Psychedelics 101 for Menopause: Myths, Mechanisms, Must-Knows Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD (Episode 241)

Sep 10, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Buckle up for a trip (pun intended) into the midlife brain. This week we sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley to connect the dots between cannabinoids, psychedelics, trauma, and the menopause transition. We cover CBD/THC for sleep, anxiety, pain, and inflammation; how the endocannabinoid system works, and how psychedelics like psilocybin act on serotonin pathways, reduce neuroinflammation, and promote neuroplasticity—potentially countering some brain changes seen with estrogen loss. We also dig into trauma (including why PTSD risk and expression differ by sex), the importance of set, setting, and skilled facilitation, who should not use psychedelics, the legal/clinical landscape, and much more. Curious about midlife brain health and whether these therapies are worth exploring? This one’s for you.

Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley is a neuroscientist with 12 years experience researching cannabis, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. Grace completed her PhD in Neuroscience at King's College London and currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at NWPharma Tech. She is the Research Director at Heroic Hearts Project, a charity that supports combat veterans with mental health challenges resulting from trauma and is also the founder of Hystelica, a community focused on understanding women's biology for safe and effective psychedelic use. In addition to her research and professional roles, she has served as an officer in the British Army Reserve. Dr. Blest-Hopley advocates for the therapeutic potential of these substances and strives to advance the field of psychedelic research. Her work contributes to promoting a better understanding of women's biology in relation to psychedelics. You can learn more about her and her work at hystelica.com

Learn More and Register for our 2026 Tucson Bike Camp: https://feisty.co/events/gravel-camp-x-bike-mechanic-school/

Join the Feisty Strong Barbell Club: https://feisty.co/strong-club/ and use code: STRONG2026 to save $50

Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause

Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099

Support our Partners:

Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/

Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/

Wahoo KICKR RUN: Use the code FEISTY to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/maTzL