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THE ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES
Dr. Mark DeBrincat
ENLIGHTENING and EDUCATIONAL...
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Dr. Mark DeBrincat answers your questions:
Q1: What are the most common signs of menopause?
Most women notice hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or irregular periods. These changes are natural — your body is simply shifting into a new phase. You are not alone, and there are gentle ways to ease these transitions.
Q2: At what age does menopause usually begin?
Menopause typically starts between ages 45 to 55, but everyone is different. It’s officially marked by 12 months without a period. Some women start earlier, and that’s perfectly okay too.
Q3: Can menopause affect my sleep and mood?
Yes — changes in estrogen can disrupt sleep, and emotional shifts are common. You may feel irritable, anxious, or unusually tired. But with support, rest strategies, and sometimes supplements or therapy, we can bring things back into balance.
Q4: What natural remedies or lifestyle changes can help?
Staying active, reducing caffeine and sugar, practicing breathing exercises, and taking certain herbal supplements like black cohosh or evening primrose can help. But it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting anything new.
Q5: Do I need hormone therapy?
Not always. Some women do well with natural support, while others benefit from HRT. It depends on your symptoms, history, and risk factors. Let’s have a thoughtful conversation and find what’s right for you.
Q6: Can menopause affect memory or concentration?
Yes, many women experience what's often called “brain fog” — difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue. This is linked to shifting hormone levels, especially estrogen, which supports brain function. It's common, and there are ways to support brain clarity through sleep, hydration, movement, and cognitive tools.
Q7: Is it normal to feel more anxious or depressed during menopause?
Absolutely. Hormonal fluctuations can impact mood-regulating brain chemicals like serotonin. This emotional rollercoaster can feel overwhelming, but it's not a personal failing — it's a brain-body shift. Therapy, support groups, gentle supplements, and even just sunlight and movement can help lift the fog.
Q8: How can I protect my brain health during menopause?
Feed your brain with Omega-3s, stay mentally active, get quality sleep, and limit alcohol or sugar. Dr. Mark often reminds women that midlife is a powerful time to re-center health — supporting the brain through lifestyle changes pays off for decades to come.
Q9: Are hot flashes connected to brain function?
Yes, in a way. Hot flashes are linked to how the brain regulates temperature — and hormonal shifts confuse that thermostat. It's not “just in your head,” it’s the brain adjusting to new chemical signals. Breathing techniques and cooling strategies can help calm the nervous system and reduce intensity.
Q10: Can menopause increase the risk of dementia or cognitive decline?
Research shows that estrogen plays a protective role in brain aging. While menopause itself doesn’t cause dementia, it can accelerate risks if other health issues go unaddressed. The good news is: staying active, eating well, and addressing sleep and mood changes early can help preserve brain vitality long-term.
Q11: Why do I feel like a different person since menopause started?
Hormonal changes don’t just affect the body — they influence brain chemistry, identity, and how you relate to the world. It’s normal to feel unfamiliar in your own skin. But this phase can also be a powerful opportunity for renewal, reflection, and redefining your sense of self with support.
Q12: Can mindfulness or meditation really help during menopause?
Yes — practices like meditation, deep breathing, and even gentle movement like tai chi have been shown to reduce hot flashes, calm anxious thoughts, and improve sleep. They also help regulate brainwaves and restore emotional balance, giving your nervous system a break from constant alertness.
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