The Brain Fog No One Talks About: When You Can't Tell If It's Perimenopause, Illness, or Your Worst Fear Coming True

Published on AskNyomi.com | Read Time: 8 minutes

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I was mid-sentence during a coaching call when it happened again.

The word just... vanished.

Not a complex word. Not medical jargon. I was trying to say "calendar" and my brain served me up absolutely nothing. I sat there, mouth open, staring at my client, while my mind scrambled through filing cabinets that suddenly felt empty.

"The... the thing where you write down dates," I finally managed, my face burning with embarrassment.

My client smiled kindly. "Your calendar?"

"YES. That. Thank you."

But inside, I was spiraling.

Is this it? Is this how it starts?

When Brain Fog Feels Like Your Worst Fear Coming True

Let me be real with you about something I don't talk about much: my mother was diagnosed with dementia in December 2022. Her mother had it before she passed.

So when the brain fog started creeping in—the lost words, the walking into rooms and forgetting why, the feeling like my mind was running through molasses—I didn't think "oh, this must be perimenopause."

I thought: I'm next.

I was convinced I was watching my own cognitive decline in real-time. Every forgotten name, every misplaced phone, every moment where I couldn't recall what I'd just read felt like evidence. Like my brain was already betraying me, and I was only in my 40s.

The fear was paralyzing.

The Triple Threat: What's Actually Happening to Our Brains

Here's what I've learned after months of research, doctor visits, and some hard-won clarity:

Brain fog isn't just one thing. For women like us, it's often a perfect storm of three major factors:

1. Perimenopause/Menopause Brain Changes

When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, it directly impacts:

• Memory formation

• Information processing speed

• Verbal fluency

• Attention and concentration

This isn't "in your head." This is measurable neuroscience. Estrogen literally affects how your brain cells communicate with each other. When those levels fluctuate wildly (which is what perimenopause is—a hormonal roller coaster, not a steady decline), your brain struggles to keep up.

2. Breast Implant Illness (BII)

For those of us who had implants (I had mine for 22 years before explant surgery), the connection between silicone/saline implants and cognitive symptoms is REAL, even though mainstream medicine is still catching up.

Documented BII symptoms include:

• Memory problems

• Difficulty concentrating

• Brain fog

• Cognitive dysfunction

The theory? Chronic inflammation from the immune response to foreign objects in your body affects everything, including brain function. Plus, many of us had textured implants that were literally breaking down inside us, releasing particles our bodies had to constantly fight.

3. The Genetic Shadow: Family History of Dementia

And then there's the elephant in the room: what if it IS early-onset dementia?

Having a mother and grandmother with dementia doesn't guarantee you'll get it, but it does mean you're carrying that fear like a weight. Every symptom gets filtered through that lens. Every forgotten detail becomes potential proof.

The stress of that fear? It also causes brain fog. So you end up in this vicious cycle where anxiety about cognitive decline actually creates cognitive symptoms, which increases anxiety, which worsens symptoms...

You see the problem.

The Doctor Visits That Don't Help

I went to doctors. Multiple doctors. You know what I kept hearing?

"It's just stress."

"You're getting older."

"Have you tried getting more sleep?"

One doctor actually told me, "Women your age often worry too much about their memory. You seem fine to me."

Cool. Thanks. Super helpful when I can't remember my daughter's friend's name for the third time this week.

The dismissal made everything worse. Because when medical professionals gaslight you about your own experience, you start questioning everything. Am I making this up? Am I being dramatic? Is this actually serious or am I just... failing at being human?

What's Actually Happening (And What Actually Helps)

After my explant surgery and about six months into serious perimenopause research, I started connecting dots.

My brain fog got significantly better after explant. Not perfect, but better. That told me BII was definitely a factor.

My brain fog follows my cycle. The week before my period? I'm Dory from Finding Nemo. Mid-cycle? I'm sharp as a tack. That told me hormones are absolutely involved.

My brain fog is worse when I'm anxious about dementia. When I can let go of that fear and just work with my brain as it is right now, I function better. That told me the fear itself was feeding the problem.

