Episodes

13h ago

Is estrogen cream for the face really the new holy grail of anti-aging—or is it another skincare trend overselling its promise? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down the biology behind estrogen and skin aging, why women’s skin often changes rapidly after 35, and what clinical studies actually show about using topical estrogen on the face. This isn’t about chasing youth—it’s about understanding collagen loss, inflammation, and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause directly affect the skin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, you’ll learn how estrogen interacts with the skin at a cellular level, why traditional skincare often stops working in midlife, and how clinicians are using estrogen cream for the face —specifically estriol and estradiol—in a thoughtful, medically supervised way. Dr. Brighten explains who may benefit, how these creams are typically used, what results are realistic, and which healthcare providers are qualified to prescribe them, all through a women’s-health-first, evidence-based lens. 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. Shop now https://drbrighten.com/radiant/ 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 LUMEBOX Ready to take your skincare results to the next level—right from home? 💡 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. 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. 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

5d ago

Endometriosis shouldn’t require fame, influence, or extraordinary persistence to be taken seriously—yet that’s exactly what Lili Reinhart’s viral post reveals. In her deeply vulnerable message, she shared years of worsening symptoms, medical dismissal, and confusion that ultimately led her to discover she had both endometriosis and adenomyosis. Her experience mirrors the journey of millions of people who have been repeatedly told their pain is normal, exaggerated, or unrelated to their reproductive health. In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , Dr. Jolene Brighten reacts to Lili’s post and uses it as a launch point to expose the endometriosis diagnosis myth, highlight the systemic failures that keep patients undiagnosed for years, and provide a clear, practical path for listeners who suspect endo but haven’t been taken seriously. Drawing from her own 29-year delay to diagnosis, her clinical expertise, and the lived experiences of her community, Dr. Brighten breaks down the biggest misconceptions, the biases baked into diagnostic processes, and the tools that actually help patients get answers. You’ll learn why “normal” imaging is often meaningless, how endometriosis can hide from inexperienced radiologists, and why patients who tell doctors they want to conceive get diagnosed faster—even when their symptoms are the same. You’ll also learn how pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder symptoms, digestive issues, fatigue, and systemic inflammation all intersect with endometriosis and what this means for your care. 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. Shop now https://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 LUMEBOX Ready to take your skincare results to the next level—right from home? 💡 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. 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. 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Dec 16

If you’ve ever felt like stress runs the show, your cortisol is permanently stuck on “high,” or mindfulness sounds great in theory but completely unrealistic in real life… this episode is about to change everything. Bestselling author and mindfulness teacher Rosie Acosta joins Dr. Jolene Brighten to reveal how you can lower cortisol, calm your nervous system, and shift out of survival mode in as little as 90 seconds — even if you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or navigating perimenopause. From the science of vagus nerve breathing to the emotional reactivity of modern life, Rosie and Dr. Brighten break down how tiny, realistic mindfulness practices can literally reshape your brain, support hormone balance, and anchor you back into the person you want to be. This is one of those episodes that makes you pause, breathe differently, and rethink what it means to feel grounded. 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. Shop now https://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 LUMEBOX Ready to take your skincare results to the next level—right from home? 💡 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. 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. 💫 Follow Rosie Acosta: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosieacosta/ 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radicallylovedrosie/ ⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rosieacosta 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Dec 11

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience—it’s a biological event that behaves like a hidden hormone disorder . In this episode, Shawn Stevenson joins Dr. Brighten to expose how the effects of social isolation ripple across your cortisol levels, immune system, emotional stability, and even your genes. You’ll hear how technology, toxic relationships, fractured community networks, and modern family dynamics are driving a quiet but powerful shift in women’s health and longevity. What follows is one of the most illuminating, compassionate, and actionable conversations you’ll ever hear about connection, stress, and the biology of belonging. 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 Shawn Stevenson: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnmodel/ 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheModelHealthShow ⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtFV6nJ5zZ0__SXBkikfLlg 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Dec 9

