31 - Could it be perimenopause? How hormones influence the brain

Many women reach their 40s and start feeling different. They find themselves more anxious, tired, forgetful or prone to migraines, without realising these are often early signs of perimenopause. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Mariza Snyder, a functional medicine doctor and hormone specialist, about how to recognise the subtle and often overlooked symptoms of hormonal change. They discuss how fluctuating levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can influence mood, cognition and sleep, and why these shifts can trigger or worsen migraines. The conversation also covers the importance of hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle strategies in restoring balance and protecting long-term health. This episode helps women connect the dots between how they feel and what their hormones are doing, offering clarity, reassurance and practical next steps. LET'S CONNECT   Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor  Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/ Instagram 👉   / @drlouisenewsonpodcast   Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/  LinkedIn 👉     / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/  TikTok 👉   / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson  Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg  LEARN MORE  Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson  Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause   Learn more about Dr Mariza and buy her book 👉 https://drmariza.com/