So I started approaching this like the multi-layered issue it actually is:

The Free Stuff That Actually Moves the Needle

1. Sleep hygiene (boring but essential—I now protect 8 hours like it's sacred)

2. Blood sugar regulation (the mid-afternoon word-loss? Yeah, that was low blood sugar)

3. Omega-3s (fish oil, walnuts, flaxseeds—brain cell membrane support)

4. Stress management (therapy, meditation, saying no to things)

5. Cognitive exercises (I do NYT crosswords, learn new skills, read challenging books)

6. Social connection (isolation makes cognitive decline worse—community protects your brain)

   
   

The Investment Stuff That I've Actually Tried

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): I'm exploring this with a menopause-literate doctor. Not for everyone, but for some women, bioidentical hormone therapy dramatically improves cognitive function.

Nootropic supplements: This is where I want to be straight with you.

I've tried approximately a million "brain supplements." Most did absolutely nothing. Some made me jittery. A few made me feel worse.

But one—Brain Song—actually made a noticeable difference.

Brain Song: The Supplement That Actually Delivered (For Me)

Look, I'm not going to sit here and tell you this is a magic pill that cured my brain fog forever. That would be a lie.

What I WILL tell you is this:

After 8 weeks of consistent use, I noticed:

• Fewer "word searching" moments (down from multiple times daily to maybe once a week)

• Better recall (I can actually remember what I read the day before)

• Faster processing (conversations don't feel like I'm buffering)

• More "sharp" days (where my brain feels like it did in my 30s)

  
  

What's Actually In It (And Why It Might Work)

Brain Song contains a blend of ingredients that actually have clinical backing for cognitive function:

• Bacopa Monnieri: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, shown in studies to improve memory formation and recall

• Ginkgo Biloba: Increases blood flow to the brain, supports neurotransmitter function

• Phosphatidylserine: A phospholipid that's crucial for brain cell membrane health

• Lion's Mane Mushroom: Promotes nerve growth factor, supports neuroplasticity

• Rhodiola Rosea: Adaptogen that helps with mental fatigue and stress-related cognitive decline

• B-Vitamins: Essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and energy production in brain cells

  
  

The formula is specifically designed for women experiencing hormonal cognitive changes—not just generic "brain support."

The Honest Pros and Cons

What I Like:

• Clean ingredient list (no proprietary blends hiding sketchy stuff)

• Third-party tested for purity

• Noticeable effects within 3-4 weeks

• No jittery feeling or crash

• Supports long-term brain health, not just symptom masking

• 60-day money-back guarantee (so you can actually test it properly)

  
  

What I Don't Love:

• Price point ($49/month—not cheap)

• You have to take it consistently (not a "take when you remember" supplement)

• Doesn't work overnight (needs 3-4 weeks to build up)

• Won't fix underlying hormone issues (you still need to address those

  
  

What It WON'T Fix:

• Actual dementia (this is not a treatment for neurodegenerative disease)

• Severe hormone imbalances (you need medical intervention for that)

• Sleep deprivation (no supplement overcomes chronic poor sleep)

• Thyroid issues (get your thyroid checked—this mimics brain fog)

  
  

Who This Is Actually For

You might benefit from Brain Song if:

✅ You're in perimenopause/menopause with noticeable cognitive changes✅ You've ruled out thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, and sleep disorders✅ You're already doing the basics (sleep, nutrition, stress management)✅ You want research-backed ingredients, not sketchy promises✅ You're willing to give it 4-6 weeks to see results✅ You can afford $49/month for cognitive support

You should probably SKIP this if:

❌ You haven't addressed basic sleep and nutrition issues first

❌ You haven't had bloodwork to rule out thyroid/B12/iron deficiencies

❌ You're looking for overnight results

❌ You have diagnosed dementia (this is preventive/supportive, not therapeutic)

❌ You're on medications that might interact (check with your doctor first)

The Real Talk About Dementia Fear

Here's the thing I had to learn the hard way: the fear of dementia is not the same as having dementia.

If you're reading this, engaging with complex information, trying to find solutions, and worried about your cognitive health? Those are actually signs of a functioning brain that's under stress.

Early dementia doesn't typically present with "I'm worried about my memory."

It presents with "I don't notice anything wrong, but everyone around me is concerned."

