How Does Menopause Change Your Brain? A Deep Dive with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Better! with Dr. Stephanie

World-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi takes us on a profound exploration of menopause. Together with Dr. Stephanie, she delves into the intricate physiological and neurological changes that occur during the perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal phases.

In this episode, you will learn about the metabolic, vasomotor, and neurological shifts reshaping women's brains, unravelling the mysteries behind hot flashes, mood swings, and cognitive alterations. You will also discover the evolutionary significance of menopause and the vital roles grandmothers play in human communities.

From hormone replacement therapy nuances to empowering lifestyle interventions, this conversation offers invaluable insights for women navigating this transformative stage of life. Embark on a journey of understanding and empowerment, and gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of the female brain.

Episode Overview:

0:00 Intro/Teaser
5:04 Unveiling the Menopause Brain
15:08 The Neurological Impact of Menopause
34:41 Neuronal Development and Puberty
43:44 Pregnancy Brain Remodeling
51:26 Evolutionary Significance of Menopause
1:03:41 Neurological Changes Post-Menopause
1:04:39 Hormone Replacement Therapy Considerations
1:09:19 Estrogen and Progesterone Considerations
1:11:46 Types of Progestogens and Progestins
1:17:55 Hormone Options for Breast Cancer History
1:20:22 Limitations and Alternatives of Hormone Therapy
1:24:21 Future of Hormones: Designer Estrogens
1:24:33 Lifestyle Modifications and Clinical Trials
1:33:48 Exercise Routines and Preferences
1:34:58 Importance of Greens and Nutrients
1:39:20 Stress Reduction and Hormonal Balance

Bio:

Lisa Mosconi, PhD, is an associate professor of neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and the director of the Women’s Brain Initiative and the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. A world-renowned neuroscientist with a PhD in neuroscience and nuclear medicine from the University of Florence in Italy, Mosconi was listed as one of the seventeen most influential living female scientists by The Times and called “the Mona Lisa of Neuroscience” by ELLE International. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The XX Brain and Brain Food.

Website URL: https://www.lisamosconi.com/

Resources mentioned:

The Menopause Brain book - https://www.lisamosconi.com/the-menopause-brain
Menopause impacts human brain structure, connectivity, energy metabolism, and amyloid-beta deposition - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34108509/
Association of reproductive history with brain MRI biomarkers of dementia risk in midlife - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34732544/
More research - https://www.lisamosconi.com/research
Women’s Brain Initiative - https://neurology.weill.cornell.edu/research/womens-brain-initiative

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