Menopause Conversations

Why Am I So Foggy? Your Brain in Menopause

Struggling with memory lapses, brain fog, or feeling like you’re losing your edge during menopause? In this empowering episode of the Menopause Conversations podcast, host Angela Counsel explains why these symptoms are common—and what you can do about them. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience and her own experiences, Angela reveals that your brain isn’t breaking down—it’s upgrading.Discover the real reason behind menopausal brain fog as Angela compares the brain’s hormonal rewiring to a chaotic home renovation. She unpacks how the communication between your brain, ovaries, and adrenal glands shifts during this transition, and what that means for your focus, decision-making, and emotional clarity.Angela also explores practical, science-based strategies to support your brain:🧠 Foods that nourish cognition💤 How sleep flushes out toxins🚫 Why alcohol disrupts brain repair📅 Life-saving tools like sticky notes & calendar remindersPlus, she highlights research from leading experts Dr. Lisa Mosconi (The Menopause Brain) and Dr. Louann Brizendine (The Upgrade), showing that women don’t lose intelligence through menopause—in fact, they gain wisdom.This episode is a must-listen for women in business or leadership roles who want to thrive through the menopause transition. Free Resource:🎓Menopause Brain Masterclass + Smart Woman’s Brain Boost GuideShare This Episode:If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or colleague navigating this same stage of life. Let’s keep the Menopause Conversation going!

Is It Really Menopause… or Something Else?

In this insightful episode, Angela unpacks a powerful truth: not every symptom you’re experiencing is automatically “just menopause.” From brain fog and weight gain to low energy and hair loss, many of the signs we blame on hormones might have deeper underlying causes.Is the shift in your hormones the cause of your symptoms or triggering some of the symptoms that your hormones were previously masking from other underlying issues?Angela explores:How thyroid dysfunction (including subclinical issues) may be flying under the radar.The role of nutrient deficiencies like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.Why insulin resistance and that stubborn “meno belly” are often overlooked.The impact of chronic stress and high cortisol on digestion, hormones, and weight.Practical lifestyle shifts for reducing internal stress and supporting your body naturally.This is a must-listen if you’ve ever been dismissed, told “it’s just your age” or just intuitively know something is not quite right. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what else to check, plus empowering steps you can take to feel like yourself again. Get some answers to questions you have probably been asking for a while now.📘 Download Angela's free eBook: Thriving in Menopause🎧 Related Episodes: Nutrient SeriesMagnesiumIronCalciumZinc📝 Rate & Review if this episode resonates—help more women get the support they deserve.

Having a Plan for your Health

Do You Have a Health Plan for Midlife and Beyond?You have a business plan. You have a financial plan. But what about a health plan?In this episode of the Menopause Conversations podcast, Angela poses one of the most important — and overlooked — questions midlife women need to ask themselves:Do I have a plan for my health as I age?With honesty and insight, Angela dives into the concept of health span vs. lifespan, and there’s a difference you probably haven't considered. Most women begin to experience a noticeable health decline around the age of 63 BUT that doesn't have to be your reality.She explores the everyday symptoms so many women brush off or tolerate — brain fog, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain, aches and pains, hot flushes, rising blood pressure or cholesterol — and explains how these are signals your body is out of balance, not just inevitable signs of aging.You’ll also hear:The real reason symptoms only show up once the body is already under stress.What movement does to your brain and hormones (and why you need more of it).How simple, sustainable choices — from better food to fresh air — can help you thrive.An honest question to ask yourself about where you want to be in 6 months, 1 year… or even 5 years?Angela shares her personal story of slipping out of balance earlier this year, how she found her way back through consistency and mindset shifts, and how you can do the same — without overhauling your entire life.This episode is your invitation to stop putting your health last, and start building the future you want to live in.Grab your free guide: Thriving in Menopause

When Pushing Through Just Stops Working - How Menopause Impacts Women in Business and Leadership

Welcome to Series 5 of Menopause Conversations with your host Angela Counsel! After a short break, we're back—and this season, we're diving deep into a topic that is not talked about enough: the impact of menopause on women running businesses, leading teams, and holding corporate roles.In this powerful opening episode, Angela shares personal stories and expert insights on how hormonal shifts affect your brain, energy, confidence, and ability to show up in your work. She explains why symptoms like brain fog, disrupted sleep, and burnout aren't just "part of the deal"—and what you can do to take back control.Angela introduces the idea of becoming the CEO of your health, with real, actionable strategies to help you thrive both personally and professionally during menopause. Learn why your schedule, energy cycles, and even the way you eat and move might need a reset—and how aligning your lifestyle with your biology can change everything.✨ Whether you're a business owner, leader, or career-driven woman navigating midlife, this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Download your free Smart Woman’s Brain Boost Guide here 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.📺 Now streaming live weekly on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube!

2024 and The Changes in Conversations Around Menopause

This year has marked a significant shift in how menopause is perceived and discussed, both globally and in our region. We've witnessed a great move towards openness and support.In Australia we have seen a Senate inquiry into perimenopause and menopause, resulting in 25 recommendations aimed at better supporting women. In New Zealand, we’ve seen organisations like Gender at Work being instrumental in promoting menopause awareness and celebrating World Menopause Day on October 18, 2024, with resources designed to smash stigma and highlight support options.Globally, high-profile women like Michelle Obama, Naomi Watts, Halle Berry & more, have been candid about their menopause journeys, further normalising the conversation and advocating for increased research and education on menopause. In addition to this, we talk through some other key highlights including:Menopause-inclusive workplace initiatives in New Zealand and beyond.Breakthrough research on hormone therapy and its impact on health.Lifestyle Implications and the role of active lifestyles in managing menopause symptoms.Personal wins, challenges, and reflections from our host, including the success of the embrace Program.The M Factor Movie. A couple of great books to explore to support your menopause transition & symptoms.As we wrap up the year, I encourage you to reflect on your wins and lessons learned. We tend to focus on what we didn’t achieve or what went wrong, but let’s focus on what you did do really well, what lessons you learned even if through challenging times and what has this led you to do differently? What are you ready to leave behind in 2024, and what are your goals for 2025?🎧 Listen now and celebrate the journey with us.Want to learn more? Join my upcoming FREE workshop on the Secret to Thriving in Menopause without HRT. Register at bit.ly/thrivemenopauseFollow me on social media - Facebook or https://www.instagram.com/angelacounsel