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Journalist's candid post on brain fog resonates with thousands worldwide
A BBC journalist's personal account of struggling with brain fog while reporting live has struck a chord globally, amassing hundreds of thousands of views and sparking widespread discussions about perimenopause and workplace challenges.
The post, shared on LinkedIn last week, detailed her experience of relying on notes during a live broadcast-a departure from her usual practice-due to memory lapses linked to hormonal changes. The response has been overwhelming, with women reaching out in solidarity and sharing their own stories of navigating similar symptoms.
What is brain fog, and why does it happen?
Though not a clinical term, "brain fog" describes moments of mental haze-forgetting common words mid-conversation, losing focus, or struggling to articulate thoughts. For the journalist, a woman in her 40s, these episodes coincided with perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by fluctuating hormone levels.
Experts note that brain fog can also stem from other neurological conditions. However, for many women, it becomes a disruptive workplace reality, particularly in roles requiring public speaking, live reporting, or high-stakes presentations. Teachers, startup founders, and fellow journalists were among those who echoed her experience in messages and comments.
The moment that prompted a movement
During a BBC News at Ten segment on a technical outage affecting major websites, the journalist found herself unable to recall a critical term. Facing exhaustion and the pressure of live television, she opted to use a page of notes-an uncommon practice in her field, where memorization is the norm.
"It felt like an admission of failure," she admitted, referencing the unspoken expectation in broadcasting and public speaking to perform without aids. Yet the decision resonated: viewers interpreted the notes as a sign of professionalism, assuming they contained breaking updates. Others suggested digital alternatives, though she feared fumbling with a device might worsen the moment.
The broader impact: Workplace exits and hormonal health
Research underscores the severity of the issue. A study by the Fawcett Society found that 10% of women leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms, while insurance firm Royal London reported that half of women experiencing menopause have considered quitting work. The journalist's refusal to step back-opting instead for adaptive strategies-has inspired others to do the same.
A viral hashtag, #HoldTheNotes, emerged after Elisheva Marcus, a communications executive, rallied support for normalizing note-use in professional settings. "Let's start a movement," she wrote, framing it as a pragmatic solution rather than a shortcoming.
Testosterone's overlooked role in cognitive function
Dr. Louise Newson, a menopause specialist, highlighted testosterone's critical role in brain function for both men and women. Though often associated with libido, declining testosterone levels-common in perimenopause-can trigger brain fog so severe it mimics dementia. "It's like you've been drugged," she described. "Many women fear they're developing serious conditions."
Despite decades of evidence linking testosterone to cognitive benefits, clinical trials have focused narrowly on its effects on libido. Standard Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) rarely includes testosterone, leaving women to seek separate prescriptions or turn to the booming-yet unregulated-menopause supplement industry, where annual spending averages £147 per person in the UK alone.
Exploring solutions: From red light therapy to hormonal balance
Innovative approaches are gaining traction. Dr. Joshua Chen of Harvard Medical School's Photobiomodulation Research Group studies how red light frequencies can enhance mitochondrial function in the brain, likening it to "a face mask for the brain." His company, Niraxx, markets a 20-minute-daily headband called the "neuro espresso," claiming instant improvements in focus.
Meanwhile, menopause coach Angela Marsh compared brain fog to "living life in soft focus," emphasizing the need for greater awareness. "Women often blame themselves," she said, "when there's a clear biological explanation."
A personal path forward
The journalist has since booked hormone-level tests and plans to explore red light therapy. Her takeaway? "You'll probably see me holding notes more often"-a small but symbolic act of defiance against the stigma of adapting to physiological change.
"I've spent 30 years being professionally articulate. All of a sudden, I'm forgetting the words for basic things. 'That grey thing in the thingy that we cook chicken on.' My husband replies, 'Oh, the baking tray in the oven.' Yeah, that thing."
Janet Edgecombe, internal communications expert
