“Estrogen plays a powerful role in our brains and mental health, and its fluctuations during menopause can bring about significant changes.”  -Dr. Margaret Nachtigall 

This week on "AGE BETTER with Barbara Hannah Grufferman," we’re doing a ‘Menopause Cheat Sheet’ episode with insights from Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, a leading reproductive endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health and the Medical Director of Menopause Cheat Sheet newsletter. 

We dive deep into how menopause impacts your mental health—from mood swings and anxiety to the dreaded "brain fog." Dr. Nachtigall explains how the hormonal shifts during this time can affect your brain and neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are crucial for regulating mood. We also explore the connection between menopause-related depression and the increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Dr. Nachtigall shares actionable strategies to manage these symptoms, from hormone therapy to lifestyle changes that can make a real difference. Whether you’re struggling with sleep disturbances, stress, or changes in self-perception, this episode offers practical advice to help you navigate menopause with confidence and protect your mental well-being. 

TAKEAWAYS 

- Learn how fluctuations in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. 

- Discover how managing hormone levels with hormone therapy can alleviate mental health symptoms. 

- Understand the link between menopause-related depression and the increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

- Explore how chronic inflammation and cardiovascular changes can impact mental health during menopause. 

- Get practical tips on lifestyle changes and therapies that can help you manage menopause-related mental health challenges and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to take charge of your mental health during menopause and beyond. 

KEY LINKS: 

Watch an earlier episode focusing on inflammation HERE.  

Read more on menopause and depression HERE. 

Read “The Menopause Brain” by Dr. Lisa Mosconi HERE.  

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Age Better podcast delves into a diverse range of topics, including finance, work, health, fitness, style, makeup, hair, nutrition, travel, relationships, sex, menopause and more. Each week, I'll bring you the latest insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice.  

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