What’s Causing My Brain Fog?

By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, DC, CFMP

Do you ever feel like you’re walking through your day in a haze—forgetful, unfocused, and just not quite yourself?

You’re not alone. Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms we see in women, and yet it’s often dismissed or brushed off as “just being busy” or “normal.”

Here’s the truth: brain fog is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

And your body is trying to tell you something.

What Does Brain Fog Feel Like?

Brain fog can show up as:

• Trouble concentrating

• Forgetfulness

• Mental fatigue

• Slow thinking or processing

• Feeling “checked out” or disconnected

But brain fog rarely happens in isolation.

Other Symptoms to Pay Attention To

If you’re experiencing brain fog, your body may also be giving you other clues:

Neurological + Energy Symptoms

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Weakness

Hormonal Clues

• Irregular periods

• PMS or mood swings

• Changes in your cycle

• Low libido

Digestive Symptoms

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Physical Changes

• Hair loss

• Dry skin

• Weight changes

These symptoms are not random—they’re connected. And when you start to piece them together, you begin to see the bigger picture.

Why Brain Fog Happens

Brain fog is your body’s way of saying: something is off.

Instead of masking the symptom, we need to ask: why is it happening?

At Roots Wholistic Health, we take a functional medicine approach—meaning we look deeper to identify the root cause, not just manage symptoms.

Root Causes of Brain Fog We Look For

1. Thyroid Imbalances

Your thyroid plays a major role in metabolism, energy, and brain function.

If it’s underactive or struggling, brain fog is often one of the first symptoms.

2. Hormone Imbalances

Estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol all impact your brain.

When hormones are out of balance, you may notice:

• Mood swings

• Poor focus

• Memory issues

• Cycle irregularities

3. Gut Inflammation

Your gut and brain are directly connected (the gut-brain axis).

If your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can lead to:

• Brain fog

• Anxiety

• Fatigue

• Digestive symptoms

4. Adrenal Dysfunction

Chronic stress can dysregulate your adrenal glands and cortisol levels.

This can leave you feeling:

• Wired but tired

• Mentally exhausted

• Unable to focus

5. Nutrient Deficiencies

Your brain needs key nutrients to function properly.

Common deficiencies we see linked to brain fog:

• Iron

• B vitamins

• Magnesium

• Vitamin D

Without these, your brain simply can’t operate optimally.

6. Heavy Metal Toxicity

Toxins like mercury, lead, and other heavy metals can accumulate in the body and impact neurological function.

This is a commonly overlooked root cause of:

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Hormonal disruption

The Functional Medicine Difference

In conventional medicine, brain fog is often dismissed or managed with temporary solutions.

At Roots Wholistic Health, we do things differently.

We don’t guess—we test.

We use functional lab testing to evaluate:

• Thyroid health

• Hormone balance

• Gut function and inflammation

• Adrenal health (cortisol patterns)

• Nutrient status

• Toxic burden

Because when you understand why your brain fog is happening, you can actually begin to heal it.

You Don’t Have to Live This Way

Brain fog might be common—but it is not normal.

You deserve to:

• Think clearly

• Feel energized

• Be present in your daily life

• Show up fully for your family, your work, and yourself

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been struggling with brain fog, don’t ignore it.

It’s not “just stress” or “just age.”

It’s your body asking for support.

At Roots Wholistic Health, we specialize in helping women uncover the root causes of symptoms like brain fog through personalized, functional testing and care.

Because when you address the root—you don’t just feel better, you truly heal. 🤍