On a recent episode of The Day with Trae, Converge's signature Menopause Mentor, Danyale Thomas, tuned in to highlight the often-overlooked cognitive effects of menopause. For decades, women experiencing symptoms like insomnia, mood swings, and brain fog were often dismissed by healthcare providers, told that these issues were "all in their heads." Thomas explained that new scientific research is finally validating the experiences of countless women, confirming that "menopause brain" is very real.

Thomas highlighted recent findings from neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi. These studies, covered in The Washington Post, have revealed a reduction in gray matter volume in brain areas related to attention, concentration, language, and memory. The drop in estrogen levels, a hallmark of menopause, is linked to these cognitive changes. 

"Because the connectivity has changed, of course, the function changes, and it's all attributed to the fact that the estrogen declined," Thomas explained.

Holiday and Thomas tie these cognitive changes to their impact on the well-being of personal relationships. Thomas explained that many women and their partners struggle to navigate the changes that come with menopause. 

"So in relationships, sometimes partners who don't have the knowledge of what's actually going on, they're not as patient or as understanding," Thomas said, highlighting that misinterpretation of symptoms as signs of relationship issues can lead to increased strain and, in some cases, a higher likelihood of divorce. 

As for methods of mitigation of menopause symptoms, Thomson reiterated that managing menopause symptoms, at its core, requires a holistic approach.

"I've said it before; I'm saying it again: maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise helps with your mood. It helps with how you feel in your body," Thomas advised. She also emphasized adequate sleep and finding and establishing healthy routines before bed to get relaxed. She also highlighted the potential for supplements to manage stress, such as omega-three fatty acids, vitamin D, ginkgo biloba, and more.

"Stay positive and be patient," she encouraged.

As for any women feeling the effects of menopause and struggling, Thomas is providing community. Her group, "Mainstreaming Menopause," provides a safe space for women to share their experiences, support one another, and navigate the challenges of menopause together. Thomas noted that many women feel isolated as they go through these changes, often feeling that they are no longer the people they once were. 

"Finding a community that you feel supported in, that accepts that you are not who you used to be, and can help usher you through these spaces and sensitive places in your life, that is what is going on in Mainstreaming Menopause," Thomas said. "We make jokes, we talk about experiences, quitting jobs, wanting to cuss people out, being over a lot of things, but then also coming to a point of realization of our own power, and as we move through getting past how things are disruptive, how can we reset ourselves up for success? Who am I now in the world, and how can I move forward in this new way?"

For those interested in joining the conversation on menopause, Thomas invites women to connect with her and her group by emailing Mainstreamingmenopause@gmail.com or by joining the Mainstreaming Menopause group on Facebook.

To see more guest like Thomas, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.