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The experience of “brain fog” – that frustrating sense of mental cloudiness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble finding the right words – is resonating with women across industries, sparking a vital conversation about previously unspoken cognitive challenges and prompting a reevaluation of workplace expectations. BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman‘s recent personal post on LinkedIn detailing her struggle with brain fog during a live broadcast has gone viral, viewed hundreds of thousands of times and generating an outpouring of support and shared experiences.
Kleinman’s experience, shared on November 24, 2025, highlighted a moment of vulnerability during a live report from Glasgow. Facing the camera, she unexpectedly found herself unable to recall a key technical term needed for her broadcast. In a profession where poise and precision are paramount, she made the unconventional decision to use notes – a move that, while initially feeling like a failure, has ignited a movement.
What is Brain Fog?
“Brain fog” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but the sensation is strikingly familiar to many. It manifests as a difficulty in recalling information, losing your train of thought mid-sentence, or feeling mentally sluggish. As Kleinman described, it’s “infuriating and can
The Power of Vulnerability and #holdthenotes
Kleinman’s openness about her struggle resonated deeply, inspiring the hashtag #holdthenotes. “Let’s start a movement: Have your notes!” wrote Elisheva Marcus,vice president of communications at venture capital firm Earlybird. The movement challenges the stigma surrounding the use of notes, particularly in fields where appearing effortlessly articulate is often valued.
The Hormonal Connection and Emerging Treatments
Menopause expert Dr. Louise Newson emphasizes the crucial role of testosterone – often considered a “male” hormone – in cognitive function for both sexes. She explains that testosterone levels decline with age,contributing to brain fog. “It’s like you’ve been drugged,” she says, adding that many patients fear they are developing dementia due to the cognitive disruptions.
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT), traditionally focused on estrogen and progesterone, is widely used, testosterone is not routinely included in prescriptions within the british National health Service (NHS). Though, doctors can prescribe it separately, in lower doses for women.
Beyond HRT, a burgeoning market for menopause supplements has emerged, with UK women spending an average of £147 ($192) annually on these products, according to a recent survey by NutraIngredients. Dr. Newson cautions that while some supplements may offer modest relief, they are not a substitute for addressing underlying hormonal deficiencies. “I practice yoga every day and that helps me keep my mind clear and focused, but I have a hormonal deficiency; I can’t completely solve it with diet or exercise.”
innovative approaches are also being explored. dr.Joshua Chen of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital is researching the potential of red light therapy to improve brain function by modifying brain mitochondria. His company,Niraxx,sells a headband called Neuro Espresso designed for this purpose.
Reframing the narrative and Seeking Solutions
Nurse and menopause consultant Angela Marsh underscores the importance of recognizing brain fog as a legitimate biological phenomenon. “I think brain fog isn’t taken seriously enough,” she says. “Many women feel deeply affected by the changes they experience. They think something is wrong or that they are ‘losing their mind,’ when in fact there is a clear biological reason.”
Driven by her own experience, Kleinman has scheduled a blood test to assess her hormone levels and plans to explore red light therapy. She anticipates relying on notes more frequently in her broadcasts. This willingness to be open and adaptable is emblematic of a broader shift – a growing recognition that acknowledging and addressing cognitive challenges is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape.
