Come As You Are From Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor: Decoding Brain Fog
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Oct 7, 2025 Dr. Caroline Gurvich, an Associate Professor and clinical neuropsychologist at Monash University, dives into the intricacies of how menopause affects cognitive health. They discuss the prevalence of brain fog in perimenopausal women and explore how estrogen influences memory and focus. Dr. Gurvich highlights the importance of lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and cognitive training to mitigate these effects. The conversation also emphasizes how to navigate cognitive concerns in the workplace and the role of social connections in maintaining brain health.
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Personal Perimenopause Wake-Up Call
- Dr. Elizabeth Poynor described sudden depression and anxiety at 43 that led her to discover she was in perimenopause.
- She found that none of her clinicians suggested perimenopause until her mother pointed it out, delaying help.
Midlife Care Falls Between Specialties
- Midlife women's health knowledge is fragmented across specialties and poorly covered in training.
- This gap makes it hard for patients and many clinicians to find clear, integrated guidance.
Hormone Fluctuations Drive Brain Fog
- Perimenopause spans 4–10 years with estradiol fluctuations that produce cognitive symptoms in many women.
- Symptoms include word-finding trouble, forgetfulness, and executive-function decline.