If you’ve been waking up exhausted, crashing in the afternoon, gaining weight around your belly, or feeling overwhelmed by even the smallest things, this episode is going to be a turning point for you. So many women—especially women over 35 and women moving through perimenopause—are unknowingly dealing with chronic cortisol dysregulation , even when they’re eating well, exercising, and doing “everything right.” In today’s conversation, I walk you through how to reduce stress hormones naturally , using a simple and effective four-step plan you can begin today. You’ll also learn why the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year for women’s hormones, and how to make small changes that allow you to enjoy the season without crashing in January. This episode blends science with practicality, and gives you the tools, data, and strategies you need to support cortisol in a way that’s sustainable, accessible, and incredibly effective. This Episode Is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials Optimal Adrenal Kit — a science-backed system created to support women’s stress response, energy, and hormonal balance through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the exhaustion of chronic stress, the wired-and-tired cycles of adrenal imbalance, or the way burnout can amplify challenges with mood, focus, or sleep, you’re not alone. The Optimal Adrenal Kit brings together clinically informed adaptogens, targeted B-vitamins, and foundational adrenal nutrients to help nourish your stress pathways and support steady energy, emotional resilience, and whole-body vitality. Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/optimal-adrenal-kit?_pos=1&_psq=adrenal+kit&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995590178 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Dec 4

If you've noticed more hair in your brush, shedding in the shower, or a widening part line, you're in the right place. This episode breaks down the real reasons women lose hair and exactly what you can do about it. Because I promised in the episode that everything would be clearly divided into categories in the show notes, this page includes a step-by-step, science-backed protocol , organized by mechanism so you can easily follow and implement the plan. 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. Shop now https://drbrighten.com/radiant/ 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. 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

Dec 3

In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, we unpack what pain is actually telling you, how doctors should evaluate it, why so many women are misdiagnosed, and the anatomical truths every woman deserves to know about her pelvic health. If you've ever wondered why sex is painful and what to do next , this is the most comprehensive and actionable explanation you’ve ever heard—all based entirely on the insights from the episode transcript. For full episode notes see: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pain-during-sex/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27

Most people think of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as something caused by a fall, car accident, or physical impact. But new research is redefining TBI entirely — and it has major implications for women. Emotional trauma, chronic stress, and prolonged cortisol elevation can create measurable changes in the brain that mimic the neurological patterns traditionally seen after concussions. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Peatross to explore the emerging science of stress-induced brain injury, why women are uniquely affected, and how emotional trauma disrupts everything from neurotransmitter production to gut permeability to hormone balance. We also discuss Jessica’s personal experience: a cascade of traumatic events, B-vitamin deficiencies, functional freeze, personality changes, and escalating neurological symptoms that eventually led to the discovery of a right-sided brain injury. 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. Shop now https://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 LUMEBOX Ready to take your skincare results to the next level—right from home? 💡 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. 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. ⭐ Follow Dr. Jessica Peatross: 💻 Website: https://drjessmd.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jess.md/?hl=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. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25

Women make up two out of three cases of Alzheimer’s disease , yet most are never told why—or what they can do to protect themselves long before symptoms appear. In this powerful conversation, Max Lugavere breaks down the misunderstood early drivers of cognitive decline, the role of metabolic health, how environmental toxins contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, and the research showing that the foods you eat every day can shift your brain’s trajectory decades before a diagnosis. If you’ve ever wondered why brain-related conditions disproportionately affect women, or whether prevention is actually possible, this episode is a must-listen. 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. Shop now https://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 Max Lugavere: 💻 Website: https://www.instagram.com/maxlugavere/?hl=en 📸 Instagram: https://www.maxlugavere.com/ ⭕ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maxlugavere 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Nov 20

PCOS symptoms often intensify after 30 due to compounding insulin resistance, adrenal stress patterns, and brain–ovary signaling changes. As estrogen and progesterone begin subtle shifts in the mid-30s, many women experience more anovulatory cycles, higher cortisol responses, and worsening androgen symptoms. This episode takes a whole-system view of PCOS across the lifespan and reframes the condition not as a failure—but as a genetically programmed survival adaptation interacting with a modern environment that our biology wasn’t built for. 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 Fiona McCulloch : 💻 Website: https://drfionand.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drfionand/ 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Nov 18

