00:00 - Brain fog. Anxiety. Irritability. Trouble sleeping. Loss of motivation. If you’ve found yourself saying, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” there may be more happening beneath the surface than simply getting older. In this episode of The Vitalize Wellness Podcast, Dr. Georgia Nab and nurse practitioner Chelsea Nab explore the cognitive and emotional changes many women experience during perimenopause and menopause—and the role changing hormones may play. Georgia and Chelsea discuss why women may experience difficulty finding words, memory changes, anxiety, depression, irritability, disrupted sleep, and a loss of motivation or drive during this stage of life. They also explore the roles of progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, blood sugar, thyroid function, and key nutrients—and why looking at the whole person can be important when symptoms begin to appear. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder to advocate for yourself. When you don’t feel like yourself, the answer shouldn’t automatically be to dismiss your symptoms as aging. Understanding what has changed can help you and your healthcare professional determine what deserves a closer look. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 - “I don’t feel like myself.” Brain fog, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of motivation. 01:20 - Why women may dismiss these changes as simply “getting older.” 01:45 - Mood symptoms and why Georgia and Chelsea believe women sometimes need a deeper evaluation. 02:30 - Menopause isn’t only hormonal: how changing hormones can affect the brain and other systems throughout the body. 03:00 - Progesterone: anxiety, sleep, and some of the earliest changes women may notice. 04:15 - Hormone receptors in the brain and why hormonal changes can have effects beyond the reproductive system. 05:15 - Progesterone, GABA, and the brain’s calming pathways. 06:25 - Estrogen, serotonin, dopamine, mood, memory, and brain fog. 07:30 - Estrogen’s role in inflammation and why changing levels can affect how women feel. 08:15 - “You’re not going crazy.” Recognizing that these symptoms deserve attention. 08:45 - Hormone therapy: the different delivery methods Chelsea discusses with her patients. 10:05 - Looking beyond hormones: thyroid function and other factors that can affect how you feel. 10:30 - Estrogen, insulin sensitivity, blood sugar, and metabolic changes during menopause. 11:45 - Why labs matter: anemia, iron, B vitamins, and other factors worth evaluating. 12:15 - Sleep, movement, strength training, and taking a broader look at your health. 12:40 - Ferritin, iron, B vitamins, and why Georgia says testing is better than guessing. 14:05 - Supplements and botanicals Georgia discusses for blood sugar and stress support. 15:10 - The takeaway: advocate for yourself and look deeper when something doesn’t feel right. Brain fog, mood changes, anxiety, poor sleep, and loss of motivation can have many possible causes. If you’re experiencing them, the goal isn’t to assume one explanation—it’s to recognize that your symptoms are worth discussing and evaluating with a qualified healthcare professional. Your 1° of Change: If you haven’t had comprehensive labs recently, talk with your healthcare professional about whether testing is appropriate for you. Understanding what’s happening in your body can provide valuable context for the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your Path to Vitality: If you don’t feel like yourself, advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore whether there may be more contributing to your symptoms. Your path to vitality starts here. Like and subscribe to join us as we explore the truth about living well at every age. THE VITALIZE WELLNESS PODCAST Vitality Through Every Breath Hosted by Dr. Georgia Nab and Chelsea Nab, APRN MEDICAL DISCLAIMER The Vitalize Wellness Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared reflects general health and wellness education and should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Health needs, medical histories, medications, and treatment options vary from person to person. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, treatment, nutrition plan, or health-related program. Any products, services, treatments, or therapies discussed on this podcast are presented for educational purposes and are not intended as a guarantee of results or as a recommendation that they are appropriate for every individual. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention. © The Vitalize Wellness Podcast. All rights reserved.
