Rewiring, Not Retiring: How Your Brain Transforms in Menopause with Dr Sarah McKay
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What if brain fog wasn’t a sign that you’re “losing it,” but proof that your brain is actually rewiring for the next chapter of your life? In this episode of The Midlife Feast, I sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay to unpack what’s really happening inside the menopausal brain.
From those word-finding freezes to nights interrupted by hot flashes, Dr. McKay offers an empowering look at how our brains adapt during this transition and why it’s not all bad news.
You'll Learn:
- Why hot flashes and night sweats can wreak havoc on memory and focus
- How midlife brains shift from segregated to more integrated networks
- Why brain fog is real, but not the same thing as dementia
- What actually helps with cognition (and why HRT isn’t always the full answer)
- How sleep, stress, and social connection support brain health in midlife
- Why humor might be one of the best tools for navigating change
Key Quotes:
“We’re only focusing on the deficits, but midlife brains also gain strengths and perspective.”
“So many symptoms come back to disrupted sleep. It’s not that your brain has failed you.”
“We need more humor in midlife. To stop being so pious and just laugh at the brain fog moments.”
📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause will be out on October 21st, 2025. Pre-order your copy today and help get the word out!
Connect with Dr. Sarah McKay:
Grab the Brain Health Books
Instagram: @drsarahmckay
Website: www.drsarahmckay.com
Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!
- Beating the Brain Fog of Menopause
- 5 Things My Sister Wants You to Know About Perimenopause
- When Mental Health Meets Menopause with Dr. Stephanie Bayliss ND
- Why Healthcare Needs to Break Up with Diet & Wellness Culture with Dr. Sylvi Martin
Thank you for listening!
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Learn how to support your menopause and midlife journey with some of my best tips and recipes.
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