I'm Not Stupid… So Why Can't I Think Straight? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 22, 2026 · 18 MIN

I'm Not Stupid… So Why Can't I Think Straight?

from The Ageless and Awesome Podcast · host Susie Garden

You know that moment when you walk into a room and completely forget why you’re there, or you lose a word mid-sentence and suddenly feel embarrassed and frustrated? Menopause brain fog can be one of the most confronting symptoms because it doesn’t just feel annoying, it can make you question your competence and your sense of self.I’m Susie Garden, Perimenopause Naturopath and Weight Loss Nutritionist, and I’m unpacking what’s really going on when your memory feels unreliable during perimenopause and menopause. We talk about why this symptom is so common yet so rarely discussed, and why it doesn’t mean you’re “losing your intelligence” or heading towards dementia. You’ll hear the science in plain language, including the oestrogen brain connection and why fluctuating hormones can affect attention, verbal recall, processing speed and that classic “disappearing word”.We also explore two massive amplifiers: blood sugar instability and sleep disruption. If you’re skipping breakfast, running on coffee, or crashing in the afternoon, your brain may be asking for steadier fuel. And if you’re waking at 2 or 3 am, fragmented sleep can reduce deep sleep, when memory is consolidated and the brain clears waste through the glymphatic system. I finish with five practical ways to clear the fog: stabilise blood sugar, prioritise sleep, move your body, reduce inflammation, and stop feeding the stress loop that makes symptoms worse.If you want clearer thinking and more confidence through the perimenopause transition, hit follow or subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more women can find the support.Send me a text!Are you a woman feeling stressed, flat and experiencing the challenges of perimenopause or menopause?It’s time to reclaim your youthful energy, radiance and self-assurance (and your ideal weight).I’m here to help with my proven method.Here's how I can support you -1. Hit your health and wellbeing goals this year, balance your hormones and lose weight with your own personalised protocol, based on your body's biochemistry. Sounds awesome right!! Book a free 30 minute Peri Weight Loss Assessment with me so we can discuss your health and wellbeing goals and also see how I might be able to support you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your call here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@the.perimenopause.path3. Book your appt package at The Perimenopause Path Clinic here. Or if you'd like a single appt, book here.

You know that moment when you walk into a room and completely forget why you’re there, or you lose a word mid-sentence and suddenly feel embarrassed and frustrated? Menopause brain fog can be one of the most confronting symptoms because it doesn’t just feel annoying, it can make you question your competence and your sense of self. I’m Susie Garden, Perimenopause Naturopath and Weight Loss Nutritionist, and I’m unpacking what’s really going on when your memory feels unreliable during perimeno...

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I'm Not Stupid… So Why Can't I Think Straight?

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This episode is 18 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 22, 2026.

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You know that moment when you walk into a room and completely forget why you’re there, or you lose a word mid-sentence and suddenly feel embarrassed and frustrated? Menopause brain fog can be one of the most confronting symptoms because it doesn’t...

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