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.
In this episode you'll learn:
➡️ Why your brain doesn't peak in your 20s
➡️ The truth about menopause brain fog
➡️ How estrogen influences memory, attention and cognition
➡️ Why many women are diagnosed with ADHD during perimenopause
➡️ The connection between hot flushes, anxiety and the nervous system
➡️ Whether hormone therapy can improve brain health
➡️ What white matter hyperintensities actually mean
➡️The biggest lifestyle factors that protect your brain as you age
➡️ Why hearing loss is an overlooked risk factor for dementia
➡️ Evidence-based ways to maintain a healthy brain for life
Whether 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.
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Follow Dr. Sarah McKay
https://drsarahmckay.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmmckay/
https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay/?hl=en
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Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247
Disclaimer: 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.
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Chapters
00:00 Why Your Brain Doesn't Peak at 25
01:15 Meet Neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay
02:25 The Biggest Myths About the Midlife Brain
10:26 What Is Brain Fog, Really?
16:07 Hormones and the Female Brain Explained
24:34 ADHD and Perimenopause: What's Happening?
31:28 Hot Flushes, Anxiety and the Nervous System
36:16 Are Hot Flushes Damaging Your Brain?
43:59 The Best Ways to Protect Your Brain Health
48:46 Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk
53:01 Loneliness, Brain Health and Healthy Aging
55:00 Why Women's Brain Health Needs Better Research
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Keywords
Menopause Brain Fog
Perimenopause Brain Fog
Dr Sarah McKay
Women's Brain Health
Menopause Symptoms
Midlife Brain
Brain Health for Women
ADHD and Menopause
Cognitive Flexibility
Hormones and the Brain
Estrogen Brain Health
Menopause Podcast
Women's Health Podcast
Neuroscience
Perimenopause Symptoms
Hot Flushes
Brain Fog Explained
Women's Hormones
Healthy Aging, Longevity
Dementia Prevention
Brain Health After 40
Women's Cognitive Health
Midlife Women's Health
Hormone Therapy
HRT
Memory Problems
Menopause Education
Women's Brain Book
Dr Shauna Watts
