The Dr. Brighten Show

If you’ve ever wondered why your “IBS,” nausea, bowel pain, or gut flare-ups always seem to sync with your cycle, this conversation will feel like someone finally turned the lights on. In this episode, chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis specialist Dr. Jill Ingenito breaks down the deeply misunderstood connection between gut symptoms and endometriosis—why so many women are misdiagnosed, how prostaglandins wreak havoc on digestion, and what conventional gynecology is still getting wrong. If you’ve been dismissed, gaslit, or told “everything looks normal,” this episode is your roadmap to real answers.

Overview of What You’ll Learn

Using real patient stories, surgical insights, and the latest understanding of endometriosis biology, we unpack why gut symptoms are often the earliest sign of endo, how imaging fails women, and why the right kind of specialist matters. You’ll leave with an informed, empowered approach to your symptoms—plus clarity on what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant

Sunlighten Saunas

Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

OneSkin 

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence. The result? Skin that looks, feels, and acts younger. It’s never too early — or too late — to invest in your skin health.

Shop now https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

💫 Follow Dr. Jill Ingenito:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpelvicpaindo/

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086744101466&ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.com/@drpelvicpaindo

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💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

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What if nearly everything you were taught about your menstrual cycle—and when you can actually get pregnant—was wrong? In this powerful episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with fertility awareness educator Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to expose myths that have shaped women’s health for generations. From the six-day fertile window to the real science behind ovulation, this conversation dismantles decades of misinformation about birth control, fertility, and how the medical system continues to fail women. You’ll never think about your cycle—or your doctor’s advice—the same way again.

For full show notes and transcript see: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/fertility-awareness-method/

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Have you ever felt like your body is running on the wrong schedule—wide awake at night, exhausted mid-morning, and wired by 10 p.m.? You’re not lazy or broken; you may just be living out of sync with your biology. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with sleep and hormone specialist Dr. Elisa Sacal to decode the science of chronotypes and hormones—how your genetics, gut health, and hormonal rhythms determine the best times to sleep, eat, and think clearly.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Sunlighten Saunas

Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

OneSkin 

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence. The result? Skin that looks, feels, and acts younger. It’s never too early — or too late — to invest in your skin health.

Shop now https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

Follow Dr. Elisa Sacal:

💻 Website: https://draelisasacal.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dra.elisasacal/

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dra.elisasacal/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

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Feeling foggy, forgetful, or like your brain has lost its edge? You’re not imagining it. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains what your TSH lab test really tells you and what it doesn’t. Most doctors stop testing after TSH, but this brain-to-thyroid signal is only one piece of your hormonal story.

You’ll learn how thyroid hormones influence energy, metabolism, mood, and focus, why women are far more likely to struggle with thyroid disorders, and which labs and nutrients can help you finally clear the brain fog for good.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Thyroid Support https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/thyroid-support — featuring selenium, zinc, coleus forskohlii, and tyrosine to support healthy thyroid hormone production and conversion.

Also mentioned:

• Women’s Twice Daily https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-twice-daily multivitamin (for vitamin A, B2, and manganese)
• Vitamin D https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2 & Omega Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus for immune and thyroid balance
• Beyond the Pill https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill and Is This Normal? https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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If your focus, mood, and memory seem to fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, or your brain fog worsened during perimenopause, you’re not imagining things. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with ADHD therapist and educator Andrew Robinson, MSW, to uncover how hormones directly influence ADHD symptoms — and why so many women are still being overlooked, dismissed, or misdiagnosed.

You’ll learn how ADHD can cut 8 years off life expectancy when untreated, why stimulant medications save lives, and how tracking hormonal shifts can reveal patterns that help you manage your brain instead of fighting it.

Dr. Brighten and Andrew share the science, the stories, and the strategies women need to finally understand their brains — not blame them.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Follow Andrew Robinson:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myadhdcounselor/?hl=en

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myadhdcounselor

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.com/@myadhdcounselor?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

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When your body starts changing in your late 30s and 40s, fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog are often blamed on “just perimenopause.” But the truth? Your thyroid is probably struggling too. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Christine Maren expose why thyroid issues surge during perimenopause, how gut health plays a surprising role, and what real hormone balance looks like when you stop being dismissed by conventional medicine.

This Episode Is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials 

Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com⁠

💫 Follow Dr. Christine Maren:

💻 Website: https://drchristinemaren.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinemaren/?hl=en

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChristineMaren/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com⁠

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Are you tired of hearing that the teenage years are guaranteed to be a struggle? What if the traditional advice about raising teens is actually making things harder? In this revealing episode, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart uncovers why 79% of Gen Z parents are stepping in to solve their kids’ problems—and what this trend exposes about modern parenting.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your teen or unsure how to support their mental health, this conversation will reshape how you understand and navigate adolescence.

You’ll learn practical, science-based strategies to help your teen build confidence, resilience, and emotional independence—while strengthening your relationship so they’ll actually open up about the tough stuff, from anxiety and depression to academic pressure and identity challenges.

💫 Follow Ann-Louise Lockhart:

💻 Website: https://www.anewdaysa.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart

🧵Threads:  https://www.threads.net/@dr.annlouise.lockhart

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/

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💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:  

YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

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Can we still trust modern medicine? In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten speaks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh about how the pharmaceutical industry influences medicine, research, and public health. Together, they expose where the system puts profit over people—and share how transparency, prevention, and empowerment can help rebuild real trust in healthcare.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials 🧠  Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied Affron® saffron, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• JAMA Network Open: Trends in Public Trust in the U.S. Health Care System, 2020–2024 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821693
• World Health Organization: Vitamin A Supplementation in Measles Treatment https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/vitamin-a-supplementation-in-measles
• The Flexner Report (1910) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3178858/
• Consumer Reports: Heavy Metals in Infant Formula https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-formula/baby-formula-contaminants-test-results-a7140095293/
• NIH Review: Effects of Food Dyes on Children’s Behavior https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9052604/
• Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli at Pfizer Settlement Press Conference https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/speech/associate-attorney-general-tom-perrelli-pfizer-settlement-press-conference?utm_source=chatgpt.com

🩺 Follow Dr. Joel Gator Warsh:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/?hl=en

🏥 Clinic: https://integrativepediatricsandmedicine.com/about/

📖 Book: https://amzn.to/4opx82D

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

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Ever wondered why your sex life changes over time — or why what once worked no longer lights you up? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a tenured professor of sexual communication at California State University, Fullerton, joins Dr. Jolene Brighten to share the science of sexual personality and the psychology of pleasure, communication, and confidence.

Together, they explore what it really takes to improve your sex life, deepen intimacy, and understand your partner on a whole new level — using data-driven insights and decades of research in sexual mindfulness, relational communication, and women’s sexual well-being.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Sunlighten Saunas

Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

OneSkin 

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence. The result? Skin that looks, feels, and acts younger. It’s never too early — or too late — to invest in your skin health.

Shop now https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

❤️‍🔥 Follow Dr. Tara:

💻 Website: https://www.luvbites.co/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvbites.co/?hl=en

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luvbites.co

⭕ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbW6PCKjgcxkq3dTvjjeyQ

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Human connection isn’t optional—it’s a biological survival mechanism. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein exposes the shocking truth about the loneliness epidemic—how chronic isolation alters your brain, weakens your immune system, and increases your risk of death. Together, we explore the neuroscience of empathy, the hormonal roots of connection, and why the modern world is quietly reshaping our ability to feel for one another.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Follow Dr. Ben Rein:

💻 Website: https://www.benrein.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/?hl=en

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.benrein

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Feeling like your energy has been hijacked lately? You’re not imagining it — perimenopause exhaustion is real, and it’s not just about getting older or not sleeping enough. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jolene Brighten, board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and author of Is This Normal?, sits down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, bestselling author of The Perimenopause Solution, to uncover why so many women in their 30s and 40s suddenly feel depleted, foggy, and unlike themselves.

Together, they reveal how shifting hormones, chronic stress, and brain rewiring collide in midlife and what you can do to rebuild your energy, resilience, and joy.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Sunlighten Saunas

Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

OneSkin 

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence. The result? Skin that looks, feels, and acts younger. It’s never too early — or too late — to invest in your skin health https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

Follow Mariza Snyder:

• Dr. Mariza Snyder’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/?hl=en
• Dr. Mariza Snyder’s Website: https://drmariza.com/
• Dr. Mariza Snyder’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: ⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠

🎥 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠

🧵Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten⁠

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Have you ever forgotten mid-sentence what you were saying, or walked into a room only to wonder why you went there in the first place? You’re not alone and it’s not “just aging.” In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains how hormonal shifts, poor sleep, and chronic stress can steal mental clarity and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to reverse it.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at https://drbrighten.com/radiant/.