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 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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

Nov 13

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

Nov 11

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

Nov 6

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 📸 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

Nov 4

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

Oct 30

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

Oct 28

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/ 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23

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

Oct 21

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

Oct 16

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 📸 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

Oct 14

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

Oct 9

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 📸 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

Oct 7

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: 💻 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

Oct 2

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

Sep 30

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

Sep 25

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/ 🎧 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

Sep 23

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

Sep 18

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

Sep 16

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) h ttps://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 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

Sep 11

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

Sep 9

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

Sep 4

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

Sep 2

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/ 🎧 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

Aug 28

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

Aug 26

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 ✨ Website: https://drbrighten.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/drjolenebrighten TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21

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

Aug 19

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

Aug 14

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 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

Aug 12

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

Aug 7

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 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjolenebrighten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5

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 📸 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

Jul 31

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

Jul 29

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

Jul 24

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

Jul 22

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

Jul 17

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

Jul 15

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

Jul 10

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

Jul 8

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

Jul 3

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

Jul 1

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Why is my body changing even though I haven’t? — this episode is your p ermission 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26

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

Jun 24

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

Jun 19

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

Jun 17

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

Jun 12

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

Jun 10

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

Jun 5

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

Jun 3

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

May 29

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

May 27

In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , I sit down with Ashley Greene Khoury —actress, entrepreneur, and Twilight alum—and her co-founder Olivia Khoury , to talk about the one thing the health industry still gets so wrong: women’s pain . Together, they’re rewriting the story on periods, PMDD, and hormone health through their company, Hummingway —a brand disrupting the femcare space with science-backed, non-toxic solutions. What started as a personal struggle for both women turned into a mission to end the cycle of dismissal and disempowerment so many of us face when we walk into a doctor’s office. We go deep into topics most platforms won’t touch—from the real effects of birth control , to the way neurodivergent women are failed by traditional medicine. If you’ve ever been told your pain is normal, this episode will change the way you think about your body—and what it’s truly capable of. 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. 📢 Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Hummingway – https://ourhummingway.com - Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy - Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 - Dr. Brighten’s episode on ADHD and Hormones https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/ - Follow Hummingway on Instagram https://instagram.com/ourhummingway Article: ADHD and PMDD: ​​https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-pmdd-hormone-connection/ Article: PMDD and Histamine: https://drbrighten.com/histamine-and-pmdd/ Follow Ashley & Olivia: - Ashley Greene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleygreene/?hl=en - Olivia Khoury Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livkhoury/?hl=en - Ashley Greene TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleygreenekhoury?lang=en - Olivia Khoury TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@living0napray3r?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 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. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22

What do forever chemicals , food dye bans , and the future of autism care have in common? According to Dr. Will Cole—more than you might think. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , we’re pulling back the curtain on the environmental toxins hiding in your clothes, cookware, and makeup, how the FDA banning food dye is just the tip of the iceberg, and what RFK Jr.’s controversial statements during Autism Awareness Month got very wrong and how we can do better. From PFAS chemicals disrupting fertility, hormones, and gut health, to the polarized politics of the autism registry , this is a powerful conversation on how we reclaim our health through information, nuance, and actionable change. Dr. Cole, a functional medicine pioneer, shares what he’s seeing in labs from patients across the globe, how “normal” symptoms are often anything but, and how to detox your body without falling into wellness perfectionism or fear. This is for the moms, the health-seekers, the neurodivergent families, and anyone tired of being told “everything is fine” when their labs—and life—say otherwise. 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 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: Environmental Working Group PFAS Guide: https://www.ewg.org Berkey Water Filters http://drbrighten.com/berkey Book: Gut Feelings by Dr. Will Cole https://a.co/d/7scs7KX FDA updates on food dye bans: https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply Autism and gut research from Australia: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867421012319 Gut Microbiota Association with Autism: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02556-6 Follow Dr. Will Coles Social Media: Dr. Will Cole’s podcast + website: ⁠ http://drwillcole.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrWillCole TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drwillcole 👩🏻‍⚕️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

