Straight Up With Steph
Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life!
Straight Up With Steph
Ep 108: Brain Fog, Anxiety & Forgetfulness: The Menopause Brain Explained
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Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you were there, struggled to find a word you KNOW you know, or suddenly felt more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed than ever before?
If you're in perimenopause or menopause, there may be a very real reason your brain feels different.
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I’m joined again by Jules from Brain Body by Jules to break down what fluctuating hormones are actually doing to our brains during the menopause transition.
I also share my own experience with brain fog, anxiety, overstimulation, and cognitive changes—including the point when I genuinely worried I could be developing early-onset dementia.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What happens to the brain as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate
• Why perimenopause can affect memory, attention, focus, and decision-making
• The connection between hormones, GABA, anxiety, and irritability
• Why you may suddenly wake up feeling anxious for seemingly no reason
• Simple ways to calm and regulate your nervous system
• What “brain fog” actually means—and why it doesn’t necessarily mean your memory is failing
• Brain fog vs. cognitive changes that may warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider
• The potential role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Why advocating for yourself during the menopause transition matters
• Easy brain exercises you can use to challenge attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility
If your brain just doesn’t feel like YOUR brain anymore, this conversation may help you better understand what’s happening—and give you some practical ways to support yourself through it.
Share this episode with another woman who needs to hear that she isn’t the only one experiencing these changes.
Topics Discussed: perimenopause brain fog, menopause brain, menopause memory loss, perimenopause anxiety, menopause anxiety, estrogen and the brain, progesterone and anxiety, menopause cognitive changes, brain fog in women, hormone replacement therapy, HRT, women’s brain health
Ep 91: How to Train Your Brain for Better Focus, Memory & Mental Clarity
About Jules
Connect with Jules:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodybyjules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainbodybyjuless
Skool: https://www.skool.com/brainbodybyjules-9310
To watch on YouTube, click here
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
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