Shop now: http://drbrighten.com/radiant

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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What if your doctor told you endometriosis was just “bad periods” — and the only solution was surgery or the pill? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, functional nutritionist and former engineer Khush Sra shares how she went from five surgeries and two decades of endometriosis pain to living pain-free for 20 years. Her transformation came not from another prescription, but from a whole-body, anti-inflammatory endometriosis diet, nervous system repair, and gut-healing nutrition.

You’ll discover why this condition isn’t just hormonal — it’s a full-body immune imbalance — and how a few simple, science-backed lifestyle changes can help you reclaim energy, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.

View the full show notes, studies, and resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-diet/

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Shop now http://drbrighten.com/radiant

Follow Khush Sra:

💻 Website: https://khushsra.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endonutrition/?hl=en

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

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🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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Hot flashes can feel overwhelming—leaving you drenched in sweat at 2 AM, exhausted during the day, and wondering if relief is even possible. The good news? There are natural remedies for hot flashes that go beyond quick fixes and are backed by science. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we uncover simple, effective strategies that not only ease hot flashes but also support clearer thinking, steadier moods, and deeper sleep during perimenopause and menopause.

You’ll leave this conversation with practical solutions, supplement strategies, and mind-body tools you can start exploring right away.

View the full show notes, studies, and resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes/.

This Episode is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Shop now

🎧For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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Struggling with mood swings, anxiety, or depression before your period and wondering if it’s more than just “PMS”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Hill, trailblazing researcher and author of This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain, to uncover the hidden symptoms of PMDD and PMS that most doctors miss. We dive deep into how hormones shape your brain, why birth control may not be the fix you think it is, and the groundbreaking science behind progesterone, progestins, and your mental health.

This conversation reveals the truth about hormone sensitivity, trauma, neurodivergence, and perimenopause, offering insights that could transform the way you understand your body and your brain.

View the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pmdd-symptoms/

If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life http://drbrighten.com/radiant

Sunlighten Saunas - at Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

Follow Dr. Sarah Hill:

💻 Website: https://www.sarahehill.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahehillphd/?hl=en

Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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ADHD in women is often misunderstood and autism in women is even more invisible. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Samantha Hiew, award-winning speaker, researcher, and author of Tip of the ADHD Iceberg. Together, we break down the myths, the biology, and the lived experience that medicine has ignored for too long.

In this episode, you’ll discover why so many women are dismissed in assessments, how hormones play a role in ADHD and autism, and what you can do if medication isn’t working for you.

View the full show notes, links, and resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/female-adhd/.

This Episode is Brought to you By: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/radiant-mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. And for a limited time, when you order Radiant Mind, you’ll also receive a free bottle of our best-selling Magnesium Plus—the perfect partner for restorative sleep and steady mood. Learn more at http://drbrighten.com/radiant.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Kick the “eat less, move more” myth to the curb. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with strength coach Tara LaFerrara to explain why resistance training is the queen for perimenopausal and menopausal women who want real results—better body recomposition, stronger bones, steadier energy, and less belly fat—without living on a treadmill or wrecking their hormones.

You’ll learn how to train smarter (not harder), what to change in your 30s, 40s, 50s+, and how sleep, stress, and mobility quietly make or break your progress. We dig into walking, Pilates vs. strength, why the scale lies, and the mindset shift from motivation to disciplined routines that carry you through messy days.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life http://drbrighten.com/radiant

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence.

Shop now → https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/3105

LUME Box delivers professional-grade LED light therapy in a sleek, easy-to-use device that targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness at the cellular level.

Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Tara LaFerrara – Broads App & Coaching (strength, mobility, programming for women) https://www.broads.app/midlife-broad-program
• Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan - Free Guide https://drbrighten.com/plan/ 
• Article: How to Lose Weight in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/how-to-lose-weight-during-perimenopause/ 
• Mental Load & Relationships with Dr. Vanessa Marin — Learn how the hidden mental load impacts intimacy, stress, and even your ability to prioritize self-care https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/92-vanessa-and-xander-marin-your-sex-drive-isnt/id1710024779?i=1000712224524 
• Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight (without starving yourself) https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/ 
• ADHD, Executive Function & Perimenopause with Dr. Jolene Brighten — Why ADHD symptoms often intensify in perimenopause and practical strategies to support brain health, focus, and daily routines https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-adhd/ 

Follow Tara LaFerrara:

💻 Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taralaferrara/

🎥  TikTok :https://www.tiktok.com/@taralaferrara?lang=en

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 

If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge.

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Interested in trying OneSkin for yourself Visit http://oneskin.co/BRIGHTEN and use code BRIGHTEN for 15% off your first purchase.

Discover the best skincare products for aging skin and the science behind peptides that target “zombie cells” to support hair growth and skin longevity. View full show notes and all links at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/oneskin/.

Chapters — Key Moments

00:00 — Episode Trailer (Skin Aging Control)

01:24 — Show Welcome

02:12 — Topical Retinol & Inflammation

07:49 — How to Cycle Retinol Safely

10:48 — Zombie (Senescent) Cells Explained

14:28 — What Are Peptides?

16:55 — Not All Peptides Are Equal—OS01

17:19 — OS-01: Validated Results

22:09 — OneSkin Benefits Over Time

23:56 — OneSkin Review of Outcomes

25:37 — Menopause-Focused SkinCare

27:23 — How to Preserve Collagen 

29:28 — Lowering Systemic Inflammation (Cytokines)

32:09 — Skin Fragility With Age

37:16 — Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Aging

39:54 — Blue Light Damages Skin

40:58 — Best Antioxidants for Skin Health

43:45 — Smart Sun Exposure Guidelines

47:50 — Can You Reverse Sun Damage?

50:03 — Best Skincare Routine for Over 50

54:13 — Eye Cream Clinical Trial Results

55:58 — Best Skincare in Your 20s

57:13 — Pregnancy & Melasma Treatment 

59:53 — Hidden Causes of Skin Aging

01:06:55 — Stress and Hair Loss

01:10:35 — How to Improve Hair Density & Thickness

01:15:18 — How to Regrow Hair

01:18:25 — Scalp Microbiome Health

01:23:51 — Biggest Skin-Aging Misconception

01:27:16 — Episode Outro

Dr. Brighten’s OneSkin Review

I always want to know if a product actually delivers on its promises before recommending it to my community. I tried OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide moisturizer and eye cream myself, and I was impressed. As someone with sensitive skin, I’m cautious with new products, but I noticed the eye cream made a real difference during a hectic back-to-school week when my sleep was lacking. My skin looked more hydrated and less tired than I felt.

What stood out most to me is that OneSkin’s peptide technology isn’t just about appearance—it’s about skin health and resilience. That’s what makes it different from many other products I’ve tested over the years.

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If you’ve ever struggled with bloating, brain fog, or unexplained fatigue, you’ve probably wondered: Is it IBS, SIBO, or something else? In this episode of the Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with gut health powerhouse Dr. Carolina Gonzalez to uncover the truth about digestive disorders that are often misdiagnosed. They cut through the noise around parasite cleanses, leaky gut, and probiotics for SIBO—so you’ll know what really works, what doesn’t, and how to take the first steps toward true healing.

You’ll also learn why up to 70% of people told they have IBS actually have SIBO, how stress and sleep impact your microbiome, and what every woman should know about gut health, hormones, and long-term well-being.

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Chorus: use this link http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

OneSkin: https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Dr. Brighten Essentials Women’s Probiotic https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic 
• Dr. Brighten Essentials Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm 
• Carolina Gonzalez’s website https://www.ctnaturalhealth.com/
• Carolina Gonzalez’’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodgutdoc/
• Carolina Gonzalez’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodgutdoc
• Podcast: Gut Health Probiotics https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/
• Article: SIBO Part I https://drbrighten.com/sibo-symptoms-what-is-it-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-it/
• Article: SIBO Part II: https://drbrighten.com/sibo-treatment-natural-diet/
• Article: The Surprising Cause of IBS https://drbrighten.com/the-surprising-cause-of-ibs/
• Article: Histamine Intolerance https://drbrighten.com/histamine-intolerance/
• Podcast: Natural Treatments for Eczema | Jen Fugo https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/natural-treatments-for-eczema/
• Podcast: Cortisol Face, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Insulin Resistance | Alaia Baldwin https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/cortisol-face/
• Podcast: Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism. Dr. Izabella Wentz https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hashimotos-hypothyroidism/
• Podcast: Top Foods That Delay Menopause | Dr. Kara Fitzgerald https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-delay-menopause/
• Clean 15 & Dirty Dozen produce guide (EWG) https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Menopause brain fog is the short-term difficulty with focus, word-finding, and memory that can show up in perimenopause and early postmenopause. It’s driven by estradiol fluctuations, declining progesterone/allopregnanolone (ALLO), and sleep fragmentation from hot flashes. The good news? It’s usually reversible with symptom treatment and daily habit shifts. Listen to this episode for the full brain-chemistry tour and a practical plan to feel clearer, calmer, and more you.