That said, family history matters. If you have multiple family members with dementia, here's what actually helps reduce risk:

1. Cardiovascular health (what's good for your heart is good for your brain)

2. Blood sugar regulation (diabetes dramatically increases dementia risk)

3. Social engagement (isolation is a major risk factor)

4. Lifelong learning (cognitive reserve protects against decline)

5. Quality sleep (this is when your brain clears out toxic proteins)

6. Stress management (chronic cortisol damages the hippocampus)

7. Supplements like Brain Song (support for brain health while you're still healthy)

The time to support your brain is NOW, not when symptoms become severe.

My Current Brain Fog Protocol (What's Working for Me)

Here's my full stack, for transparency:

Morning:

• Brain Song (2 capsules with breakfast)

• Omega-3 supplement (2000mg EPA/DHA)

• B-complex vitamin

• Coffee with MCT oil (ketones for brain fuel)

Throughout the Day:

• Blood sugar-stable meals (protein + healthy fat + complex carbs)

• Hydration (brain fog gets worse when I'm dehydrated)

• Walking breaks (movement improves blood flow to brain)

• No doom-scrolling (protects attention span)

Evening:

• Magnesium glycinate (supports sleep and neurotransmitter function)

• Blue light blocking after 8pm

• Crossword or reading (active cognitive engagement)

• 8+ hours of sleep (non-negotiable)

Weekly:

• Therapy (addressing the dementia fear, processing grief about my mom)

• Strength training (resistance exercise is neuroprotective)

• Social time with friends (brain health is social health)

  
  

Is it perfect? No. Do I still have brain fog days? Absolutely.

But am I functioning better than I was six months ago? 100% yes.

The Bottom Line: Your Brain Deserves Support

Whether you try Brain Song or not, here's what I want you to know:

You're not crazy. Your brain fog is real.

It's not "just stress" or "just getting older."

You deserve doctors who take you seriously.

Supporting your brain health NOW matters for your future.

You don't have to do this alone.

For me, Brain Song has been one piece of a larger puzzle. It's not magic, but it's been meaningful. The ingredient research is solid, the company is transparent, and most importantly—it actually moved the needle for me when so many other things didn't.

If you're in a similar place—scared, frustrated, feeling dismissed—I want you to know there ARE things that can help. You just have to be willing to try them, track what works, and advocate for yourself when doctors won't.

Your brain is worth fighting for.

Try Brain Song Risk-Free

I've partnered with Brain Song to offer you the same 60-day money-back guarantee I used when I first tried it.

That means you can test it for a full 8 weeks (the amount of time it takes to see full effects) and if it doesn't work for you, you get your money back. No risk.

If you're going to invest in brain health, invest in something backed by research and real results.

Get Brain Song Here - 60 Day Guarantee (Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)

Resources Beyond Supplements

If you're dealing with brain fog and need more support:

For Perimenopause/Menopause:

• North American Menopause Society (NAMS) - Find a menopause-certified provider

• Book: "The Menopause Manifesto" by Dr. Jen Gunter

  
  

For Breast Implant Illness:

• Healing Breast Implant Illness (Nicole Daruda's book and community)

• BII Support Groups on Facebook (incredibly validating)

  
  

For Dementia Risk Assessment:

• Talk to your doctor about cognitive baseline testing

• The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay)

• Book: "The End of Alzheimer's" by Dr. Dale Bredesen

  
  

For Mental Health Support:

• Therapy (especially if you're dealing with fear around family history)

• Support groups for adult children of dementia patients

  
  

You're Not Alone in This

Drop a comment below if you're dealing with brain fog. What symptoms are you experiencing? What have you tried? Let's support each other through this.

And if this post helped you feel less alone or less afraid, share it with another woman who needs to hear it.

We're all in this together. 💜

Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, take medications, or are pregnant/nursing. Brain Song is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. The statements about supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Nyomi Banks is a life coach, podcaster, and founder of AskNyomi.com. She specializes in authentic transformation and healing, particularly for women navigating major life transitions. After her own journey with Breast Implant Illness, explant surgery, and perimenopause, she's passionate about creating space for honest conversations about women's health that the medical establishment often dismisses.