August 2026, India: In the latest episode of Menopause: It Was This All Along, hosted by Roshini Sanah Jaiswal, Oxford-educated neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay explores the profound neurological changes that occur during menopause and why many of its most common symptoms originate in the brain. She explains how fluctuating estrogen levels affect the brain’s temperature regulation, sleep, memory, focus and emotional wellbeing, often leading to symptoms such as night sweats, brain fog and difficulty finding words.
Drawing on the latest neuroscience research, Dr. McKay unpacks the difference between menopause-related cognitive changes and dementia, discusses the evolving evidence around hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and brain health, and highlights the lifestyle factors—from exercise and sleep to cardiovascular health and digital habits—that play a crucial role in protecting cognitive function during midlife. She also examines why menopause has long remained under-discussed and shares practical, evidence-based insights to help women better understand and navigate this important life transition.
