BONUS: Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women's Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

BONUS: Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women's Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Author: Everyday Wellness™ January 19, 2026 Duration: 58:39
I am delighted and honored to interview Dr. Lisa Mosconi today. She is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Cornell Medicine and Director of the Women's BRAIN Initiative and the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a globally acclaimed neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and nuclear medicine and the author of the New York Times bestseller The XX Brain and, more recently, The Menopause Brain. In our conversation, we discuss how women’s brains change during perimenopause and menopause, looking at the significance of puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the lack of medical research on women and medical gaslighting. We explore the concept of bikini medicine and its misconceptions regarding women's health and hormones, alongside the crucial roles of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in our neuroendocrine system. Dr. Mosconi also provides insights into evolving menopausal treatments, including lifestyle interventions.  Dr. Mosconi is an esteemed figure in neuroscience and a prominent voice in women's health. I am confident you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from my discussion with her today. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How women's brains change during perimenopause and menopause How the lack of information for young girls can lead to medical gaslighting and confusion during perimenopause Dr. Mosconi explains how a simple sugar is used as a tracer to track glucose metabolism in the brain during perimenopause Why brain changes during menopause may lead to mental fatigue and brain fog How the lack of training and research on menopause in medical residency programs leads to a poor understanding among clinicians Why women need to consider their brain and metabolic health during perimenopause Why estrogen is essential after menopause The benefits of HRT for menopausal women How stress impacts hormone production Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Lisa Mosconi On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ The Menopause Brain

Navigating the changes that come with midlife can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be a solo journey. Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ is a conversation grounded in evidence and empathy. Host Cynthia Thurlow brings her perspective as a nurse practitioner and a woman in this life stage, translating complex science into practical strategies. With over 25 years in health and wellness, including a widely-viewed TEDx talk on intermittent fasting, she connects the dots between hormones, metabolism, and long-term vitality. This podcast delves into the nuanced realities of perimenopause and beyond, moving past generic advice to explore personalized nutrition, sustainable fitness for changing bodies, and managing sleep and stress. It’s a resource for anyone seeking to understand the *why* behind their symptoms and find actionable steps that fit into a real, busy life. The discussions are direct, informed by the latest research, and focused on empowering women to advocate for their own health. Tune in for honest dialogues that replace confusion with clarity and foster a sense of community around shared experiences.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+
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