Ladies, We Need To Talk
Perimenopause: why you can't think straight
Mar 10, 2025
Join Dr. Pauline Mackey, a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois, who specializes in the intersection of women's brains and hormones. Together with Yumi Stynes, they unravel the struggles of perimenopause, discussing how brain fog and mood swings are common yet misunderstood. Explore the effects of fluctuating hormones on memory and emotional health, discover the link between sleep disturbances and cognitive function, and learn valuable coping strategies to navigate this challenging phase of life.
27:00
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Quick takeaways
- Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can lead to significant cognitive impairments such as memory loss and difficulties concentrating.
- Emotional changes, including increased irritability and mood swings, are common as fluctuating estrogen levels reduce resilience to stress during this transition.
Deep dives
Impact of Hormonal Changes on Cognitive Function
The episode highlights how hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can significantly affect cognitive function, particularly in women. Many women experience symptoms like memory loss and difficulty concentrating due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Research indicates that approximately 40 to 60 percent of women report cognitive complaints during this transition, with memory issues being the most prevalent. This cognitive decline is linked to the ways hormonal changes interact with brain function, evidenced by studies showing that women undergoing surgical menopause and not receiving estrogen experience greater memory decline.
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