Welcome to TechSheThink — where we talk honestly about the real-life bugs that affect women in tech. Today’s topic? One that’s still far too taboo: Perimenopause.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your screen, forgetting what that function was supposed to do, or bursting into tears during a sprint review — you’re not broken. You might be perimenopausal. And you’re not alone.
🔍 What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause — usually starting in your 40s (sometimes earlier). It can last several years as your estrogen and hormone levels begin to shift.
It’s like your operating system is updating in the background, but nobody told you to save your work.
🛑 Common Symptoms (That Nobody Warns You About)
Here’s what can show up — sometimes subtly, sometimes all at once:
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🌫 Brain fog (good luck remembering your GitHub password)
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💢 Mood swings (one moment, you’re coding; the next, you’re crying)
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🥵 Hot flashes and night sweats (aircon is now your BFF)
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💤 Fatigue (no, you didn’t just “forget to hydrate”)
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🔥 Anxiety or irritability
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💻 Tech burnout symptoms amplified — because your brain chemistry is changing
⚙️ Tech Tools & Life Hacks to Cope
You’re a problem-solver. So here are tools and systems that actually help:
| Issue | Hack |
|---|---|
| Brain fog | Use note apps like Notion or Obsidian to track thoughts, cycles & ideas |
| Sleep issues | Try Calm or Headspace with wind-down reminders |
| Memory drops | Use voice memos, sticky notes, and checklist automations |
| Mood swings | Journaling + community forums like TechSheThink’s Discord |
| Confused about what’s going on? | Use a hormone tracker app like Balance, Flo, or Wild.AI |
🩺 Where to Get Help
Start with your GP — and yes, bring notes. Use this script:
“I’m experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and cycle changes. I’d like to talk about perimenopause and what support options are available.”
Also check:
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NHS Menopause Resources
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The Balance App by Dr. Louise Newson
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TechSheThink’s Resource Vault (Coming soon!)
🎁 Freebie: Your Perimenopause Power Pack
We created this because we wish we’d had it earlier.
✅ Symptom & energy tracker
✅ Cycle + productivity planner
✅ Journal prompts for mental clarity
✅ Conversation starters for your GP or HR
✅ Bonus: AI Tools to Help Manage Mental Load
❤️ Why This Matters
Too many women in tech feel like they’re “losing it” when their brains or bodies stop behaving like they used to. But you’re not the problem. The system was never built for your biology.
At TechSheThink, we believe:
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Hormones shouldn’t hijack your career
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Menopause shouldn’t be a secret
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And you deserve support at every stage
💌 Stay in the Loop
Want more tech-meets-human articles like this?
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👩💻 Follow us on [X] & [LinkedIn] to meet other women debugging this stage of life
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause isn’t a flaw in your code — it’s just a system update. One that millions of brilliant women are navigating right now. You’re allowed to ask for help, take breaks, and talk about it — out loud.
Let’s reprogram the narrative. For ourselves, and for the women coming next.
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