Why Parenthood Literally SHRINKS Your Brain (The Science is Wild)

In this episode, Dr. Morgentaler and Dr. Brandon talk about how new research on "mom brain" and "dad brain" suggests parents experience brain changes after childbirth—once thought adaptive for bonding, but possibly tied more to sleep loss and stress—raising important questions about how science interprets these shifts. 00:14 Exploring Mom Brain and Dad Brain – Discussing how parenting may shrink brain volume and what that means for bonding. 04:52 The Impact of Sleep on Parenting – Looking at how sleep loss, not biology alone, may explain brain changes in new parents. 12:09 The Importance of Sleep – Highlighting how disrupted sleep affects brain health, mood, and long-term functioning. 12:38 Testosterone and Sexual Behavior – Breaking down how testosterone levels influence libido and relationship dynamics. 17:38 Risks of High Testosterone and Steroid Use – Addressing the dangers of anabolic steroid misuse, from infertility to health decline. With Dr. Abraham Morgentaler and Dr. Marianne Brandon Listen to the podcast on all of your favorite platforms: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ec/podcast/the-sex-doctors/id1761813985?l=en-GB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0apSFzquJXKoOGnmI6ndgT?si=e5a1e482c7ca46c7 Find us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesexdoctors?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesexdoctors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesexdoctorspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesexdoctor LinkedIn (Dr. Abraham): https://www.linkedin.com/in/abraham-morgentaler-md-81628b6 LinkedIn (Dr. Marianne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513 X (Dr. Abraham): https://x.com/DrMorgentaler X (Dr. Marianne): https://x.com/drbrandon #ParentingBrainChanges #SleepDeprivationEffects #TestosteroneMyths