In midlife, the female brain is re-wiring itself for a new role. We are changing from being life givers to light bringers. Wise women that get to educate and empower others. We are the teachers and the guides.
Midlife is a major restructuring phase. During perimenopause we are in our most unstable and most transformative stage of life. Our brain is re-wiring and remodeling every day as our reproductive hormones fluctuate. These hormones do not just occur in our ovaries, they are found in our brain as well. The hormones in our brain have huge roles. Estrogen is highly neuro-protective ( decreases brain fog and increases executive function) Progesterone is calming (anti-anxiety) . Testosterone bring a sense of self-assuredness and motivation.
A girls brain up until puberty is becoming clear on what she wants, what she likes. Ask a 7 year old girl if she likes chocolate or strawberry and she will tell you defiantly “Strawberry!” As we hit puberty our hormones shift to become focused on putting our preferences aside for the sake of others around us. That answer in a 13 year old sounds more like, I guess maybe strawberry and at age 19, she could wait until another person answers and then agree with them.
As we move into our 20’s and 30’s we are filled with estrogen and progesterone, not just in our body but in our brains. These hormones are chemical messengers in our brains that say ” I’m fine” “I don’t need to rock the boat” “It’s not worth upsetting others with my needs.”
This happens when we have more estrogen and progesterone. A pregnant woman goes from level 2,000 in amount of estrogen in her body to 0 ( ZERO!) after she gives birth. She is flooded with oxytocin so she can feel connected to her new baby and not reject it. She is still brought down to almost zero estrogen post birth, basically this woman is in menopause .. briefly.
Hence often the post partum, depression, rage, anxiety. That loss of sleep is not just the baby needing her, this is brief menopause brought on by super low estrogen.
The post partum body does bounce back and estrogen, progesterone, GABA, testosterone and DHEA re build and she is good to go once more ( sometimes with the aid of prescription meds )
Does it make sense why in the past you put your own interests and concerns aside in your 20’s, 30’s and perhaps beyond to simply keep things smooth in your environment? This rings so true for me!
As our periods become irregular in midlife, our hormones are fluctuating and declining.. we are in Perimenopause. We are losing our people pleasing and comfort hormones. We are forced to listen to ourselves and work with our bodies… or we stay in discomfort, pain and a state of instability.
One of these huge transformations is the biological hormone changes that happen for us. We start losing our “people pleasing” Progesterone hormone and start wondering.. “What do I want, what do I need?” Hence the increase in thoughts of changing or leaving our jobs, our marriages, how we regard our family members.
We also crave more connection. The female amygdala has more oxytocin receptors than the male amygdala. That is why it feel so good to gather with other females and share stories and events.
We also are low in our feel good hormones. With the reduction of estrogen in the brain comes a huge decline in your neuro-chemicals that lift your mood. We are low in serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin. Thus the food cravings, scrolling on our phones and wanting deeper connection from our family members.
Rhythmic movement ( bilateral stimulation) where you work both left and right sides of your body, soothe the brain, deliver a burst of motivating feel good hormones and actually strengthen you brain and decrease of alzheimers and dementia .
There is a reason and benefit for our brains going through these struggles and transformations: Our brains are “pruning” Dr. Lisa Mosconi, the worlds top female brain researcher & author of The Menopause Brain states: “The female brain is remarkable and it is getting rid of neurons ( brain cells) we no longer need, so we can make room for information and his is natural and backed by science.
This post is about understanding our female brains. So we can feel understood and less alone. If you are needing coaching with foods, movement, health habits .. set up a Free 20 min consult with me . CLICK HERE.
Below are game changing resources worth sharing with all other midlife women you know! I have listed podcasts and videos for you to empower yourself with.
We are overwhelmed with information on peri/menopause. It is my pleasure to weed through the junk mail and bring you the top research based, science backed resources on what is happening to your body in midlife. It is my mission to bring clarity and calm to women so they can feel stronger, understood and age powerfully.
Now scroll ⬇️ and click away. Make time to listen to these full episodes, in the order listed, you’re worth it!
- Dr. Mindy Pelz on “Know Thyself” Podcast : Why Midlife Feels So Disorienting ( and what it’s trying to tell you)
2. Dr. Lisa Mosconi on UnPaused with Dr. Mary Clare Haver. “Brain Fog, Memory & Alzheimer’s Risk during Menopause “
For when you need to know how to have more bandwidth to deal with your days and/or loved ones. Listen to Nervous System Strategist for High Achieving Women, Michelle Grosser on It’s About Time Podcast.
+ CLICK HERE for my cliff notes on this/ main take aways on this episode. https://burnbrightercoaching.com/get-more-done-daily-with-3-steps/
Dr. Wendy Suzuki TED TALK. What happens to our brains when we move rhythmically. The Brain Changing Benefits of Exercise.
Polyvagal Theory. How to work with your VAGUS NERVE to calm your body and get your mind to work for you, not against you.
NEEDING more guidance? CLICK HERE to schedule a 20 min Free Consult with Bre.