Brain fog, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue can be frustrating during midlife. These resources explore how hormonal changes, sleep, stress, and overall health may influence cognitive functioning.

Recommended Book

• The Menopause Brain — Dr. Lisa Mosconi: Explores the relationship between menopause, hormones, memory, mood, and long-term brain health.

Podcasts & Educational Resources

• Women's Alzheimer's Movement at Cleveland Clinic: Education and research focused on women's brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

• The Menopause Society: Mental Health: Information about mood, memory, anxiety, and emotional well-being during menopause.

• Hello Menopause! Podcast — "Menopause and the Female Brain": A conversation exploring cognitive changes and brain health during menopause.

Supporting Your Cognitive Health

Our colleagues at PATH Neuropsychology recommend several strategies for supporting cognitive functioning during midlife:

• Engage in regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training.

• Prioritize balanced nutrition and cardiovascular health.

• Support restorative sleep and address ongoing sleep disturbances.

• Seek support for depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and burnout.

• Pay attention to cognitive changes that worsen or interfere with daily functioning.

While some cognitive changes are common during menopause, persistent or worsening difficulties may benefit from additional evaluation. Neuropsychological assessment can help identify contributing factors, clarify cognitive strengths and challenges, and provide individualized recommendations.

Recommended Books

• You Are Not Broken — Dr. Kelly Casperson: A sex-positive exploration of sexual health, desire, pleasure, and hormones.

• The Menopause Moment — Dr. Kelly Casperson: A guide to understanding menopause, hormonal health, and advocating for informed healthcare decisions.

Podcasts & Educational Resources

• You Are Not Broken Podcast — Dr. Kelly Casperson: Conversations about sexual wellness, hormones, intimacy, and relationships.

• Celebrate Muliebrity Podcast — Michelle Lyons: Conversations exploring pelvic health and women's physical well-being throughout life.

Nutrition, exercise, and strength training play important roles in maintaining health and quality of life throughout menopause. These resources offer practical guidance for supporting energy, muscle strength, bone health, and overall wellness.

Recommended Book

• The Menopause Diet Plan — Hillary Wright, MEd, RDN & Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD: A practical guide to nutrition during menopause, emphasizing balanced eating habits and long-term health.

Podcasts & Educational Resources

• The Menopause Diet Plan Blog: Nutrition education and practical guidance for eating well during menopause.

• Bone Health & Resistance Training Podcast: A recommended listening resource discussing osteoporosis, osteopenia, and the role of strength training in maintaining bone health.

Midlife can bring changes that extend far beyond hormones. Relationships, identity, caregiving responsibilities, boundaries, and personal priorities may all shift during this stage of life. These resources offer opportunities for reflection, connection, and growth.

Recommended Books

• Broken Open — Elizabeth Lesser: Explores how challenging life experiences and transitions can become opportunities for personal growth.

• A Gift to Myself — Charles Whitfield: A resource for exploring self-worth, emotional healing, and reconnecting with your authentic self.

• Codependent No More — Melody Beattie: Examines relationship patterns, boundaries, and developing a stronger sense of self.

• The New Rules of Marriage — Terry Real: Practical insights into communication, relationship dynamics, and building stronger partnerships.

• Hagitude — Sharon Blackie: A reflective exploration of aging, identity, and the possibilities of the second half of life.

Podcasts & Educational Resources

• Where Should We Begin? — Esther Perel: Real conversations about relationships, communication, emotional connection, and relational challenges.

• Rock Your Midlife Podcast — Dr. Ellen Albertson: Conversations about personal growth, health, and navigating the transitions of midlife.

• The Midlife Whisperer Blog: Articles exploring emotional well-being, personal growth, and finding fulfillment during midlife.

Understanding menopause also means understanding the larger conversations happening around women's healthcare, medical research, and societal attitudes toward aging. These resources offer opportunities to explore emerging science and stay informed.

Articles & Research

• The New York Times: Middle-Aged Women and Invisibility: An opinion piece examining societal perceptions of middle-aged women.

• The New York Times: Menopause and Women's Healthcare: An opinion piece addressing menopause and women's experiences within healthcare.

• JAMA Research Article: Medical research relevant to women's health and menopause.

• Nature: The Missing Pieces of Menopause Science: An examination of gaps in menopause research and the need for a deeper understanding of perimenopause.

Podcasts & Ongoing Education

• UnPaused with Dr. Mary Claire Haver: Conversations about menopause, hormonal health, and women's well-being.

• The Menopause Society: Follow @menopause_society on Instagram for menopause education, research updates, and information about healthy aging.

Sometimes education is just the beginning. If you're experiencing symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, or simply want individualized guidance, connecting with a qualified professional can help you better understand your options.

The Menopause Care Collective brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to support women through the physical, emotional, and relational changes of midlife.

Finding Professional Support

For sex and libido support: Julie Labanz
For mental health and relationship support: Maria Bertrand
For nutrition support: Lisa Andrews
For psychiatric and menopause support: Dr. Deb Amann
For pelvic health and physical therapy: Dr. Michelle Koval
For primary care and menopause management: Ronda Lehn
For gynecological and hormone-related support: Dr. Heather Hilkowitz
For cognitive health and neuropsychological support: Dr. Audrey Greene & Dr. Shawna Jacob