Ep 418: The Menopause Brain with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Money touches everything in our lives — including our health. And women know there’s one topic that has long been ignored in American society, to the detriment of millions of women: menopause.

It’s a big deal. By 2030, 1 billion women worldwide will have entered (or will be about to enter) menopause and on average, medical costs for menopausal women ages 45 to 54 are 47% higher than they are for women of the same age who don’t exhibit menopause symptoms. Dr. Lisa Mosconi discusses her new book: “The Menopause Brain,” and explains how the transition impacts our brains and our lives.

In Mailbag, HerMoney Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Tuggle is back to answer some down-to-the-wire tax time questions: A listener asks how she should prioritize paying the IRS vs. a credit card bill, and we hear from someone who’s having trouble getting a W2 for her daughter’s summer job. In our news of the week, why we still feel so bad about the economy and how stars mentioning a brand can move the needle on Wall Street.

Takeaways:

• Menopause is a neuroendocrine transition state that impacts the brain as much as it does the ovaries.
• Neurological symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes and memory lapses, are a result of the brain's response to hormonal changes.
• Finding the right healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about menopause is crucial for receiving appropriate care.
• Workplaces should implement changes to support women going through menopause, such as flexible schedules and a culture of understanding and inclusiveness.
• Menopause can be a time of personal growth and new beginnings, and women should prioritize self-care and mental well-being during this stage of life.

Chapters:

00:00:00: Introduction and News of the Week

00:06:24: What is Menopause, Really?

00:08:25: Neurological Symptoms of Menopause

00:13:50: The Reshaping and Rewiring of the Brain During Menopause

00:18:36: Life Contentment and Menopause

00:20:22: Financial Costs of Menopause

00:25:57: Navigating Menopause in the Workplace

00:28:36: Second Adulthood and "Menno-Start"

00:31:31: Mailbag Segment Begins

00:35:15: Discussion on Tax Debt vs. Credit Card Debt

00:39:12: Filing Taxes Without a W-2 and Roth IRA Concerns

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