Episode 99: Cognitive Health & Hormones: How to Naturally Support Your Mind Through Perimenopause with Dr. Cat Brown

Cognitive Health & Hormones: How to Naturally Support Your Mind Through Perimenopause w/ Dr. Cat Brown In this episode of Strength in Hormones, we’re diving into the powerful connection between hormones and brain health. We’ll explore the critical role of estrogen in cognitive function—how it supports memory, focus, and neuro-protection, and what happens when levels shift in peri-menopause and drop in menopause. Next, we’ll discuss cortisol’s impact on cognitive resilience, why stress feels more overwhelming in midlife, and strategies to support balanced cortisol levels. Then, we’ll unpack the link between glucose, insulin, and brain health—how blood sugar dysregulation contributes to memory decline, focus issues, and even conditions like type 3 diabetes. Finally, we’ll break down how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can support cognitive health through menopause. Tune in to learn how you can protect your brain health and feel your best. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The role of estrogen in cognitive health. What we know estrogen does for the brain and what occurs when estrogen levels change in perimenopause and then drop in menopause. The connection between cortisol and cognitive health. Why women in perimenopause and menopause experience less stress resiliency and how to manage cortisol. What we know about glucose and insulin’s role in cognitive function. How blood sugar control impacts memory and focus. How HRT may help women with cognitive symptoms through menopause Who is and isn't a good candidate for HRT through menopause Important show links 👇👇👇 Sign up for my Free 40min Hormone Workshop  Save 20% on your walking pad at walkingpad.com/functionalfueling Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app