Menopause: The Complete Breakdown Women Deserve in 2026

Anxiety, brain fog, low mood, loss of confidence, and feeling “not like yourself” are some of the most common, and most misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts is joined by leading menopause experts to unpack the real science behind hormones, mental health, brain function, libido, bone health, and longevity, and why so many women are being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or under-treated during midlife.This conversation cuts through fear-based messaging and outdated medical myths to explain what’s actually happening in the female brain and body, when hormone therapy helps, when it doesn’t, and what every woman deserves to know before making decisions about her health.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Understand why anxiety and depression spike in perimenopause and why hormones, not SSRIs, are often the correct first-line treatmentExplain how estrogen stabilises the brain and why hormonal fluctuations drive mood changes and brain fogSeparate fact from fear around menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT)Learn when SSRIs may be appropriate — and when they’re notUnderstand the role of testosterone in female libido, muscle, mood, and confidenceProtect your bones, muscles, brain, and cardiovascular health long-termBust common myths about vaginal estrogen safety, including in breast cancer survivorsMake informed decisions about hormones at any ageReframe menopause as a powerful life transition, not a declineResources MentionedEstrogen Matters — Avrum Bluming & Carol TavrisThe New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire HaverYou Are Not Broken — Dr. Kelly CaspersonResearch on vaginal estrogen safety in breast cancer survivorsEmerging data on estrogen, Alzheimer’s risk, and brain healthFollow Dr Mary Claire Haverhttps://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/Dr Kelly Caspersonhttps://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Dr Vonda Wrighthttps://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/ Gina Jeffreyshttps://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/ Dr Shauna Wattshttps://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:41 - About the Host00:00:54 - Part Two: Menopause Mashup00:01:50 - Understanding Menopause and Mental Health00:03:16 - Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline00:04:19 - Hopes for Future Medical Training00:06:15 - Misconceptions about Menopause00:07:20 - Testosterone and Menopause00:10:56 - Vaginal Hormones and Menopause00:14:30 - Audience Questions00:15:16 - Menopause and Evolution00:17:18 - Hormones and Osteoporosis00:19:23 - Hormone Replacement in Older Age00:20:41 - Hormone Replacement and Breast Cancer00:26:06 - Vaginal Estrogen Sensitivity00:27:42 - Risks of Not Going on HRT00:31:16 - Recommended Resources for Menopause Literacy00:32:43 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement00:33:28 - Addressing Women Who Can't or Don't Want to Take HRT00:37:10 - Building Muscle for Better Health00:41:12 - The Importance of Optimizing Sleep00:45:17 - The Role of Nutrition in Menopause00:45:38 - Importance of Nutrition and Dietary Choices00:49:07 - Alcohol Consumption and Menopause00:52:48 - Social Interaction and Menopause00:54:52 - Medical Help for Menopause Symptoms00:55:38 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement00:56:47 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Sharing Experiences00:57:22 - Empowerment and Confidence in Menopause 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.