May 20

Welcome to The Dr. Brighten Show ! If you’ve ever wondered about your fertility, the quality of your eggs, or whether freezing them might be a smart move, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Debbie Cassis , an OBGYN, who has helped countless women navigate fertility preservation. Whether you’re thinking about starting a family now or just want to preserve your options and understand the egg freezing process , this episode will empower you with science-backed knowledge, expert advice, and a whole lot of real talk about egg freezing, IVF, and what you can do to optimize your fertility health at any age . 🔗 SPONSORS + LINKS This episode is made possible by our generous sponsors. To support the show and gain access to trusted resources, visit: 👉 DrBrighten.com for free hormone health guides and fertility resources 👉 DrBrightenEssentials.com for the highest-quality supplements 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Debbie Cassis’s Clinic: Hestia Fertility https://www.hestiafertility.com/en/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaD2_KtQr3rUrBiB9ID4uTH7bByiVSTNKWD3zcgTPjOmNLXEEJEobiVtGc_aem_Y4_N1iPJ1u5LXH7XCmugCQ Dr. Debbie Cassis’s Instagram : @drad.debbiesassis https://www.instagram.com/dra.debbiecassis/?hl=en Myo Inositol Plus to Support Egg Quality: Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338 Endometriosis Resource: Interview with Ram Cabrera https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Beyond the Pill: Dr. Brighten’s book with fertility information https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15

If you’ve been dismissed with “normal labs” while still struggling with hair loss, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, anxiety, infertility, or exhaustion , this episode will feel like a lifeline. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Izabella Wentz , clinical pharmacist, thyroid expert, and bestselling author, to uncover the real root causes of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism —and what you can do to reclaim your energy, mood, and metabolism. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or suspect something’s been missed, this conversation will equip you with the tools to finally take back your health. 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 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. Izabella Wentz’s Books: -- Hashimoto’s Protocol https://amzn.to/2TsgO3C -- Adrenal Transformation Protocol https://amzn.to/3MVERX3 -- The Root Cause Cookbook for Hashimoto’s https://amzn.to/2OpNLfa Key Supplements Discussed: -- Selenium (83–200 mcg) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/thyroid-support -- Myo-Inositol (2,000 mg) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus -- Benfotiamine (600 mg for thyroid-related fatigue) -- Magnesium Glycinate (for thyroid support) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus -- Adaptogens: Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support Lab Tests You Should Request : https://drbrighten.com/essential-thyroid-labs-you-should-be-testing/ Scientific Research & Stats Referenced: -- Studies on celiac disease + gluten as a trigger for Hashimoto’s -- Dr. Alessio Fasano’s work on leaky gut and autoimmunity -- Evidence on fluoride’s link to hypothyroidism in UK water studies: https://jech.bmj.com/content/69/7/619 -- Izabella Wentz article on fluoride’s link to hypothyroidism: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/fluoride-and-your-thyroid -- Sauna 4x/week study showing reduced cardiovascular and toxic burden risk https://drbrighten.com/infrared-sauna-benefits/ Follow Izabella Wentz: -- Website https://thyroidpharmacist.com -- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd 👩🏻‍⚕️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