Chapters

00:00:00 Menopause Brain Fog: Who This Episode Helps

00:03:00 Perimenopause Timeline: 7–10 Years

00:06:00 Hormones that affect sleep

00:07:00 Women’s Testosterone: Drive, Initiation, Libido

00:09:00 HRT “Critical Window” + Insulin Resistance

00:11:00 Menopause Brain Fog Explained: “Software Update” Model

00:13:00 Endocrine Age vs Chronological Age: Why It Matters

00:14:00 My Story: Mood Crash & Lost Mental Edge

00:19:00 Menopause Brain Fog vs ADHD: Executive Function Clues

00:26:00 Hormone Stage Drives Brain

00:28:00 Estrogen, Dopamine, GABA: Memory & Focus Pathways

00:33:00 Signs to Look Out For

00:39:00 Hot Flashes Fragment Deep & REM Sleep (Here’s Why)

00:46:00 Will Brain Fog Go Away? SWAN Data & Adaptation

00:48:00 Medical Conditions That Cause Brain Fog

00:50:00 Focus Tools

00:55:00 Sleep Protocol: Fix Wake Time, Morning Light, Cool Room

00:57:00 Exercise & Brain Health

00:58:00 Saffron (Affron®): Mood, Sleep, Libido Support

01:01:00 Citicoline (Cognizin®): Attention & Mental Energy

01:04:00 Bacopa (Bacognize®): Memory & Calm Focus

01:08:00 Magnesium & Brain Health: Sleep, Migraines, Aging

01:18:00 Nervous System Downshift

01:22:00 CBT-I/ACT for Midlife Brain Fog & Rumination

01:23:00 Surgical Menopause & Dementia Risk

01:31:00 Key Takeaways 

🎧For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-brain-fog/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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Natural treatments eczema, eczema moisturisers, and dyshidrotic dermatitis—what actually helps and what quietly makes skin worse. View the full show notes and all links mentioned at https://drbrighten.com.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials

Use the Code: POD15 to save 15% on your order https://drbrightenessentials.com/

Chorus

Exclusive for podcast listeners: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

OneSkin

Shop now → https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/31050

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Jennifer Fugo’s Healthy Skin Show Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-skin-show/id1449210022
• Quell Shop: Skincare and supplements for chronic skin conditions  https://www.quellshop.com

Episodes Mentioned

• Is It Really Histamine Intolerance? with Jen Fugo — on histamine, skin rashes, and hidden gut triggers https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/is-it-really-histamine-intolerance/
• Struggling with Sleep & Anxiety? Dr. Carrie Jones https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/
• The Best Skincare for Aging Skin| Dr. Sara Cherem https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-for-aging-skin/
• The Best Skincare Products for Aging Skin| Dr. Tony Youn https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-products-for-aging-skin/
• What Every Woman Needs to Know to Balance Hormones  https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/

Articles:

• What is Histamine Intolerance https://drbrighten.com/histamine-intolerance/
• 12 Natural Treatments for Hyperthyroidism https://drbrighten.com/natural-treatments-hyperthyroidism/
• The Thyroid Gut Connection https://drbrighten.com/thyroid-gut-connection/
• Topical Estrogen Face Cream https://drbrighten.com/estrogen-face-cream/

Studies & Research Mentions

• Reviewing the Evidence Base for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome in the Research Literature and Social Media Platforms: An Evidence Gap Map: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11662184
• Topical Steroid Withdrawal (Red Skin Syndrome): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603718/ 
• Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Atopic Dermatitis: Patient-reported Characterization from a Swedish Social Media Questionnaire: https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/40187 
• Psoriasis https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra0804595 
• Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms of Action in Psoriasis and Associated Comorbidities https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8019008
• Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-17 Shows a Significant Association with Helicobacter pylori Infection and Disease Severity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5748147
• Global Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Incidence of Gastric Cancer Between 1980 and 2022 https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2823%2905687-1/fulltext
• Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection between 1980 and 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253%2823%2900070-5/abstract
• Revisiting the Roles of Filaggrin in Atopic Dermatitis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140947
• Filaggrin gene mutations with special reference to atopic dermatitis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7880084

Follow Jen Fugo:

💻 Website: https://www.jenniferfugo.com

📸 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jenniferfugo

💻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jenfugo

🎥 TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferfugo

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” when you desperately wanted to say “no,” you’re not alone—especially if you’re a woman living with ADHD. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with ADHD coach and author Meredith Carder to uncover why chronic people pleasing in ADHD women is so common, how it connects to masking, guilt, and burnout, and most importantly—how you can break free. You’ll hear practical tools, fresh perspectives, and science-backed insights that will make you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Support our sponsor and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Meredith Carder – [Author & ADHD Coach] https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/ 
• Meredith’s community, The Hummingbird Hive https://meredith-rose-carder.mykajabi.com/group-membership 
• Meredith’s book It All Makes Sense Now https://amzn.to/45XHvTN 
• Research referenced: study on higher mortality risk in ADHD women
• Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart’s episode on parenting and emotional regulation (for further listening) https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/raising-kids-with-big-feelings/  
• Diet for ADHD: How Nutrition Shapes Focus, Mood, and Brain Health | Timothy Frie https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/diet-for-adhd/  
• Mouth Breathing, ADHD & the Cavity Conspiracy: What Your Dentist Isn’t Telling You | Dr. Staci Whitman https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/  
• ADHD Types and Hormones: The Unexpected Link You Need to Know | Ludovico Saint amour di Chanaz https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/  
• ADHD, Sleep & Hormones: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/  
• ADHD Burnout? Your Hormones Might Be Sabotaging You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-burnout/  
• How Hormones and Menopause Affect ADHD: What No One’s Telling You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-adhd/  
• ADHD Endometriosis Connection: What You Should Know If You’re Diagnosed with ADHD https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-endometriosis-connection/  
• Article: Exploring Natural Solutions for Adult ADHD — How To Find Relief https://drbrighten.com/natural-remedies-adhd/ 

Follow Meredith Carder:

Website https://meredithcarder.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/

Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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In this conversation, Dr. Jolene Brighten and quadruple–board-certified allergist & immunologist Dr. Kara Wada unpack why sjogren's disease is widely under-recognized, how “perfectionist” health habits can backfire into autoimmune flares, and exactly how to think about sjogren's treatment, testing, microbiome/barrier health, dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, and smarter allergy therapies.

A sjogren’s test typically includes autoantibodies (SSA/SSB), but these are only ~60–70% positive, so diagnosis relies on the full picture: history, eye/dental findings, sometimes biopsy. Importantly, Sjögren’s carries a 5–10% lifetime risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so persistent lymph nodes deserve prompt evaluation. Because labs can be “normal” while life isn’t, bring concrete examples of how symptoms limit your day, and ask for a plan that fits your stage of life (puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause).

This episode is brought to you by: 

LUMEBOX

LUME Box delivers professional-grade LED light therapy in a sleek, easy-to-use device that targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness at the cellular level. Just minutes a day can help boost collagen, calm inflammation, and reveal that lit-from-within glow.

Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

Dr. Brighten Essentials 

At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Chorus

At Chorus, our Organic Gut Harmony formula is rooted in a 700-year-old botanical blend and updated with modern science to help your body thrive. From easing bloating and improving digestion to boosting energy and clarity.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use this link http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Sjögren’s Foundation (patient education & resources): https://www.sjogrens.org
• Gut Hormone Connection Episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/
• Therapies discussed: Allergy shots; Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets/drops) and Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT)
• Medications referenced (discuss with your clinician): Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); H1 antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine); H2 blocker (famotidine); caution with diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Research context named in the episode: LEAP trial (early oral peanut introduction): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1414850 

Follow Dr. Kara Wada:

💻 Website: https://drkarawada.com 

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/

⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada 

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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If your midlife metabolism suddenly stopped playing by the old rules, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Brighten breaks down how perimenopause and menopause shift insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, appetite, and recovery and where glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (think semaglutide/Ozempic, Wegovy, liraglutide, tirzepatide as a related incretin therapy) can fit safely alongside hormone therapy, lifting, protein, and smart lab work. You’ll leave with a practical checklist you can take to your clinician, plus a clear understanding of how to protect muscle, heart, and brain while losing fat.

Now, to be clear, this episode isn’t about convincing anyone to use a GLP-1. It is about making sure you know how they work, what the risks are, and what you MUST do to stay healthy on them. You’ll hear the new science of what role they play in cardiovascular disease prevention.

🎧For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/glp-1-weight-loss-in-menopause/ 

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Does endometriosis go away after menopause? Many women hope so, but the reality is more complex. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Melissa McHale to unpack the latest science, surgical risks, and what women truly need to know about navigating endometriosis during perimenopause and menopause.

This Episode Is Brought to You By

LUMEBOX

💡 LUME Box delivers professional-grade LED light therapy in a sleek, easy-to-use device that targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness at the cellular level. Just minutes a day can help boost collagen, calm inflammation, and reveal that lit-from-within glow.

Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

Dr. Brighten Essentials 

At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Sunlighten Saunas

At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

Shop now → https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten 

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Dr. Melissa McHale’s clinic: https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/
• Dr. Melissa McHale’s social media: https://www.instagram.com/drmelissamchale/?hl=en
• Endo Flare guide https://drbrighten.com/endoflare/ to help you get of, and stay out of pain
• Beyond the Pill (Book) https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pil
• Is This Normal (Book) https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal 
• ADHD and Endometriosis Connection https://youtu.be/M57eI4uA2A0?si=K-T1hLA7bSppRO3d
• When to Take Progesterone for Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-for-perimenopause/
• Menopause and Autoimmune Disease in Women: Symptoms, Flare-Ups, and What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You https://drbrighten.com/menopause-and-autoimmune-disease/
• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, & Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPPS Disease): How to Finally Get Relief | Dr. Ana Sierra https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/
• How to Tell If You Have Endometriosis. Painful Menstruation, Symptoms, and Treatment | Dr. Ramiro Cabrera https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/
• Endometriosis Awareness Month: Shttps://drbrighten.com/podcasts/symptoms-of-menopause/Fassbender A, Vanhie A, Saunderpecial Episode Clips https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-awareness-month-special-episode-clips/
• Should You Consider HRT? How to Know If It's Time & What to Ask Your Doctor https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/should-you-consider-hrt/
• HRT for Menopause & Perimenopause: Benefits, Side Effects & Menopause Solutions | Dr. Amy Killen https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/
• The Medical System Is Misleading Women About Symptoms of Menopause | Dr. Tara Scott s PTK, et al. Endometriosis and cancer: lessons from a clinico-pathological and molecular approach https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10046182/pdf/cancers-15-01708.pdf Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(6):1708. doi:10.3390/cancers15061708 

✨ Stay Connected with Dr. Brighten ✨

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• Instagram: https://instagram.com/drjolenebrighten
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• Facebook: https://facebook.com/drbrighten
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

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So you finally got your progesterone prescription to help you sleep better, feel calmer, and support your hormones, but instead of feeling better, you’re more anxious, moody, and wide awake at night. You might have progesterone intolerance.

In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I uncover why some women experience the opposite of the “calming” benefits they’re promised, and what new research reveals about how progesterone interacts with the brain. Whether you’re in perimenopause, on HRT, or struggling with PMS/PMDD, this conversation will help you finally connect the dots.

Understanding Progesterone Intolerance and Side Effects

What are the side effects of progesterone? Progesterone side effects can include insomnia, panic attacks, mood swings, and even feelings of rage. For many women, though, it has the opposite effect—improving sleep and calming the nervous system. In this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ , I share the science behind why some women thrive while others struggle.

Can progesterone cause anxiety? Yes, in some women. Instead of activating the brain’s calming GABA receptors, progesterone’s metabolite may overstimulate the nervous system. I explain how new research on the amygdala sheds light on this paradox.

Is progesterone intolerance the same as PMS or PMDD? Not quite. While symptoms can overlap, progesterone intolerance has unique brain-level differences that make women more reactive during the luteal phase. Tune in to hear the distinctions that matter for treatment.

What’s the difference between progesterone and progestin side effects? Doctors and media often use these words interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Progestins are synthetic, bind differently to hormone receptors, and are linked with depression risk in teens and women starting contraception. I break down the chemistry and clinical differences in this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/.

For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/progesterone-side-effects/

Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal

Book: Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pil

Progesterone Intolerance Article – https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-intolerance

Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements:

• Adrenal Calm – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm
• Adrenal Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support
• Women’s Probiotic – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic
• Balance Women’s Hormone Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance

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Are you unknowingly feeding your kids foods that sabotage their gut health, disrupt hormones, and even affect brain performance? In this eye‑opening conversation, I sit down with pediatric functional medicine expert Dr. Elisa Song to uncover the hidden ingredients and environmental exposures shaping your child’s mood, focus, immune health, and long‑term development. From sugar and brain function to delayed puberty in boys, autoimmune warning signs, and the microbiome’s role in behavior, this is a must‑listen for every parent who wants to protect and optimize their child’s health.

This is our second episode with Dr. Elisa Song, so be sure to check out our first interview where we talked extensively about strategies for picky eaters https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/child-gut-health/

This episode is brought to you by: 

Fygg Toothpaste

Want an oral-care routine that strengthens enamel and nourishes your mouth’s microbiome? Fygg’s fluoride-free, prebiotic toothpaste uses nano-hydroxyapatite to support remineralization and sensitivity relief—without the burn, foam, or harsh essential oils.

Developed by functional dentists Dr. Mark Burhenne and Dr. Staci Whitman, it’s crafted with clean, microbiome-friendly ingredients you can feel great about. 

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription)

Shop now → https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv 

Dr. Brighten Essentials

Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Sunlighten Saunas

Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

Shop now → https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten 

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Dr. Elisa Song’s website https://www.healthykidshappykids.com

• Dr. Elisa Song’s Book Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience https://amzn.to/3EsfeuI

• https://drbrighten.com/  for nutrition, hormone, and fertility support 

• Dr. Brighten Essentials Women's Probiotic for mom’s microbiome https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic 

• Tiny Health– gut microbiome testing https://www.tinyhealth.com/

• Episode with dentist Stacey Whitman https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/ about oral health/the oral microbiome

⭐ Follow Dr. Elisa Song:

💻 Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/

🟦 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElisaSongMD/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Dermatologist Dr. Sara Cherem joins Dr. Jolene Brighten to share proven tips, bust myths, and reveal treatments that actually protect, restore, and rejuvenate your skin at every stage of life.

This episode is brought to you by: 

LUMEBOX

LUME Box delivers professional-grade LED light therapy in a sleek, easy-to-use device that targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness at the cellular level. It’s the same science trusted in top dermatology clinics, now in your hands.

Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

Dr. Brighten Essentials 

At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out.

Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

OneSkin 

Shop now → http://oneskin.co/BRIGHTEN use code BRIGHTEN for 15% off your first purchase.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Episode with Dr. Tony Youn https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-products-for-aging-skin/ 

• Article: Resveratrol Supplements https://drbrighten.com/resveratrol-supplement/

Products & Skincare Brands

• Alastin Skincare (especially the TriHex Technology products and laser-specific formulations) https://alastin.com/

• Polypodium leucotomos oral antioxidant (sold under various names, in Mexico as Heliocaps)

• Sculptra® (Poly-L-lactic acid injectable)

• Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse® and other brands)

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (various brands including Juvederm® by Allergan)

• Armonia filler (Allergan product, not yet available in the U.S.)

• Lycopene supplements

• Oral Omegas / Fish Oil supplements for skin barrier health https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?_pos=1&_psq=omega&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995557410

• Antioxidants for topical and oral use (Vitamin C, berries, astaxanthin, etc.)

• LED Therapy Masks (no specific brand mentioned)

Devices & Technologies

• PhotoFinder (skin mapping and dermatoscope imaging system with AI analysis)z

• Hybrid Laser Devices (ablative + non-ablative)

• Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) for vascular redness

• Picosecond Lasers (for pigmentation)

• Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening devices

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) devices (Ultraformer mentioned)

• LED Light Therapy devices for skin and hair loss treatment https://drbrighten.com/lumebox

Ingredients & Actives

• Vitamin C (topical antioxidant)

• Retinoids (for collagen stimulation)

• Peptides (skin communication molecules)

• Glycolic Acid (AHA exfoliant)

• Salicylic Acid (BHA exfoliant)

• Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) (gentle exfoliants for sensitive skin)

• Ceramides (barrier repair moisturizers)

• Lipids & Cholesterol (skin barrier support)

Follow Sara Cherem :

💻 Website: https://www.theskinclinic.mx/en

📸 Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/drasaracherem/

 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drasaracherem

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Better sleep means better hormones and in this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to sleep better by tackling three often-overlooked disruptors: blood sugar crashes, histamine surges, and ADHD-related sleep challenges. If you’ve already tried balancing estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol (covered in Part One), but you’re still waking up in the middle of the night, this is the episode you need.

