How can you support energy and focus at work during perimenopause?

Supporting energy and focus at work during perimenopause starts with understanding that brain fog and fatigue in this life stage have a real, measurable basis in declining estrogen and cellular energy metabolism, not a lack of effort or competence.† From there, many women build a routine around cellular energy support, consistent sleep, and being honest with themselves about what a demanding workday actually requires during this transition.

Why does perimenopause affect focus and energy at work specifically?

A peer-reviewed review on cognitive changes during this life stage found that glucose metabolism across the brain begins declining during perimenopause, likely related to estrogen's role in how the brain uses energy. That energy dimension is separate from, but connected to, the mood and memory symptoms most people associate with brain fog.

"It's verbal memory that gets affected during this transition," says Ana B. Mosquera Pelegrina, MD, a gynecologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner at UT Physicians. This kind of specific, word-finding difficulty is exactly what tends to show up in high-stakes workplace moments, like a meeting or a presentation.

Is this a widely recognized workplace problem, or just an individual one?

A qualitative study of NHS staff titled "I can't be dealing with this brain fog" examined workplace focus groups and found that brain fog was one of the most disruptive menopause symptoms employees described, with real implications for confidence and job performance. The researchers noted that employer support has real potential to reduce sickness absence and improve retention for women navigating this transition.

"I don't want to keep losing and losing and losing. I want the goals to be: what can I gain?" says Dr. Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, FACOG, an Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician. That reframe, focusing on what can be supported and gained rather than what feels like it's slipping, is a useful lens for perimenopause at work specifically.

What can you actually do to support energy and focus during the workday?

Since cellular energy metabolism is part of the picture, some women look at NAD+ support alongside the basics of sleep and stress management. NAD+, designed to support healthy aging and cellular repair, delivers 500 mg of nicotinamide riboside, a bioavailable NAD+ precursor.†

"Perimenopause doesn't mean stepping back from what God has called you to do. It means learning to support your body with wisdom, so you can keep showing up for your work and your calling with clarity."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Support associated with NAD+ includes:

• Supports cellular energy production†
• Supports cognitive function and mental clarity†
• Supports healthy NAD+ levels in the body†

Many women build a fuller routine by pairing Pink Stork NAD+, a cellular energy supplement formulated for women, with our stress support formula for women for the mood and stress side of the transition, and Beef Organ Complex, a whole-food blend of grass-fed liver, heart, kidney, and female-focused organ powders, for broader nutrient density.† None of the three duplicates what the others do.

Related reading

• Why menopause support is becoming a workplace wellness priority
• How women can advocate for menopause support in the workplace

Frequently asked questions

Is perimenopause brain fog a real, documented phenomenon?

Yes. Peer-reviewed research has documented measurable cognitive changes, including declines in verbal memory and processing speed, during the perimenopausal transition.

At what age does this usually start?

Perimenopause commonly begins in a woman's late 30s to mid-40s, though the timing varies significantly from person to person.

Does NAD+ reverse perimenopause-related brain fog?

No. NAD+ supports cellular energy production and cognitive function generally, but it is not intended to treat, reverse, or prevent perimenopause symptoms.†

Should I tell my employer what I'm experiencing?

That's a personal decision. Research suggests workplace openness and manager awareness can help reduce stigma and support retention, but the choice to disclose is yours.

What lifestyle factors help most alongside supplementation?

Consistent sleep, regular movement, and stress management are commonly cited alongside nutritional support as part of a full approach to this transition.†

When should I talk to a healthcare provider about these symptoms?

If cognitive changes are significantly affecting your quality of life or job performance, or if you have concerns about a family history of early cognitive decline, talk with your healthcare provider.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.