May 13

If you’ve ever felt like your body is stuck in overdrive—wired, inflamed, exhausted—and no amount of supplements or protocols seem to help, this episode is for you. Dr. John Kim, functional medicine pharmacist and expert in cellular health, joins me to pull back the curtain on one of the most overlooked root causes of chronic disease: the cell danger response . Born from autism research and grounded in mitochondrial science, this conversation will completely change how you view inflammation, healing, and the deep impact of childhood trauma on your long-term health. We’re going beyond symptom management and diving into the mitochondrial-level mechanisms behind hormone imbalance, fatigue, and why so many people—especially women—feel like their bodies are “off” but their labs are “normal.” You’ll learn how sympathetic nervous system dysfunction , unresolved trauma, and environmental toxins trap your body in survival mode… and what it actually takes to break free. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode + show notes: https://drbrighten.com/podcast✨ 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 Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription The Cell Danger Response research by Dr. Robert Naviaux: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31877376/ HeartMath® for heart coherence training: https://www.heartmath.com/ Iris software for red-light screen filtering: https://iristech.co/ 🎙️ ADHD Burnout: Why Women Are Always on the Edge of Exhaustion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwYf-2orq-8 🎙️ Dr. Navaz Habib’s episode: Stimulate the Vagus Nerve Daily: The Key to Reducing Inflammation & Anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8 The ADHD Hormone Sync : https://drbrighten.com/sync/ 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. 💬✨ 📚 Mentioned in this episode: 📲 Follow Dr. John Kim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.pharmd/ Website: https://www.kimwellness.co/ 🌿 Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten Website: https://drbrighten.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbrighten 🎧 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

May 8

If you’ve ever felt like your brain is moving through molasses, your to-do list is shouting at you, and no amount of caffeine can bring you back to life—this episode is for you. In this raw and real conversation, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down the science, the lived experience, and the hormonal chaos behind ADHD burnout . Especially for women in perimenopause , burnout hits harder, lasts longer, and is often misunderstood by everyone—including your doctors. This isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s about the slow, invisible unraveling of your executive function , emotional regulation, and ability to feel joy. And it's made worse by fluctuating estrogen , relentless life stress, and decades of masking in a neurotypical world. You’ll learn how to recognize ADHD burnout symptoms before they take over, what the 5 stages of burnout actually look like in real life, and the most effective tools for ADHD burnout recovery —without toxic positivity, shame, or one-size-fits-all advice. 🎙️ SPONSORSHIP LINKS Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off LMNT Electrolytes : http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Sunlighten Saunas : https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. Pulsetto Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free 5-Day Mini Course : ADHD Hormone + Brain Sync by Dr. Brighten https://drbrighten.com/sync/ Podcast Episode on Sleep + ADHD https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/ Podcast Episode on GABA and Anxiety https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ Podcast Episode on Vagus Nerve Stimulation https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/why-you-need-to-stimulate-vagus-nerve/ Research: ADHD and Co-occurring Autism (70% statistic) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8918663/ 🔥 CONNECT WITH 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 perimenopause hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/plan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6

If you’ve ever gone from waking up at 5am to cold plunge, journal, and hit a high-protein breakfast… to crying on the couch while eating saltines and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—this episode is for you. Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Aggie Lal to pull back the curtain on what pregnancy really feels like for high-performing women. It’s raw. It’s validating. And it redefines what it means to be healthy when your body demands rest, not optimization. Aggie shares how pregnancy shook up her identity as a disciplined wellness devotee, and how she learned to trust her body in entirely new ways. They talk about the deep unlearning required to move from “doing it all” to simply being . This is a conversation about softness, surrender, and strength redefined. 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. Lume Box : http://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. Sunlighten Infrared Saunas : https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Aggie Lal's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aggie/ Aggie Lal’s Book: Biohack Like a Woman https://www.amazon.com/Biohack-Like-Woman-Effortlessly-Superpowers/dp/B0CQQL9129/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3DdPmGFgrkEAKt4ALqmtoTuIdwhTNAA3hrjUO9oxwkvPPZHS2q63lj_IAbtraHIGATy-IHeb63liLuT8ItHm5XxpSMfvxuJTxMrJjEUhpC0.FBRfjur2hCwBRyFv2VWRoy0n47ZoaH_v8ESXsn5mZlQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=694580820371&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9193094&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=11867392511461301490--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11867392511461301490&hvtargid=kwd-1068218537472&hydadcr=22533_13493232&keywords=aggie+lal+book&mcid=9ffb1da8962a36baa3847c0484d8a5fe&qid=1746481798&sr=8-1 Dr. Brighten’s Prenatal Plus: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus?srsltid=AfmBOooifgMzU_ukEBAXE-FaEp00cPnyRlLLXVSaQ9rgdodGaUBhohsB&selling_plan=995786786 Dr. Jolene Brighten’s Book: Is This Normal? https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Follow Aggie Lal: Website: https://higherselfacademy.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aggie/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@biohackingbestie 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 https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1

