Lion’s Mane & the Female Brain

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through the seasons of womanhood, it’s that our brains are deeply influenced by our hormones. Whether it’s the rollercoaster of teenage years, the fog and fatigue of perimenopause, or the changes of menopause itself, so much of what we feel — focus, clarity, mood, energy — starts in the brain.

For me, it was during perimenopause that things really shifted. I’d always prided myself on being organised, creative, and full of energy, but suddenly I was foggy, anxious, and mentally scattered. I could feel my hormones changing — my body was talking to me loud and clear — and at the same time, I was navigating motherhood with a teenage daughter who wasn’t well. It was a lot.

I’d been using Lion’s Mane for years, but during that time, it became something I simply couldn’t live without. That period of my life is actually what inspired me to create Mama Shrooms, a blend that supports women through these hormonal transitions. I wanted something I could trust. Something that worked naturally with the body rather than against it. The blend also includes Cordyceps for energy and vitality, but today I want to talk about the real hero for the female brain: Lion’s Mane.

Lion’s Mane (hericium erinaceus) is often called “nature’s nutrient for the neurons”. It’s a beautiful, shaggy white mushroom known for supporting focus, memory, and mental clarity. What makes it so special are its natural compounds — hericenones and erinacines — which encourage nerve cell growth and communication between the brain and body. It’s also deeply nourishing for the gut, which is where so many of our neurotransmitters — the chemicals that affect mood, motivation, and calm — are produced. That gut-brain connection is vital, especially for women whose hormonal changes can throw both systems out of balance.

When oestrogen levels fluctuate, as they do in both the teenage years and perimenopause, the brain feels it. Oestrogen isn’t just about reproduction: it’s protective for the brain, influencing memory, attention, and even serotonin production. As it dips, we can feel scattered, emotional, and easily overwhelmed. That’s where Lion’s Mane comes in: it helps to gently support cognitive function, bringing back a sense of focus, calm, and clarity.

For teenage girls, it can help balance those early hormonal mood swings and support concentration when everything feels heightened and intense. For women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, it’s a lifeline for focus and mental stamina when hormones start shifting again. It’s also a beautiful mushroom for menopause, helping to ease that feeling of mental fog and forgetfulness that so many women experience.

But here’s something I can’t stress enough: quality really matters. Not all Lion’s Mane is created equal. You want to look for an organic extract made from the fruiting body — the actual mushroom, not just the grain it’s grown on — and one that’s high in beta-glucans, which are the active compounds responsible for many of its brain- and immune-supporting benefits. Many cheaper products are made from mycelium on grain, which can dilute potency and effectiveness. Always check the label and ask questions about extraction methods, sourcing, and beta-glucan content. It’s worth investing in a mushroom that’s been properly grown, harvested, and tested — your brain deserves the real thing.

Lion’s Mane isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about steady nourishment. It works quietly in the background, building resilience in your nervous system and supporting that gut-brain link that’s so central to how we feel each day. For me, it’s become part of my rhythm: morning coffee, breakfast, and my mushrooms. It’s simple, grounding, and deeply supportive.

I created Mama Shrooms because I wanted other women to feel that same steady strength, that quiet sense of clarity that comes from supporting your body, not fighting against it. And that same thinking led to the Teen Blend, which also includes Lion’s Mane, perfect for supporting growing, changing teenage brains that are dealing with fluctuating hormones, stress, and pressure.

So, whether you’re a teenage girl finding your rhythm, a mum balancing a million things, or a woman navigating the waves of perimenopause or menopause, Lion’s Mane is such a gentle yet powerful ally for the female brain. Our hormones will always ebb and flow, but having something that supports focus, mood, and energy in a natural, nurturing way can make all the difference.

For me, Lion’s Mane has become that daily reminder: to pause, nourish, and reconnect — body, mind, and mushroom.