🎧 Listen to Part One here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/sleep-disturbances/

Chapters

00:00 – Trailer & Welcome to the Show

01:00 – Why this is Part Two of the Sleep Series

02:00 – Blood sugar and sleep: the hidden 2–4 AM crash

04:00 – Signs your blood sugar is waking you up

05:00 – Structuring meals to stabilize blood sugar

07:00 – Bedtime snacks that keep you asleep

09:00 – Supplements to support blood sugar and sleep

11:00 – Exercise timing for better sleep and steady energy

14:00 – Histamine surges and hidden inflammation

15:00 – How estrogen, progesterone, and histamine interact

16:00 – Signs histamine is wrecking your sleep

18:00 – Tracking and avoiding histamine triggers at night

19:00 – Gut health’s role in clearing histamine from body

21:00 – Nutrients that support histamine clearance

22:00 – ADHD and its unique impact on sleep

24:00 – Estrogen decline and ADHD symptom spikes

25:00 – The delayed melatonin release in ADHD brains

26:00 – Bedtime procrastination and the ADHD brain

28:00 – How to know if ADHD is behind your sleep issues

33:00 – Creating a sensory-friendly bedtime routine

34:00 – Building novelty and pleasure into bedtime habits

35:00 – Blue light, melatonin, and screen use at night

36:00 – Customizing sleep strategies for your unique brain

This Episode is Brought to You By:

Fygg: https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription)

Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

The Optimal Adrenal Kit from Dr. Brighten Essentials—formulated to help rebalance cortisol, improve stress resilience, and support deeper, more restorative sleep. Use code POD15 for 15% off at Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Part One of the Sleep Series – covers estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol’s role in blood sugar and sleep https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/sleep-disturbances/

Free Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan – recipes to stabilize blood sugar, support gut health, and help you sleep better

Myoinositol Plus – supports insulin signaling, blood sugar and sleep in women with PCOS https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus

Magnesium Plus – for relaxation, nervous system support, and blood sugar and sleep regulation https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus

Women’s Probiotic – supports gut health, estrogen clearance, and how to clear histamine from body https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic

Insulin Dysregulation Episode – exact lab values to check for stable blood sugar https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/insulin-resistance/

Gut Health Episode – why olive oil polyphenols and gut balance matter for how to sleep better https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/

Episode with Jennifer Fugo on Histamine & Diet – understanding histamine triggers and how to clear histamine from body without over-restricting https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/is-it-really-histamine-intolerance/

Gut Hormone Connection Article – how gut health affects hormones, histamine, and blood sugar and sleep https://drbrighten.com/gut-hormone-connection/

Histamine & PMDD Article – exploring histamine’s role in period-related sleep disruption https://drbrighten.com/histamine-and-pmdd/

ADHD Sleep Episode – how ADHD brains process sleep differently and ways to improve how to sleep better https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/

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Struggling to fall asleep… stay asleep… or waking up at 2 AM with your heart racing and your sheets soaked? These sleep disturbances are not in your head and they’re not something you just have to live with. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we dive deep into what’s really going on when women can’t sleep during perimenopause. You’ll learn why melatonin alone won’t fix it, how to naturally restore your hormones for sleep, and exactly what’s driving your body’s middle-of-the-night chaos. If you’re tired of being tired and ready for real answers, this one’s for you.

Subscribe to the Podcast:

🎧 Apple Podcasts (iTunes):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show 

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2VUEAdWYh7USuTXykznxKe 

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbrighten

This Episode Is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials Magnesium Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus—a calming, non-drowsy formula with highly absorbable magnesium glycinate to support your nervous system and melatonin production naturally. Use code POD15 for 15% off at Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus 

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Magnesium Plus – Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?selling_plan=995459106

Adrenal Calm - Dr. Brighten Essentials, evening sleep formula https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm?selling_plan=995328034

Adrenal Support – Dr. Brighten Essentials, daytime energy formula https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support?selling_plan=995360802

Myoinositol Plus – Sleep + Ovulation Support https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338

Balance Women’s Hormone https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266

B Active Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/b-active-plus?selling_plan=995393570

Period Problems Support Kit https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/period-problems-kit?selling_plan=995721250

Free Hormone-Supportive Meal Plan https://drbrighten.com/plan

Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal

Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill

ADHD, Sleep & Hormones: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/

Gut Health Probiotics: What Every Woman Needs to Know to Balance Hormones Naturally https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/

Struggling with Sleep & Anxiety? Are Low Progesterone Symptoms to Blame | Dr. Carrie Jones https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/

Carbs, Cortisol, and Perimenopause: The Real Path to Feeling Forever Strong | Liz Wolfe https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/forever-strong/

Study: Circadian Rhythm and Reproduction https://rep.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/rep/132/3/1320379.xml

Study: Melatonin a Multitasking Hormone https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20478436/

Study: Rotating Shift Work & The Menstrual Cycle https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21364464/

Article: Progesterone for Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-for-perimenopause/

Article: Perimenopause Sleep Issues https://drbrighten.com/perimenopause-sleep-issues/ 

Let’s stay connected! 

🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com

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What if the foods you eat could literally turn back the clock on your biological age—and even delay menopause? In this groundbreaking episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I’m joined by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, a functional medicine leader and author of Younger You, to explore the science behind ovarian rejuvenation, age reversal, and how a longevity diet rich in polyphenols could hold the key to staying youthful longer—hormonally, mentally, and physically.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how Dr. Fitzgerald's clinical trial reduced biological age by over 3 years in just 8 weeks—using food rich in polyphenols, strategic lifestyle shifts, and zero expensive drugs or procedures. We unpack the emerging science of ovarian rejuvenation, how delaying menopause is tied to overall health (not beauty culture), and why the foods you choose daily may matter more than your genes when it comes to aging.

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Dr. Brighten’s free anti-inflammatory recipe plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan 

• Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s Master Class: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/virtual-masterclass-for-clinicians/

• Book: Younger You by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald https://a.co/d/hZR56Zv

• Epigenetic Age Quiz (Free): https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/quiz

• Podcast episode with Victoria Sebastiano on Yamanaka Factors : https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cgKzXuNTQhb0f82lukBsl?si=rfo2GMhmTr6Cf1paLo4dfA

• Recommended labs: DNA methylation tests (Pace of Aging, Dunedin Clock), Heavy Metals Panel (blood), Functional Toxin Panels (Vibrant or Mosaic)

• Kara’s Clinical Study on Biological Age Reversal: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33844651/

👩🏼‍⚕️Follow Kara Fitzgerald:

💻 Website: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald

📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgeral

⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jYgG7WMnqPeC4uwslqdfQ

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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If you feel achy, foggy, nauseous, or feverish before your period—only to have it all vanish once your bleed begins—you’re not alone. You may be experiencing menstrual flu, a cluster of flu-like symptoms that affect countless women during the luteal phase, yet remains mostly unrecognized by conventional medicine. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we break the silence around period flu symptoms, explain the science behind why they happen, and give you the tools to feel better—fast.

This Episode is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Hormone Balancing Meal Plan: https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit

• Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal?_pos=1&_psq=is+this+normal&_ss=e&_v=1.0

• Natural Cycles App: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer

• Quick IBS & Endometriosis Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161?i=1000700150293

• PMDD and Histamine Article: https://drbrighten.com/histamine-and-pmdd/

• Histamine and ADHD Connection Article: https://drbrighten.com/histamine-and-adhd/

Products Mentioned:

• Magnesium glycinate (300 mg/day) View my Magnesium Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?selling_plan=995459106
• Fish oil (1–2 grams daily or wild-caught salmon) View my Omega Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?selling_plan=995557410

• Vitex (chaste tree berry, 200 mg/day) View my Balance Women’s Hormone Support https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266

• B6-rich supplements (25–50 mg/day) View my Balance Women’s Hormone Support https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266

📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten
🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this!

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What if the nutrition advice you’ve followed for decades—like low-fat foods, “toning” workouts, or calorie restriction—was actually sabotaging your metabolism and hormones? In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Liz Plosser, former editor-in-chief of Women’s Health magazine, to uncover the truth about high protein diets, strength training, and the power of creatine for women, especially in perimenopause.

Liz shares her behind-the-scenes insights from the magazine world and how she went from promoting outdated weight loss myths to embracing evidence-based practices like creatine supplements and high protein diets to support midlife metabolism and strength. If you’ve been struggling with body composition changes, low energy, or stubborn weight gain, this episode gives you the real tools to take back control. This Episode is Brought to you By: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials Optimal Adrenal Kit https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/optimal-adrenal-kit?selling_plan=995590178

Struggling with low energy, brain fog, or stubborn belly fat? The Optimal Adrenal Kit was designed to support cortisol balance, energy, and hormone resilience, especially during perimenopause. Use code POD15 to save 15% at http://drbrightenessentials.com

LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Brighten’s Perimenopause Weight Loss Plan (FREE): https://drbrighten.com/plan

• Liz Plosser’s Substack: Best Case Scenario https://lizplosser.substack.com/

• Liz’s book: Own Your Morning: Reset Your A.M. to Unlock Your Potential https://amzn.to/3UmltFb

• How to Lose weight in Perimenopause: https://drbrighten.com/how-to-lose-weight-during-perimenopause/

• How to Lose Weight in Menopause: https://drbrighten.com/menopause-weight-loss/

• Inositol for Weight Loss: https://drbrighten.com/inositol-for-weight-loss/ 

• How Hormone Imbalance Can Make Weight Loss Difficult: https://drbrighten.com/hormonal-imbalance-and-weight-loss/  

• How to Eat 30 grams oF Protein for Breakfast: https://drbrighten.com/breakfast-with-30-grams-of-protein/ 

• How Much Protein Should Women Have: https://drbrighten.com/how-much-protein-should-women-have/  

🌟 Follow Liz Plosser:

💻 Website: https://www.lizplosser.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizplosser/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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What if the best diet for ADHD isn’t about strict elimination or food fear, but about nourishing your brain to function at its best? In this powerful conversation, Tim Frie, nutritional neuroscience researcher, joins me to unpack how your food environment, nutrient intake, and even your stress levels shape your focus, mood, and executive function. We go far beyond the hype and fear-mongering around “ADHD diets” and dive into what the science actually says about how to feed your brain for better attention, energy, and emotional balance. If you’ve ever wondered what role nutrition really plays in ADHD, autism, or trauma recovery, this episode is for you.