If you’ve been told that the key to thriving in perimenopause or menopause is endless cardio, eating less, or fasting longer—you’ve been sold a myth. In this powerhouse episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Stephanie Estima joins me to bust some of the biggest myths about fitness for menopause, including why traditional approaches often fail and what actually works to support your body, metabolism, and hormones at this stage of life. Whether your goal is to maintain muscle, reduce symptoms, or finally figure out why your workouts aren’t delivering results like they used to, this episode is your essential guide to exercise for menopause belly, metabolism, and strength. We’re cutting through the noise to bring you practical advice rooted in science, plus the compassionate, no-BS clarity you deserve. If you’ve ever wondered why the same workouts that worked in your 20s no longer cut it—or why strength training for menopause is about so much more than building muscle—this conversation delivers the tools you need to feel strong, energized, and hormonally balanced. This Episode is Brought to You By: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: http://www.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 If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe—and don’t forget to leave a comment with your biggest takeaway from the episode! Your support helps this message reach more women who deserve evidence-based strategies for hormone health and fitness. Links Mentioned: - Perimenopausal Weight Lose Guide: https://drbrighten.com/plan/ - Related episodes: Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/ Is HRT the Answer? https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/ What Is Perimenopause? https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-symptoms-solutions-explained/ Follow Stephanie Estima: 💻 Website: https://drstephanieestima.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.stephanie.estima/?hl=en 🟥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrStephanieEstima 🎙️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-dr-stephanie/id1479074542 👩🏻‍⚕️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

Apr 29

Testosterone therapy might be all the buzz—but is it actually the best choice for your health, your hormones, and your future fertility? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with top urologist and men’s health expert Dr. Justin Houman to uncover the truth about testosterone, sperm health, erectile dysfunction, and the real risks men aren’t being told before starting hormone therapy. Whether you’re concerned about your partner, your son, your brother—or you’re a man navigating these questions yourself—this episode is packed with essential insights that every family should know. If you’ve heard that low testosterone is the reason behind every man’s low energy, low libido, or mood swings, this episode might surprise you. We’re breaking down what’s actually going on with men’s hormones today, why more young men are struggling with testosterone and fertility, and what steps can truly optimize hormone health—without jumping straight to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Plus, we discuss the often-overlooked impact of lifestyle, environmental toxins, and medications like hair loss drugs on hormone health and sperm quality. This Episode is Brought to You By: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials : http://www.drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. Support our sponsors! These partners help make this show possible and allow us to keep bringing you high-quality, science-backed content. Connect with Dr. Justin Houman 💻 Website: https://houmanmd.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.houman.md/ 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justin.houman.md?lang=en ⭕ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfIgw3GFY3uDXWuzR0z7OqA 👩🏻‍⚕️ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24

If you’ve ever been told your bloating, reflux, or abdominal pain is “just IBS” or “probably stress,” you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I’m joined by leading surgeon and endoscopist, Dr. Paco de la Vega , to uncover the truth about gut dysfunction and why your digestive system deserves better answers. Dr. de la Vega practices in Mexico City and is a rare kind of GI expert—one who blends surgical precision with lifestyle-centered gut care. We go deep into the real root causes of bloating, constipation, and gas , the surprising link between your emotions and digestion , and why your “healthy” diet might be secretly sabotaging your microbiome . Whether you're someone navigating unexplained gut pain or simply curious about how to improve your digestion without endless supplements or elimination diets, this episode will shift how you think about your belly—for good. This Episode Is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials : use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. Lumebox : http://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 Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to us at partnerships@drbrighten.com Links & Resources Mentioned: Dr. Paco de la Vega’s Instagram : @docpacodelavega Dr. Paco de la Vega’s Website: https://drfranciscodelavegafacs.com/ Book Mentioned : Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Related Episode : Children’s Gut Health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/child-gut-health/ How your oral microbiome is connected to your gut microbiome https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/shocking-truth-about-gum-disease/ What your tongue says about your gut health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pots-treatment-fibromyalgia-chronic-illness/ Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan with 21 Recipes to get you started by Dr. Brighten : https://drbrighten.com/plan/ Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: Website: https://www.drbrighten.com Instagram: @drjolenebrighten TikTok: @drjolenebrighten Threads: @drjolenebrighten Grab my free Hormone Friendly Recipes https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22

