Estrogen Was My MVP… and Then SHE Got Benched

I don’t know about you, but fall is my absolute favorite season. The changing leaves, pumpkins everywhere—it just feels magical. And the crisp air… well, everywhere except the greater Phoenix valley. (Out here, we’re still waiting for sweater weather!)

But what I really love? Fall marks the beginning of football season. There’s just nothing like a Saturday filled with college football, tailgating snacks, and cheering your team to victory with fellow fans.

The funny thing is, I can remember the score from last weekend’s game… but sometimes I can’t remember why I just walked into the kitchen. Have you ever had those moments?  Like you’re about to make a game-winning play, and then “poof” your brain drops the ball?

That’s brain fog and it hits hard in perimenopause and menopause.

Here’s the play-by-play:

Estrogen is like the team captain of your brain, boosting memory, focus, and verbal skills. She’s your MVP. The Peyton Manning of your neural network.

But during this stage of life, estrogen starts benching herself randomly and skips practices until she eventually retires off into the sunset.

And when your MVP is MIA, the whole team scrambles.

So if you're forgetting names, misplacing keys, or rereading the same sentence three times… you’re not losing it. Your brain's just adjusting to a new lineup.

Here’s how to support your team:

• Move the body, wake the brain: Even a 10-minute walk increases circulation and clears the cobwebs.

• Use your bench: Sticky notes, phone reminders, journals because every good team uses tools.

• Timeouts matter: Breathwork or short meditations give your brain space to recover and reset.

• Feed the players: Protein, healthy fats, and hydration help your brain stay in the game.

You don’t need to memorize plays, but you do need a new strategy. One that works with your body, not against it.

So if your brain is playing defense lately, that’s okay. You’ve got the tools, the training, and a coach in your corner.

Let’s build your mental game plan together because your MVP might be changing, but the team is still strong.