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com

Optimal Adrenal Kit https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/optimal-adrenal-kit use code POD15 for 15% off 

Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

Dr. Brighten’s ADHD-Hormone Sync Free Course: https://drbrighten.com/sync 

ADHD and Women’s Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-hormones/

ADHD and Anxiety: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-anxiety/ 

ADHD and Butyrate Research: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87546-y 

Dr. Brighten Essentials Omega Plus: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus

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If you’ve been searching for the real answers about PCOS, fertility, and what actually works to balance your hormones, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Cory Ruth, Registered Dietitian and women’s hormone expert, joins me to share exactly how your diet, gut health, and key supplements can transform your health, improve fertility, and help you feel like yourself again—without perfectionism or unrealistic “wellness” rules.

We dig into the PCOS fertility diet and the best supplements to help regulate cycles, stabilize blood sugar, boost mood, and even lower your long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Cory’s honest, practical advice will help you take action right away—without spending hours cooking or blowing your grocery budget. This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  

Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Dr. Brighten’s free anti-inflammatory recipe plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan

• Recommended supplements: CoQ10, omega-3s, inositol, and vitamin D

• Dr. Brighten’s episode on Insulin Resistance: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/insulin-resistance/

• Books:

•  Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7

• Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy

• Tools: My Fitness Pal for tracking fiber and macros https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

✨ Follow Cory Ruth:

💻 Website: https://www.thewomensdietitian.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomensdietitian/?hl=en

⭕  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrDBBp2AkdCLi2cNoAJWsjQ

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewomensdietitian?lang=en

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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Have you ever wondered if your brain fog, fatigue, and painful periods might actually be connected? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I share groundbreaking research and personal experience showing how women diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to also have endometriosis and vice versa. This is a conversation every woman struggling with hormone-driven symptoms, chronic pain, or neurodivergence needs to hear.

What we uncover may completely change how you look at your body, your brain, and your health.

This Episode Is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: Save 15% on our Omega Plus and other supplement using the code POD15 https://drbrightenessentials.com/

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Free Mini Hormone ADHD Course: http://drbrighten.com/sync
• Get out of Endo Pain Fast with the FREE Endo Flare Guide: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare/
• Omega-3 to consider for ADHD and endometriosis support: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?selling_plan=995557410
• Best fibers to consider in your diet: https://drbrighten.com/best-prebiotic/
• Psychiatric comorbidity among women with endometriosis (PubMed, 2020): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32112731/
• Autistic individuals have increased risk of chronic physical health conditions across the whole body: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/autistic-individuals-have-increased-risk-of-chronic-physical-health-conditions-across-the-whole-body 

📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten
🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this!

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Think estrogen replacement causes cancer? Think again. In this game-changing episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with world-renowned OB-GYN and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Felice Gersh to dismantle one of the most damaging myths in women's health. From hormone confusion and cancer fear to the power of estradiol in protecting your brain, heart, and mitochondria—this conversation is a full-body hormonal re-education. If you’ve ever been told to fear estrogen or avoid hormone replacement therapy, you must hear this.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

Chorus: Chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Interested in sponsoring the show? Contact us at media@drbrighten.com.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Felice Gersh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/?hl=en
• Felice Gersh’s website: https://integrativemgi.com/
• Dr. Felice Gersh’s books and research: 

• Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know: What to Expect During the Three Stages of Menopause: https://bit.ly/46F4qFl

• PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track: The 12-week plan to optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby: https://amzn.to/40kdPhU

• Pcos SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness: https://amzn.to/40MBG9V

• Dr. Brighten’s free anti-inflammatory (peri)menopause recipe plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan
• Menopause and Perimenopause Resources: https://drbrighten.com/category/balance-hormones/perimenopause-menopause/
• Progestins & Breast Cancer Risk: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960076023001966
• Progestin Contraceptives & Breast Cancer Risk: https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/117/5/1046/7951389 
• Menopause Hormone Therapy & Breast Cancer Risk: https://gremjournal.com/journal/02-2024/menopausal-hormone-therapy-and-breast-cancer-risk-21-years-from-the-whi-clinical-studies/

Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

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Think your gut is just about digestion? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten uncovers the surprising truth about how gut health probiotics and the right foods—especially fermented foods for gut health—can deeply impact your hormones, immune system, mood, and more. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by fatigue, bloating, heavy periods, thyroid issues, or anxiety, your gut could be the missing link—and it’s one you can start supporting today.

This Episode is Brought to You By

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Chorus: Chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  . 

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Endometriosis Flare Guide — drbrighten.com/endoflare
• Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan — drbrighten.com/plan
• Dr. Brighten Essentials Women's Probiotic — specifically formulated to support gut health probiotics and hormone balance https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic?selling_plan=995917858
• Dr. Brighten Essentials Balance Women’s Hormone Support — specifically formulated to support estrogen detox and the gut estrobolome https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266
• Thyroid Deep Dive with Dr. Izabella Wentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY
• Insulin & Blood Sugar Regulation Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE
• Vagus Nerve / Nervous System Support Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8
• Article: Best Prebiotic Fibers for Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/best-prebiotic/
• Seed Cycling & Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/seed-cycling-for-hormone-balance/

📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one.

If you’re ready to finally connect the dots between your gut and your hormones and get the science-backed steps to start healing—this is the episode to press play on. Your hormones will thank you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the stress, exhaustion, and emotional reactivity you’re battling every day aren’t just personality quirks, but symptoms of nervous system dysregulation? In this deeply moving and enlightening episode, I sit down with Meliza Mokrani—trauma-informed health coach, founder of Worthy Wellness Studio, and nervous system educator—to explore how chronic stress, cultural conditioning, and unhealed trauma shape your hormones, health, and self-worth. We unpack how your autonomic nervous system dysregulation could be behind so much of what you’re calling “normal,” and more importantly, how you can begin to heal.

This Episode Is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off.

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. 

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Meliza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani
• Worthy Wellness Studio -  Berkeley, CA: https://www.worthyselfcare.com
• Join the Waitlist - Mothering Beyond Narcissism Meliza’s proprietary method for a nervous system reset. Understand your triggers. Rewire your stress response: https://melizamokrani.com/mothering-beyond-narcissism/
• The WORTHY App - Science-backed breathwork, somatic movement, and regulation tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://worthyselfcare.com/app/
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – on trauma and how the body stores it: https://amzn.to/3U1brc4
• Pelvic Floor Therapy Resource [Dr. Diana Mendez’s episode on pelvic health]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM
• Free Nervous System Resource [Downloadable guides and tools to begin your self-regulation journey]: https://melizamokrani.com/resources/
• So Informed - Instagram account for digestible weekly news recaps: https://www.instagram.com/so.informed/

Follow Meliza Mokrani:

Website: https://melizamokrani.com/

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani

X: https://x.com/melizamokrani

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

 
Whether you're navigating burnout, hormone chaos, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, this episode gives you the science, tools, and validation you need to reclaim your calm. Understanding nervous system dysregulation and healing from trauma isn’t just a mental health matter—it’s a foundational pillar of vibrant, whole-body wellness. Tune in and begin your own transformation from survival to regulation. 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten unpacks the three hidden causes of fatigue most doctors miss and the real reasons so many women are running on empty. If you've ever been told it's just stress, aging, or that you need more sleep, this episode will feel like both a truth bomb and a roadmap.

Through powerful insights on PCOS, neurodivergence, and cortisol dysfunction, Dr. Brighten connects the dots between your symptoms and your physiology—so you can stop blaming yourself and start getting your energy back. Expect practical, science-backed tools you can use today to finally feel like yourself again.