What happens when a pro athlete, model, wife, mother, and wellness powerhouse sits down to speak the unfiltered truth about being a woman in midlife? You get one of the most real, raw, and revolutionary conversations we’ve ever had on this show. In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Gabby Reece to unpack the evolution of strength, womanhood, parenting, and partnership—especially in a world that expects women to be everything to everyone while quietly disappearing in the process. If you’ve ever felt torn between being “nice” and being ruthlessly honest , or wondered how to navigate midlife without blowing up your marriage, this episode is your wake-up call—and your roadmap. In This Candid and Transformational Conversation, You’ll Learn: Gabby and I explore what it really takes to thrive in womanhood, relationships, and parenting when the world tells you to keep shrinking—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. From her unapologetic views on feminine and masculine energy , to her wisdom on aging, sexual intimacy, and identity, this is a masterclass in embodied strength and conscious living. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🎙 Gabby Reece’s podcast: The Gabby Reece Show 🥥 Laird Superfood 🌬 XPT Life (Breath, Movement & Recovery) 📘 The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger 📖 Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 📲 Follow Gabby on Instagram: @gabbyreece 💻 Learn more at: https://drbrighten.com 💼 This Episode Is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials : drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off. Lumebox: 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—they make this free content possible and keep the mic on for conversations that matter 💛 Follow Gabby Reece: 💻 Website: https://gabriellereece.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gabbyreece 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbyreeceofficial?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 ✨ A Small Ask That Makes a Big Impact If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend . It’s a small act that helps more than you know—your support allows us to keep creating meaningful conversations and bringing expert-backed insights to more women around the world. Thank you for being here with us 💛 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17

Ever been told that leaking pee when you laugh, sneeze, or jump is just part of being a woman —especially after having kids? What if I told you that’s not only false, but that your workouts, posture, or even the way you breathe could be making it worse ? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Diana Mendez to break down the real reasons behind urinary incontinence, painful sex, prolapse, and so many misunderstood symptoms tied to pelvic floor dysfunction. This episode is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or handed a prescription for Kegels without a proper evaluation. If you’ve ever searched for urinary incontinence treatment and been told to “just do Kegels,” you’re going to want to hit play immediately—because there’s a lot more to the story. Whether you’ve had babies or not, this conversation will help you reconnect with your body, understand how stress and trauma live in your pelvic floor, and take back control of your bladder, your sex life, and your confidence. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert-led conversations to help you take back your health. This Episode is brought to you by: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription 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 Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode Dr. Diana Mendez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapelvix/ Therapelvix: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3g5TdgbfT1nSCESw9 Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Guided Body Scan Meditation 👇 Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels”—and how that worked out for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 15

