Dopamine, motivation, and novelty

Menopause doesn’t just change your body.

It changes how you think, how you feel, and how you see yourself.

For so many women, that shift shows up as brain fog, exhaustion, lost motivation, or a quiet fear that something is “wrong,” even when nothing is.

In this episode, Tamsen is joined by Dr. Mindy Pelz, functional medicine expert and bestselling author of Fast Like a Girl and her new book Age Like a Girl, to break down what’s actually happening in the female brain during menopause and why understanding it can be empowering instead of frightening.

They explore how menopause rewires the brain, why motivation and clarity can disappear seemingly overnight, and how metabolic health and fasting play a role in supporting brain function during this transition.

They discuss:

- Why menopause is a neurological shift, not a mental decline

- What’s really behind brain fog, low motivation, and emotional changes

- How fasting supports brain health during menopause

- The role of insulin, blood sugar, and metabolic health

- Why dopamine and motivation work differently after 40

- How to restore clarity, energy, and confidence

- Practical tools women can use to support their brains in midlife

This conversation reframes menopause as a transition into clarity, self-trust, and power,  not something to fear or push through.

If you’ve felt different in your body or mind, questioned your energy, or wondered why the old rules no longer work, this episode offers science, reassurance, and a completely new way to understand what your brain is doing and why.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of menopause, concrete tools to support your brain, and relief in knowing that you’re not broken, you’re rewiring.

Watch full video episodes HERE

Get Tamsen’s new book, How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before

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Read her book, Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy 

This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit www.joinmidi.com/tamsen today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.

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