👇 Mentioned in this Episode

• Best Supplements for PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/supplements-for-pcos/
• Anti-inflammatory meal plan with 21 recipes: https://drbrighten.com/plan/
• Myo-Inositol Plus Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?srsltid=AfmBOoqXWxECOe63krZepCRoGPcPmCgB3N8CjPJndovjn0u6V5Bhg88U&selling_plan=995426338
• Dr. Brighten Recommended PCOS Supplement Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/pcos-plus-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopX_05VPM57CHOwvf2u-H8Rm2IpXBmoS-pYuz9BC7yoA0Urzp8T&selling_plan=1482620962
• Dr. Brighten’s Insulin Resistance Deep Dive Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE
• Burnout Recovery Episode (for deeper strategies on brain-based fatigue) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwYf-2orq-8
• Dr. Diana Mendez on Painful Sex & Pelvic Floor Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM
• Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on RSD & Emotional Regulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdHqxvq2VA8
• Vagus Nerve Episode: How to Reset Your Nervous System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8
• Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Includes libido support & lube recommendations: https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy
• Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://amzn.to/3becjT7

🎙 This Episode Is Brought to You ByDr. Brighten Essentials:

Optimal Adrenal Kit - Restore your energy naturally and get better sleep. Use CODE  POD15 for 15% off  https://drbrightenessentials.com

LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one.

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If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Why is my body changing even though I haven’t? — this episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself. In this deep, funny, and jaw-droppingly real conversation, I sit down with Liz Wolfe, certified personal trainer, nutrition expert, and author of Eat the Yolks, to break down the real reasons women feel like their metabolism crashes in their 40s—and how to become forever strong without starving, punishing workouts, or obsessing over “clean eating.”

We go far beyond food and calories and into the hormonal chaos, generational diet trauma, and lifestyle stressors that collide in perimenopause to make women feel like they're falling apart—when really, their bodies are just asking for something different. Something wiser. Something that leads to forever strong health and energy.

🛍️This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

✨Want to support the show? Check out these incredible brands that help us bring you conversations that end the gatekeeping and get women the answers they deserve.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Liz Wolfe’s Eat the Yolks (book): https://amzn.to/44mepgl

• Liz Wolfe’s program with protein calculator + TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) tool: https://idealage.com/drbrighten

• Liz Wolfe’s podcast: https://idealage.buzzsprout.com/2449189/follow

• Dr. Brighten’s Free Perimenopause Weight Loss Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan 

• Article: Breakfast with 30 Grams of Protein https://drbrighten.com/breakfast-with-30-grams-of-protein/

• Article: How Much Protein Do Women Need https://drbrighten.com/how-much-protein-should-women-have/ 

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎙️ Follow Liz Wolfe :

💻 Website: https://realfoodliz.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodliz/ 

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert conversations that help you take charge of your hormones and your health.

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Did you know that when estrogen drops during perimenopause and menopause, ADHD symptoms can skyrocket? If you’ve felt like your ADHD got worse overnight—or that your once-manageable brain fog, mood swings, or forgetfulness have taken over—you're not imagining things. 

In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we uncover the science behind how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and testosterone profoundly impact the ADHD brain and why menopause and perimenopause make those effects louder, messier, and harder to ignore. If you're a woman navigating perimenopause and ADHD, or wrestling with brain fog and menopause, this conversation is the empowering knowledge bomb you’ve been waiting for.

🎧 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free ADHD Hormone Sync Mini Course — https://drbrighten.com/sync/
• Free Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan for Hormone & Brain Support — https://drbrighten.com/plan/
• Sleep & ADHD Episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/
• ADHD Types & Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/
• Insulin & Blood Sugar Episode with Lab Guide: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/insulin-resistance/
• Perimenopause Weight Loss & Exercise Strategies: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/
• Menopause Hormone Therapy or HRT to Manage Menopause Symptoms: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/symptoms-of-menopause/
• PMDD, Histamine & Neurodivergent women: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menstrual-cycle-and-hormone-health/
• ADHD Burnout Recovery: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-burnout/
• Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/

Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements Discussed:

• Omega-3s (2000mg/day) for brain structure, mood, and inflammation https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?selling_plan=995557410
• Magnesium Glycinate (300mg at night) for nervous system and sleep https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?selling_plan=995459106

HRT Protocols Mentioned:

• Oral micronized progesterone (100–200mg at night)
• Topical estrogen (e.g. 0.025mg estradiol patch)
• Testosterone replacement based on labs: Total T, Free T, SHBG

🙌 Support the show by supporting our sponsorsDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off DUTCH Test: Advanced hormone testing for clearer clinical insights—new providers get up to 5 Complete tests at 50% off. https://dutchtest.com Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 👍 If this episode hit home, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Turn on notifications so you never miss a moment of hormone + ADHD truth.

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What if your autoimmune symptoms aren’t just about food, infections, or even your labs, but about the unresolved pain your body has carried for decades? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Justin Janoska, founder of The Autoimmune Revolution, to unpack the invisible—but measurable—impact of Complex Trauma on women’s health. From the emotional injuries of childhood to the clinical signs of high cortisol levels and low HRV, this conversation explores how unresolved trauma—what Justin calls “Trauma Complex”—may be the hidden driver behind thyroid dysfunction, infertility, chronic fatigue, and even stubborn weight gain. This is the conversation your nervous system has been waiting for.

👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE If this episode hit home for you, let us know in the comments. Like the video, share it with a friend, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next!

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

DUTCH Test: Advanced hormone testing for clearer clinical insights—new providers get up to 5 Complete tests at 50% off. https://dutchtest.com

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Post-Dieting Comeback by Justin Janoska – https://amzn.to/3TwYNkU
• Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/
• Whoop: https://www.whoop.com/us/en/
• Salivary Cortisol Testing: https://dutchtest.com/
• Dr. Navaz Habib (Vagus Nerve Episode Mentioned) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8
• Dr. Sara Szal (Gottfried) Episode on Trauma and Hormones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4NpJ7-aV7E
• Dr. Izabella Wentz Episode on Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY&t=4s

Follow Justin Janoska :

💻 Website: https://www.theautoimmunerevolution.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinjanoska

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinjanoska

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧Subscribe to the Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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What if everything you’ve been told about period pain is wrong? In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten—board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and hormone expert—blows the lid off the myth that suffering through painful periods is just part of being a woman. With a deeply personal story of being dismissed for nearly three decades before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis, Dr. Brighten exposes how deeply broken our medical system is when it comes to women’s pain—and what you can do about it.

If you’ve ever been told that your only options for period pain relief are birth control or a hysterectomy, this episode will change your life. You’ll learn the real root causes behind your symptoms, the labs and imaging you should be asking for, how to partner with your doctor instead of being dismissed, and the lifestyle strategies that are making a massive difference for thousands of women around the world. This Episode Is Brought to You By:

LUME BOX: http://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. 

Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/ use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work.

You’ve Been Lied to About Period Pain—Here’s the Truth

Up to 90% of teens and 80% of adults experience period pain, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten shares the real root causes behind extreme period pain, how to get real answers from your doctor, and what you can do right now to get period pain relief—without relying solely on birth control or surgery.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Period Pain Guide: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare

• Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan + Recipes: https://drbrighten.com/plan

• Balance Women’s Hormone Support Supplement: https://drbrighten.com/product/balance

• Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill

• Endo Belly Article: https://drbrighten.com/endo-belly/

• DIM Article: https://drbrighten.com/dim-supplement/ 

• Endometriosis Episode with Dr. Ram Cabrera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGUk49BpU4&t=15s

• How to Prepare for Endometrisosis Excision Surgery Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKUJoTwU_rA

• Thyroid Episode with Dr. Izabella Wentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY&t=3s

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Episode with Dr. Diana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM

Research Papers & Resources:

• "Medical Misogyny Leaves Many Women in Pain" https://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj.q2780 (Published study referenced in episode)
• Period Pain Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11477228/ 
• Period Pain in Teens: https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/21/6/762/628858

• 93% of Women Feel Dismissed: https://www.femtechworld.co.uk/news/93-of-women-feel-dismissed-when-seeking-medical-help-new-survey-reveals

👍 If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

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What happens when you're in your 20s, seemingly healthy, and then your body turns on you overnight? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, model and wellness advocate Alaia Baldwin shares the deeply human side of living with polycystic ovarian syndrome insulin resistance, misdiagnosed cortisol face, and the complex journey of learning how to treat endometriosis. She talks intimately about being a part of a famous family and how they supported her deeply through her journey. From collapsing into bed with chronic fatigue to confronting misdiagnoses and bloating that made her look months pregnant as a model and mother, Alaia opens up about the real impact of hormonal disorders that are too often minimized or misunderstood.

This is not just about symptoms. It’s about survival. About self-trust. And about how a woman can transform pain into purpose. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors, exhausted beyond explanation, or bloated beyond belief — this episode is for you.

