In this solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely kicks off a new season of the Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast with a powerful conversation about the evolving landscape of menopause care. She reflects on how the conversation has shifted from merely tolerating symptoms to embracing whole-person, life-course care that values women well beyond their reproductive years. This is not just about hot flashes and fractured sleep—it's about asking what matters most to each woman and supporting her unique priorities.
Dr. Fiona tackles one of the most unsettling symptoms of perimenopause: brain fog. Drawing on research from Lisa Mosconi and Roberta Brinton, she explains that while brain fog feels frightening, it is actually a sign of the brain's adaptation and resilience, not a verdict on cognitive decline. She reassures listeners that cognitive performance does not significantly decline during the transition, and that the brain often stabilizes and rebounds post-menopause.
The episode also addresses the latest data on HRT, dispelling outdated fears and clarifying that informed choice is not dangerous—but dismissal is. Dr. Fiona emphasizes that there is no automatic expiration date on HRT and that continuing therapy beyond age 65 can be appropriate for persistent symptoms or quality of life concerns.
Finally, she shares her excitement about the upcoming fall enrollment of the Menopause Doula Certification: a program that trains women in Dr. Lovely's methods to support others through the transition with education, advocacy, and compassionate validation.
This episode is a rallying cry for women to ask better questions, seek better care, and embrace the decades ahead with confidence and clarity.
Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:
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Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.
How to work with Dr. Lovely:
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Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely
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