One of the most common things I hear from women in their 40s is: “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”
And it’s common for this to translate into their work and career. I know that’s certainly been the case for me. It can feel very destabilising.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Victoria Brookbank from MenoMinds and we’re exploring something that isn’t spoken about nearly enough; how perimenopause can start to affect your confidence, your cognition, and your ability to cope in your career or business.
Because from the outside, everything might look the same…You’re still showing up. Still doing your job. Still running your business.
But on the inside, things can feel very different.
When Work Starts to Feel Harder
Many women begin to notice:
- Brain fog and slower thinking
- Struggling to concentrate or find words
- Feeling more anxious or overwhelmed
- A dip in confidence or self-belief
- Feeling “wired but exhausted”
- Not recognising themselves in the way they used to think or perform
And often, they don’t realise this could be linked to perimenopause.
Which can feel confusing… and quite unsettling.
Why This Happens in Perimenopause
During perimenopause, hormonal shifts, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen and declining progesterone, can have a significant impact on:
- Brain function and cognition
- Mood and emotional regulation
- Stress resilience and nervous system capacity
This is why things that once felt manageable can suddenly feel much harder.
The Hidden Emotional Load
Something we explore deeply in this episode is the emotional load of trying to keep performing as normal.
Many women are:
- Masking how they feel
- Pushing through exhaustion or anxiety
- Putting pressure on themselves to maintain the same standards
- Lacking support or understanding in the workplace
And for those who are self-employed, this can feel even more intense, with no HR, no formal support, and often no space to talk about what’s going on.
A Conversation with MenoMinds
I’m joined by Victoria, workplace wellbeing specialist and co-founder of MenoMinds.
Despite her background in mental health, Victoria found herself unprepared for how profoundly perimenopause affected her own mind, from anxiety and brain fog to a loss of confidence at work.
Together, Victoria and co-founder Haley now deliver training to help women better understand what’s happening, and to feel calm, confident, and capable again.
What We Cover in This Episode
In this conversation, we explore:
- Why perimenopause can feel so destabilising
- The connection between hormones, anxiety, and cognition
- Real-life experiences of brain fog, overwhelm, and loss of confidence
- The pressure to keep performing and “hold it all together”
- Practical tools to support yourself during the workday (including boundaries, breaks, and nervous system support)
- The importance of workplace awareness and upcoming menopause policies
- When symptoms may need medical support and shouldn’t be dismissed
Support Without Minimising or Over-Medicalising
A key theme in this episode is finding balance.
Yes, these changes are common in perimenopause, and understanding them can be incredibly empowering.
But equally, more severe symptoms like anxiety or depression shouldn’t be dismissed or simply “put down to hormones.”
There is space for both:
- Supportive lifestyle and nervous system work
- And seeking medical help when needed
For the Woman Who Doesn’t Recognise Herself
If you’ve been feeling like you’re not as sharp, capable, or confident as you once were…
This episode is here to remind you:
You’re not broken, you’re not failing, and you’re not alone in this.
There is a way through, with the right understanding and support.
Links & Resources
- Take my free perimenopause quiz: https://quiz.francescaliparoti.com/start-page
- Explore my Midlife Thrive membership: https://francescaliparoti.com/midlife-thrive-membership/
- Work with me 121: https://francescaliparoti.com/services/
- Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perimenopause.with.francesca/
- MenoMinds: https://www.menominds.co.uk
- Victoria’s work: https://mindsthatwork.com
If You Enjoyed This Episode
If this resonated with you, I’d love you to share it with a friend, or leave a review, it helps more women find this support.