👇 YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to recognize cortisol face as a warning sign of hormone imbalance

• The emotional and physical toll of polycystic ovarian syndrome insulin resistance

• What no one tells you about how to treat endometriosis effectively

• The nutrition and lifestyle shifts that changed everything

• How motherhood intersects with invisible illness and how to cope

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Alaia Baldwin’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alaiabaldwin

• Myo Inositol Plus from Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus

• DrBrighten.com – Free Hormone & PCOS Resources https://drbrighten.com/category/menstrual-cycle/pcos/

• Book: Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal

• Understanding Cortisol Face – Adrenal PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/adrenal-pcos/

• MyoInositol and PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/best-inositol-supplement/

• Cold Plunge Therapy for Women: https://drbrighten.com/cold-plunge-benefits/

• Endo What? Documentary – Endometriosis Awareness https://www.endowhat.com/

• How to Tell If You Have Endometriosis with Dr. Ram Cabrera [Podcast]: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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You stopped taking the pill… now what? For millions of women, the birth control pill has been a lifeline or a frustrating mystery. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten unpacks what really happens when you stop hormonal birth control and why no one in the doctor’s office seems to prepare you for the aftermath. Whether you're quitting the pill to get pregnant, manage side effects, or simply reconnect with your body, this episode is your roadmap to understanding and healing.

Dr. Brighten breaks down post-birth control syndrome, hormonal chaos, gut health, metabolic shifts, and what the first few months after quitting really look like. With clinical insight, personal stories, and practical solutions, this conversation is your ultimate guide to reclaiming your hormonal health—on your terms.

This episode is brought to you by: 

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off 

Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer.

DUTCH Test: Advanced hormone testing for clearer clinical insights—new providers get up to 5 Complete tests at 50% off. https://dutchtest.com

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://amzn.to/3becjT7
• Gut Health Episode with Gastroenterologist – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QivbSb4JzM
• Episode on Painful Periods & Medical Gaslighting – Coming next week, subscribe so you don't miss the episode https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten
• Perimenopause Weight Loss & Metabolic Health Episode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TQ5fbOKsMI
• Thyroid Health Episode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY
• Recommended Prenatal/Multi Supplement – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus?selling_plan=995786786

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👍 Like this episode?  Please like, comment, and share this video with someone who needs it. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop!

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Are we really still using 70-year-old tools in women’s health? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with award-winning journalist and author Marina Gerner to expose how outdated our current reproductive health care system really is—from the epidural as the “last big innovation” in birth care to the lack of real advancement in birth control methods. But this conversation isn’t just about what’s broken—it’s also about what’s being built. 

You’ll learn about groundbreaking innovations like smart bras that detect heart disease, digital contraceptives that rival the pill in efficacy, and why FemTech may be the future of women’s health. Whether you're frustrated by the current system or looking for hopeful, empowering solutions, this episode is packed with actionable insight, compelling stats, and a vision for what modern reproductive health could and should look like. This episode is brought to you by: 

• Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work.
• Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer.
• LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!
Links Mentioned in This Episode

• The Vagina Business by Marina Gerner –​​ https://amzn.to/4kM7xPI
• Dr. Brighten’s book Is This Normal? – https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy
• Dr. Brighten’s book Beyond the Pill - https://amzn.to/3becjT7
• Research: "Association of Hormonal Contraception With Depression" (JAMA, 2016) – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2552796
• Fertility Awareness resource guide – https://drbrighten.com/fertility-awareness-method-work/
• The Guardian article on the smart bra – https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2020/jun/02/smart-bras-and-a-light-tracker-the-wearable-tech-helping-plug-the-medical-gender-bias-gap

Follow Marina Gerner: Website https://www.marinagerner.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marinagerner

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marinagerner

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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If you're in your 40s and wondering why your go-to health strategies aren’t working anymore, this episode is your wake-up call. Up to 80% of women develop insulin resistance during perimenopause—and most don’t even know it. Weight gain, cravings, brain fog, poor sleep, and stubborn belly fat could all be signs your metabolism is being hijacked by hormonal shifts. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to look overweight to be metabolically unhealthy. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down the hormonal chaos of midlife, the labs your doctor probably isn’t running, and the nutrition and lifestyle upgrades that actually work—no fads required.

Download the free Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan at: https://drbrighten.com/plan

This Episode is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. https://drbrightenessentials.com

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. http://drbrighten.com/sunlighten

Want to reach an audience of health-literate, proactive women who care deeply about hormones and longevity? Email media@drbrighten.com to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Dr. Brighten Essentials Products:

- Women's Probiotic with Lactobacillus rhamnosus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic

- Thyroid Support Formula https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/thyroid-support

- Myo Inositol Plus with chromium, green tea, and 2,000 mcg of myo-inositol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus

Podcast Episodes:

- Perimenopause 101 – What’s Happening to Your Hormones? https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-symptoms-solutions-explained/ 

- How to Lose Weight in Perimenopause Without Losing Your Mind https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/

- Is HRT The Answer? Top HRT Questions Answered https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/should-you-consider-hrt/ 

- Sleep in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ 

- The Vagus Nerve and Stress Regulation https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/why-you-need-to-stimulate-vagus-nerve/ 

- Carbs, Muscle, and Hormones with Dr. Stephanie Estima https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/fitness-for-menopause/ 

- Neurodivergent Women and Hormone Health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/ 

- Dr. Staci Whitman: Oral Health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/

Articles & Tools:

- Can You Get Pregnant in Perimenopause? https://drbrighten.com/can-i-get-pregnant-during-perimenopause/ 

- Why Can’t I Sleep in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/perimenopause-sleep-issues/ 

- How to Lose Weight in Menopause https://drbrighten.com/menopause-weight-loss/ 

- Visceral Fat in Women (aka Belly Fat) & How to Lose It https://drbrighten.com/menopause-belly-fat/

Study:

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode- Study: Estrogen Therapy & Insulin Sensitivity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25883987/

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In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with world-renowned dietitian and bestselling author Ilana Muhlstein to dismantle the myths and madness of the typical weight loss diet. Ilana doesn’t just talk the talk—she lost over 100 pounds, kept it off through three pregnancies, and helps millions do the same with her signature “Water First, Veggies Most” philosophy. This conversation is a blend of science, lived experience, and zero BS. If you're tired of confusing food rules, toxic trends, or watching Ozempic change your friends’ relationships with food, this one’s for you.

This episode is brought to you by:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off

Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Ilana Muhlstein’s program: 2B Mindset ⁠https://www.ilanamuhlstein.com/⁠

• Ilana’s Book: You Can Drop It! ⁠https://a.co/d/9oYkz9O⁠

• Ilana Meals (healthy meal delivery service): https://www.ilanameals.com

• Oodles High-Fiber Mac & Cheese: https://www.eatoodles.com

• Dr. Brighten’s Free Anti-Inflammatory Recipes + Holistic Weight Loss Plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan/ 

Follow Ilana Muhlstein:

💻Website https://www.ilanamuhlstein.com/

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ilanamuhlsteinrd/

⭕YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IlanaProudPoser

🎥TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nutritionbabe?lang=en 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

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In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with hormone expert and OB-GYN Dr. Tara Scott to debunk the most damaging myths about menopause and hormone therapy. If you’ve ever been told to “just deal with it” when it comes to menopause symptoms, or you’ve been scared off from exploring hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this is the empowering deep dive you’ve been waiting for. From the real risks to the misunderstood benefits, and the massive gaps in provider training—this conversation puts you in control of your health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

This episode is your go-to guide for understanding symptoms of menopause, how to get menopause symptom relief, and the science-backed hormone replacement therapy benefits that every woman deserves to know. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at why so many doctors are misinformed, how to advocate for yourself, and the truth about estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even DHEA.

This episode is brought to you by:

DUTCH Test: Advanced hormone testing for clearer clinical insights—new providers get up to 5 Complete tests at 50% off. https://dutchtest.com

Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  

Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• The Menopause Society 2022 Position Statement: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2022/07000/the_2022_hormone_therapy_position_statement_of_the.4.aspx
• Study - Breast cancer risk for estrogen + micronized progesterone is only 1 in 1,000: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2022/07000/the_2022_hormone_therapy_position_statement_of_the.4.aspx
• Study on 10 million women and cardiovascular disease https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2024/05000/use_of_menopausal_hormone_therapy_beyond_age_65.3.aspx
• Study in the UK measuring serum levels: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2025/02000/the_range_and_variation_in_serum_estradiol.2.asp
• A4M Provider Directory: https://www.a4m.com/find-a-doctor.html
• Don’t forget to grab our free (peri)menopause weight loss plan with 21 anti-inflammatory recipes to help you hit your fiber and protein goals: https://drbrighten.com/plan/
• Episode with a pelvic floor physical therapist https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRIGHTENWELLNESS9689937652.mp3?updated=1744960620
• Study in the UK measuring serum levels: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2025/02000/the_range_and_variation_in_serum_estradiol.2.asp
• Justin Houman’s episode https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRIGHTENWELLNESS5177603335.mp3?updated=1745900309
• Does Endometriosis Go Away with Menopause https://drbrighten.com/does-endometriosis-go-away-after-menopause/
• 10 Odd Symptoms of Menopause https://drbrighten.com/10-odd-symptoms-of-menopause/

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Tara Scott:

💻 Website: https://drtarascott.com/

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonegurumd/

⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaraScottMD

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices