The Hotflash inc podcast 199: Is menopause really hurting your brain?
In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dr Sarah McKay, Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author of The Female Brain Book, and founder of the Neuroscience Academy.
This is a powerful, nuanced conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and what’s being exaggerated online. Grounding, clarifying and deeply reassuring.
If you’ve been worried about your brain in midlife, this episode is for you.
The Hotflash inc Summit All Access Pass
https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-pass
Coming Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy
https://hotflashinc.com
Thank you to our sponsor:
Phosis – Use code HOTFLASHINC for 15% off
https://phosis.com
Founded by Susan Campbell, Phosis is clinically proven, exceptionally clean skincare created specifically for dry, perimenopausal skin.
What we explored this episode:
07:15 – Cognitive load, smartphones & the myth of “midlife decline”
18:40 – Brain restructuring during menopause: adaptation vs degeneration
27:30 – “The brain eats itself” – what the mouse study actually showed
39:10 – Dementia risk: incidence vs prevalence explained clearly
44:30 – Absolute vs relative risk
58:20 – Hormone sensitivity, the pill & depression research
Memorable quote:
“We absolutely must report absolute risk.”
Fact check:
- Dr. Pauline M. Maki leads NIH-funded research on women’s cognitive/mental health and how sex hormones and reproductive transitions affect well-being.
- Dr Susan R. Davis is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow (since 2007) and Director of the Women’s Health Research Program at Monash University (School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine).
- TGA = Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government regulator for medicines, medical devices, and biologicals.
Connect with our guest:
Website: https://drsarahmckay.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay
Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:
Web: hotflashinc.com
Newsletter: Hotflash inc. on Substack
TikTok: @hotflashinc
Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc
Episode website: Hotflashinc
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack
See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information