Weird memory issues possibly perimenopause?

[hid]

I am not new to anxiety. I have been dealing with this for over 20 years. I am now 44, female. I have a new symptom that I have NEVER experienced and I am really struggling. Something feels wrong with my memory. I’ve had people ask me random questions, and I remember everything, like facts and what not. No one who knows me has noticed. But basically I will try to recall something that happened, maybe a conversation, something may seem familiar to me, then I try to remember what it reminds me of, then my brain like glitches and I get totally lost. At times I ever forget what I’m trying to think of! It’s like being stuck in a weird memory loop and then suddenly it just glitches. It feels almost like my memories are slipping away from me. I have had my anxiety very well controlled between therapy and med for several years now, but this is new. Just wondering if anyone has experiences anything like this? When it happens I often just end up crying because it is so scary! I did talk to my Dr about it, and he did not seem concerned, but I am getting an MRI. Anyway, anyone have thoughts on this? Thank you!!

[NoraB]

Anxiety can (and does) affect the memory, but I'm post-menopausal and can affirm that I've used hairspray on my armpits, the coffee jar has made its way into the fridge (instead of the milk), and I lose my..........

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[hid]

Thank you so much Nora for the reply. It is so relieving to know this has happened to others. It’s just so hard bc it’s a new symptom. I have never experienced anything like this. I have always had a good memory. Sometimes too good that I would keep thinking about events and conversations over and over… and now I can’t even remember what I’m trying to think about!!! 😫

[Button1]

If it helps, I'm also 44 and had to think to remember whether I actually was 44 or 43 I definitely struggle with my memory now, I think it's a lovely mix of anxiety (which I don't have under control sometimes as I worry about taking meds) age/ hormones and having a mind with too many tabs open. It affects almost ALL of my friends so you truly aren't alone and as hard as it is, I wouldn't worry. It seems to be very common and very normal!

[hid]

Thank you so very much. This is so relieving to know others with anxiety experience this as well. I am just struggling so much with my anxiety right now. It’s frustrating because I have had it managed pretty well for several years. But I guess it makes sense with all of these hormone changes…

[Button1]

I have a sense that my anxiety is quite hormonal. When I’ve had particularly bad spells it has coincided with hormonal changes (pregnancy/ perimenopause) and I do think it’s very common in peri. That doesn’t make it any nicer but I do find it somewhat comforting to be able to pin it to something. I’ve also been fine with my anxiety for a long time and was crushed when it came back recently. Luckily I feel like I’m coming through it again, it’s been a rough few months 😔 I wish you some peace soon!