Brain Fog During Menopause: What's Really Happening?

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/Is menopause really making your brain worse, or have we been believing the wrong story?In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts sits down with renowned neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay, author of The Women's Brain Book, to unpack what actually happens to the female brain during perimenopause and menopause.From brain fog and memory changes to anxiety, ADHD diagnoses and hormone therapy, Dr Sarah separates social media myths from the latest neuroscience research. She explains why many women actually reach their cognitive peak during midlife, why emotional regulation improves with age, and how experience becomes one of your brain's greatest strengths.Together, they explore why brain fog happens, how fluctuating estrogen affects the brain, the relationship between hot flushes and anxiety, and what the research really says about protecting your brain health as you age.If you've ever worried that menopause is damaging your brain, this evidence-based conversation will completely change how you think about midlife.Why your brain doesn't peak in your 20sThe truth about menopause brain fogHow estrogen influences memory, attention and cognitionWhy many women are diagnosed with ADHD during perimenopauseThe connection between hot flushes, anxiety and the nervous systemWhether hormone therapy can improve brain healthWhat white matter hyperintensities actually meanThe biggest lifestyle factors that protect your brain as you ageWhy hearing loss is an overlooked risk factor for dementiaEvidence-based ways to maintain a healthy brain for lifeWhether you're navigating perimenopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand how the female brain changes through midlife, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed insights that every woman should know.If you enjoyed this episode, remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that brain aging isn't the whole story.—-------------------Follow Dr. Sarah McKayhttps://drsarahmckay.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmmckay/https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay/?hl=en-------------Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.-----------------Chapters00:00 Why Your Brain Doesn't Peak at 2501:15 Meet Neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay02:25 The Biggest Myths About the Midlife Brain10:26 What Is Brain Fog, Really?16:07 Hormones and the Female Brain Explained24:34 ADHD and Perimenopause: What's Happening?31:28 Hot Flushes, Anxiety and the Nervous System36:16 Are Hot Flushes Damaging Your Brain?43:59 The Best Ways to Protect Your Brain Health48:46 Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk53:01 Loneliness, Brain Health and Healthy Aging55:00 Why Women's Brain Health Needs Better Research -----------------KeywordsMenopause Brain FogPerimenopause Brain FogDr Sarah McKayWomen's Brain HealthMenopause SymptomsMidlife BrainBrain Health for WomenADHD and MenopauseCognitive FlexibilityHormones and the BrainEstrogen Brain HealthMenopause PodcastWomen's Health PodcastNeurosciencePerimenopause SymptomsHot FlushesBrain Fog ExplainedWomen's HormonesHealthy Aging, LongevityDementia PreventionBrain Health After 40Women's Cognitive HealthMidlife Women's HealthHormone TherapyHRTMemory ProblemsMenopause EducationWomen's Brain BookDr Shauna Watts