Zoe Kleinman, BBC’s technology editor, recently made headlines not for her tech coverage but for her candid revelation about experiencing ‘brain fog’ during a live TV report. In a LinkedIn post that went viral, Kleinman shared her decision to hold notes during a broadcast, a move she initially viewed as a professional failure. However, the overwhelming response from women across the globe highlighted a shared struggle often tied to perimenopause and hormonal changes. ‘Brain fog,’ though not a medical term, describes moments of cognitive disarray—forgetting words, losing train of thought, or feeling mentally clouded. For women in their 40s, this symptom often coincides with perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by fluctuating hormone levels. The impact is profound, especially for those in public-facing roles. Janet Edgecombe, an internal communications expert, echoed Kleinman’s experience, recounting moments of forgetting basic words mid-conversation. Research underscores the severity of the issue: 10% of women leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms, while half consider quitting. Kleinman’s decision to hold notes, initially seen as a compromise, sparked a movement. The hashtag #HoldTheNotes emerged, encouraging women to embrace practical solutions without shame. Medical experts like Dr. Louise Newson emphasize the role of testosterone in brain function, advocating for its inclusion in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Meanwhile, innovative solutions like Niraxx’s red-light therapy headband offer hope for improving focus. Kleinman’s story has opened a crucial dialogue, urging society to take ‘brain fog’ seriously and support women navigating this challenging phase of life.