.

It didn't.

Instead, I stared at the washing machine, wondered if I'd switched the laundry over, noticed a dust bunny in the corner, remembered I needed to buy more dish soap, and walked right back out.

Still clueless. Welcome to perimenopausal brain fog.

If you're a woman over 40, there's a good chance you've experienced it. You walk into a room and completely forget why you're there. You open the refrigerator and stare blankly at its contents. You lose your phone while talking on it. You put your coffee in the microwave and your car keys in the pantry.

Okay, maybe that last one is just me.

But honestly, some days it feels like my brain has 47 tabs open, half of them are frozen, and somewhere in the background there's music playing that I can't figure out how to turn off.

Wait, Is This Normal?

Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms women experience during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate.

Most of us know about hot flashes and night sweats. Those get all the attention.

Nobody really talks about standing in the kitchen holding a measuring cup and wondering what you were making.

Or forgetting a familiar word in the middle of a conversation.

Or walking into Target for one item and leaving with twelve things that weren't on the list—but somehow not the one thing you came for.

Hormonal changes, particularly shifts in estrogen, can affect memory, concentration, focus, and mental clarity. Add in sleep disruptions, stress, busy family schedules, and the mental load many women carry, and it's no wonder our brains occasionally wave the white flag.

The Mental Load Is Real

I think one reason brain fog hits so hard during this stage of life is because many of us are juggling more than ever. We're raising kids, managing households, working careers, and probably caring for aging parents.

Keeping up with appointments, activities, school schedules, grocery lists, meal plans, church commitments, volunteer work, and approximately 7,000 passwords.

Meanwhile, our hormones have apparently decided now is the perfect time to start playing practical jokes.

It's a lot.

My Most Common Brain Fog Moments

For the sake of transparency, here are a few things I've done recently:

• Opened the refrigerator and forgotten what I needed.

• Opened a cabinet and forgotten what I needed.

• Walked upstairs and forgotten why.

• Opened my laptop and forgotten what I planned to work on.

• Started a sentence and completely lost the word I was looking for.

• Reheated the same cup of coffee twice because I forgot I already reheated it.

If any of this sounds familiar, welcome. Pull up a chair.

Assuming you remember why you came here.

What Actually Helps?

While there isn't a magic cure for brain fog, I've found several things that make a noticeable difference.

Prioritize Sleep

I know. Easier said than done.

As I recently shared, perimenopause and sleep don't always get along. But even small improvements in sleep quality can help mental clarity and focus.

When I'm sleeping better, my brain works better.

It's not complicated, but it is true.

Write Everything Down

I used to think I could remember everything. Now I know better.

I keep notes on my phone, a planner on my desk, sticky notes in strategic locations, and a running grocery list that saves me from buying six jars of salsa while forgetting milk... again.

Move Your Body

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and can improve mood, focus, and overall cognitive function.

You don't need an intense workout.

A walk around the neighborhood, gardening, stretching, or a quick workout can all help clear the mental cobwebs.

Eat to Support Brain Health

Focus on nutrient-dense foods including:

• Leafy greens

• Berries

• Healthy fats

• Lean protein

• Nuts and seeds

• Fatty fish

Your brain needs fuel, and it tends to perform better when it's getting what it needs.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make concentration and memory issues worse.

If you're feeling foggy, tired, or unfocused, a glass of water is often a good place to start.

Consider Magnesium

I've talked before about how magnesium has helped improve my sleep, and better sleep often leads to better focus the next day.

Many women find magnesium helpful during perimenopause, though it's always wise to discuss supplements with your healthcare provider.

Give Yourself Some Grace

This one might be the most important. Brain fog doesn't mean you're lazy. It doesn't mean you're losing your mind. It doesn't mean you're getting old overnight. It means your body is going through a significant hormonal transition. Some days will be better than others.

You're Not Imagining It

One of the hardest parts of perimenopause is wondering whether what you're experiencing is real.

The moments when you walk into a room and wonder if you've accidentally entered someone else's house. It's real. And you're certainly not alone.

The more women talk openly about these experiences, the less isolated we all feel.

Because while I may not always remember why I walked into the laundry room, I do know this: there are a lot of us navigating this season together. Don't be discouraged- I'm sure we're all forgetting things today.

What's your funniest brain fog moment lately? Have you found anything that helps you stay focused and clear-headed during perimenopause?