The menopause transition can give a smorgasbord of brain-based symptoms that, for some women, can be debilitating. On the podcast today we’re going to find out exactly what’s going on with our brain during this time with Australian-based, Kiwi born, neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay. Sarah is the director of The Neuroscience Academy, which offers professional development training in applied neuroscience and brain health. The best thing, she makes it easy to understand and considers recent scientific developments in the process. In this powerful and insightful discussion I chat with her about:

• Gender equality and how medical sciences are adjusting. Plus the impact and change that has on research and questions currently being explored within neuroscience.

• Pregnancy and motherhood through the lens of neuroscience and positive upsides that carry through to midlife.

• HRT culture, past and present. Hindsight and better understanding of past research, alongside how it can assist women who are currently going through symptoms in midlife.

• How the brain adapts as we settle into the midlife phase and the physiological changes we experience in our body.

• Influences of melatonin, adrenaline, oestrogen and progesterone in the neuroscience realm.

• The importance of sleep. How much it impacts so many cognitive functions and brain abilities, especially in midlife.

• Genetics and breaking the cycle by investing in your health and wellbeing.

It is clear from this conversation that Sarah is an insight of knowledge and wisdom. I encourage you to find out more about her work through her books The Women's Brain Book — The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness and Baby Brain — the surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better).

You can also visit Sarah on her website and Instagram to find out more.

You can also find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1 

Register for the Masterclass - ‘How to go from ‘surviving to thriving’ during the menopause transition and beyond’ -  www.joclarkcoaching.com/thrive

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.