September 26, 2025

Bitesize: The Hormone–Brain Connection: How to Protect Mood, Cognitive Health & Longevity | Kate Muir

18 minutes

Angela and Kate Muir look at the profound impact of perimenopause on women's mental health, particularly for those with a history of conditions like postpartum depression, who may be more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.

Kate explains the neurological changes during menopause using the analogy of "Inside Out" characters, highlighting how the decline of key hormones like oestrogen (joyful) and progesterone (calming) and the resulting increase in cortisol can lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and brain fog, severely affecting confidence and productivity

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Hormonal Sensitivity: Women with a history of mental health issues like postpartum depression are often more sensitive to the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause

The Brain's Hormonal Shift: The decline of oestrogen (linked to serotonin) and progesterone (calming) during menopause leaves hormone receptors empty, leading to increased cortisol

Under-Recognised Benefits of Testosterone: Beyond libido, testosterone is crucial for women's mental health, aiding in motivation, drive, and cognitive function

Holistic Support for Brain Health: Optimising nutrition (high protein), sleep hygiene (using micro-recoveries and supplements like L-theanine and phosphatidylserine), and specific exercises (compound lifts to increase BDNF) can significantly support brain health

TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS:

[0:22] -: Link Between Postpartum Depression and Perimenopause

[1:27] -: "Inside Out" Analogy for Hormonal Decline

[2:45] -: Mental Health Symptoms and Physical Effects

[7:47] -: Testosterone's Role Beyond Libido

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ABOUT THE HOST

Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine.

Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out.

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