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 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.

-----------------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