Menopause: The Complete Breakdown Women Deserve in 2026

Anxiety, brain fog, low mood, loss of confidence, and feeling “not like yourself” are some of the most common, and most misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts is joined by leading menopause experts to unpack the real science behind hormones, mental health, brain function, libido, bone health, and longevity, and why so many women are being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or under-treated during midlife.

This conversation cuts through fear-based messaging and outdated medical myths to explain what’s actually happening in the female brain and body, when hormone therapy helps, when it doesn’t, and what every woman deserves to know before making decisions about her health.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand why anxiety and depression spike in perimenopause and why hormones, not SSRIs, are often the correct first-line treatment
• Explain how estrogen stabilises the brain and why hormonal fluctuations drive mood changes and brain fog
• Separate fact from fear around menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT)
• Learn when SSRIs may be appropriate — and when they’re not
• Understand the role of testosterone in female libido, muscle, mood, and confidence
• Protect your bones, muscles, brain, and cardiovascular health long-term
• Bust common myths about vaginal estrogen safety, including in breast cancer survivors
• Make informed decisions about hormones at any age
• Reframe menopause as a powerful life transition, not a decline

Resources Mentioned

• Estrogen Matters — Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris
• The New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire Haver
• You Are Not Broken — Dr. Kelly Casperson
• Research on vaginal estrogen safety in breast cancer survivors
• Emerging data on estrogen, Alzheimer’s risk, and brain health

Follow Dr Mary Claire Haver

https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/
Dr Kelly Casperson

https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/

Dr Vonda Wright

https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/

Gina Jeffreys

https://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/

Dr Shauna Watts

https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:41 - About the Host

00:00:54 - Part Two: Menopause Mashup

00:01:50 - Understanding Menopause and Mental Health

00:03:16 - Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline

00:04:19 - Hopes for Future Medical Training

00:06:15 - Misconceptions about Menopause

00:07:20 - Testosterone and Menopause

00:10:56 - Vaginal Hormones and Menopause

00:14:30 - Audience Questions

00:15:16 - Menopause and Evolution

00:17:18 - Hormones and Osteoporosis

00:19:23 - Hormone Replacement in Older Age

00:20:41 - Hormone Replacement and Breast Cancer

00:26:06 - Vaginal Estrogen Sensitivity

00:27:42 - Risks of Not Going on HRT

00:31:16 - Recommended Resources for Menopause Literacy

00:32:43 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement

00:33:28 - Addressing Women Who Can't or Don't Want to Take HRT

00:37:10 - Building Muscle for Better Health

00:41:12 - The Importance of Optimizing Sleep

00:45:17 - The Role of Nutrition in Menopause

00:45:38 - Importance of Nutrition and Dietary Choices

00:49:07 - Alcohol Consumption and Menopause

00:52:48 - Social Interaction and Menopause

00:54:52 - Medical Help for Menopause Symptoms

00:55:38 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

00:56:47 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Sharing Experiences

00:57:22 - Empowerment and Confidence in Menopause 

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.