I have expereinced menopause, brain fog, and energy crashes. I recently gained a little more insight on these symptoms when I attended a powerful screening of The M Factor Movie. It was a documentary on menopause hosted by Phitcetera. As a nutritional consultant, I expected to walk away with insights. I didn’t expect to have a personal wake-up call.
Menopause changes everything – especially brain health.
But for women like me, who’ve had concussions, strokes, or other health crises, the question gets more complicated: Is this menopause, or is it something else?
Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing.
Maybe you’ve fallen off a horse, taken a hit skiing, or been in a car accident. Even minor head injuries can cause long-term cognitive shifts. That means menopause doesn’t show up as a single, clear experience—it overlaps with past injuries, stress, and life history. Brain fog, exhaustion, struggling to find the right words—it all blends together.
The Science of Brain Health in Menopause
Here’s what we know for sure:
- Estrogen protects the brain. As levels drop in menopause, memory, focus, and mental clarity take a hit.
- Mitochondria—the energy factories of our cells—slow down. This leads to fatigue, sluggish thinking, and that “I need a nap by 2 PM” feeling.
- Blood sugar fluctuations affect mood and cognition. The more unstable your blood sugar, the worse the brain fog and irritability.
- Brain inflammation increases. Especially if past injuries or stress have already primed the brain for it.
But here’s the good news: neurogenesis—the brain’s ability to form new pathways—is still possible. You can rebuild and restore brain function, but it takes action.
Where Do You Go From Here?
If your brain feels slow, tired, or unreliable, don’t wait for it to get worse. Small, strategic changes make a difference:
- Test, don’t guess. Hormone and nutrient testing can reveal what’s really going on.
- Eat for your brain. Omega-3 fats, choline-rich foods (like eggs), and antioxidants protect brain cells.
- Hydrate right. Water alone won’t cut it—minerals like magnesium and sodium help your brain fire properly.
- Balance blood sugar. Protein, fiber, and healthy fats with every meal prevent energy crashes and brain fog.
- Move with intention. Gentle movement, especially yoga and breathwork, increases circulation to the brain.
Menopause isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a transition into wisdom, strength, and self-discovery. The key is giving your brain what it needs to keep up with the life you want.
I see you. I hear you. And if you’re ready to take real steps toward feeling better, I’m here to help. A 30 minutes could be the start of something life-changing.
