32: Taming the Havoc Hormones Have on Your Mental Health with Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich

Hormonal fluctuations are a normal part of a woman’s life—but for many, they can wreak havoc on our mood, cognition, and overall mental wellbeing. Despite the profound impact hormones can have on our psychological state, the conversation is often overlooked or misunderstood in the workplace.In this episode, we're joined by Caroline Gurvich to explore the powerful connection between hormones and mental health across the lifespan. From PMS to menopause, Caroline will unpack how our biology affects our brain function, emotional regulation, and mental resilience.Caroline’s biography:Caroline Gurvich is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychiatry at Monash University. She is also the Deputy Director of HER Centre Australia, Head of the “Cognition and Hormones Group" and Chair of the Victorian College of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Caroline has over 120 publications that have contributed to a better understanding of cognition in mental health and mental illness.In this episode, we dive deep into answering the following thorny questions.0:00 - Intro02:45 - Caroline’s journey to become a clinical neuropsychologist03:45 - What are hormones and how do they affect the brain05:30 - What happened when hormones cause havoc on our bodies10:20 - Are the symptoms of hormone fluctuations the same in normal physiology and when things go wrong12:00 - The impact of contraceptive pills on our mental health14:30 - Do men experience similar effects from hormone fluctuations16:00 - How does menopause impact women in the workplace19:00 - What can women do to navigate the menopause transition more easily25:00 - what can workplace do to support the employee26:00 - how can a male manager support female employees28:32 - how does hormones impact pregnant employees or new mum.33:15 - what is the role of hormone replacement therapy36:45 - what is the role of diet and supplements to improve brain health38:45 - The evidence behind mindfulness and therapy to improve cognition46:00 - Can Menopause have a positive impact on women48:30 - Does hormone fluctuations impact neurodiverse individual differently53:30 - Are individuals with mental illness more vulnerable to menopause55:40 - What is the first step if you are concerned about hormones impacting your mental health58:10 - What is Caroline’s one wellbeing practice

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