Menopause Nurse Memo's
Join Vikki Ellison a menopause specialist nurse from Calm Menopause & Wellbeing Clinic each week for bite-sized conversations on perimenopause and menopause—designed to inform, reassure, and empower. In under 15 minutes, you’ll get clear, practical insights into everything from symptoms and treatment options to lifestyle tips and the latest evidence-based guidance. Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about this natural life stage, these short episodes cut through the noise with advice you can trust.
Menopause Nurse Memo's
What is brain fog and why does it happy during the perimenopause and menopause?
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of brain fog — that frustrating sense of mental cloudiness, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating that so many women experience during perimenopause and menopause.
Our guest experts unpack what’s really happening in the brain during this stage of life. They explain how hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone, can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine — chemicals that play key roles in memory, focus, and mood. We’ll also explore how other factors common in midlife, such as poor sleep, stress, and the demands of daily life, can intensify these symptoms.
Listeners will hear practical advice on how to manage brain fog — from lifestyle adjustments and nutrition to evidence-based treatments that support cognitive health. Most importantly, the episode helps normalise the experience, reassuring women that they are not “losing their minds” — their brains are simply responding to a major hormonal transition.
If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why, struggled to recall a word, or felt mentally “off” during menopause, this podcast will help you understand why — and what you can do about it.