About this episode

Dr Shauna Watts and Dr Sarah McKay discuss the effects of menopause on women's brain health and debunk common myths.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Shauna Watts

Guest: Dr Sarah McKay

Topics covered

• menopause
• brain fog
• cognitive health
• hormone therapy
• neuroscience
• women's health

Keywords

• menopause
• brain fog
• ADHD
• hormone therapy
• cognition
• estrogen
• memory
• anxiety

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Women's Brain Book

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• The Midlife Health Checks Every Woman Should Ask For · June 21, 2026 · 38 min
• What Doctors MISS About Women 10+ Years After Menopause · June 14, 2026 · 25 min

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