Is your child’s ADHD, anxiety, or picky eating actually caused by mouth breathing? And what does fluoride in your water really do to your brain? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Staci Whitman—founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry and global leader in functional pediatric oral health—joins me to expose the hidden links between oral health, airway issues, the microbiome, and behavior. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert-led conversations to help you take back your health. This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Fygg https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription) Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🦷 Website: Dr. Staci Whitman’s Practice & Resources 🎧Dr. Elisa Song’s episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/child-gut-health/ 🎧Dr. Victoria Sampson’s episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/shocking-truth-about-gum-disease/ 📘 Book: “Sleep Wrecked Kids” by Sharon Moore https://amzn.to/44rDhET 📘 Book: “Breath” by James Nestor https://amzn.to/4luQXoJ 🧪Research Paper: National Toxicology Program report on fluoride and neurotoxicity: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride 🔬Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2748634 🧪Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425 🛒Product: MyoTape for kids https://www.myotape.com 🛒Functional Tools: - Myo Munchie https://myomunchee.com/ - Cordless Waterpik https://www.waterpik.com/ 🔬Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (Cochrane Review): https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub3/full#CD010856-abs-0001 🔬Time to Reassess Systemic Fluoride Exposure, Again (JAMA): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2828429 🦷American Academy of Oral Systemic Health: https://www.aaosh.org/ 🦷International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology: https://iaomt.org/ 🦷Holistic Dental Association: https://holisticdental.org/ 🦷American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry: https://aapmd.org/ 🌬️The Breath Institute: https://thebreatheinstitute.com/ 🔬Institute for Functional Dentistry: https://functionaldentistry.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10

You’re doing everything right—eating well, exercising, managing stress—and yet you still feel exhausted, inflamed, and like your body’s working against you. If the weight won’t budge, sleep is elusive, and your mood feels unfamiliar, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of understanding what’s happening in your body. In this second part of our perimenopause deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) —not as a last resort, but as a proactive, personalized tool to support your brain, metabolism, sleep, and overall vitality. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or even afraid of HRT, this science-backed episode will help you make an empowered, informed decision. If you missed the first episode, Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight (without starving yourself) , you’ll definitely want to listen in to make sure you’re getting the complete picture of how nutrition, lifestyle, and HRT fit together. Once in menopause, these compliment each other and many people make the mistake of thinking that HRT will be enough on its own. 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. Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Free Download: Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan - Perimenopause 101 – Foundational episode on what’s happening to your hormones: https://drbrt.in/AERxT2 - Dr. Brighten Essentials: Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit - Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA & Progesterone (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/ByveEr - Adrenal Calm by Dr. Brighten Essentials – L-theanine, passionflower & phosphatidylserine to support stress and sleep: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10

If you’re cutting calories, pushing harder at the gym, and still watching the scale creep up, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Perimenopause changes everything , especially how your body holds onto weight. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , we’re breaking down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes with your hormones, why traditional weight loss advice falls flat , and what to do instead if you want to see real results—without wrecking your metabolism. This isn’t about restriction. It’s about working with your hormones , not against them. We’ll walk through the science-backed nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies that actually support fat loss, muscle gain, and a healthier metabolism in perimenopause—so you can feel like yourself again. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series. The first episode focuses on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle change. In episode 2, you’ll find hormone replacement therapy (HRT) specific info. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the second episode in the series! This episode is brought to you by: 🛍️ Shop Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements https://drbrightenessentials.com/ SAVE 15% by using the code POD15 Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Navaz Habib on Inflammation (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/UyoQEu - Dr. Brighten’s Adrenal Calm Supplement (with L-theanine, passionflower, and phosphatidylserine): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm - Dr. Brighten Essential’s Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit - Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus - “Is This Normal?” by Dr. Jolene Brighten (book): https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy - Episode: Gut Health & Estrogen in Perimenopause (coming soon—subscribe to be notified) - ADHD, Sleep, and Hormones—Why Perimenopause Makes it Harder (podcast episode) https://drbrt.in/e29sl1 This is the episode that will finally help you understand why your weight is shifting—and what to do about it that actually works . If you found this episode helpful, I have a small favor to ask— leaving a quick review might not seem like much, but in the podcasting world, it makes a huge difference . Your review helps boost the show’s visibility so more people—especially women—can find this life-changing information. It also helps center women’s voices in conversations about women’s health , where we’ve been overlooked for far too long. So thank you for taking a moment to support the show—you’re helping make sure more women feel seen, heard, and empowered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8

What if stress isn’t the enemy—but the cure? In this episode, Jeff Krasno shares how he reversed type 2 diabetes, lost 60 pounds, and transformed his life at 50 by leveraging good stress . From cold plunges to tough conversations, he breaks down the science-backed strategies that build resilience, balance hormones, and boost metabolic health. Whether you're burned out, inflamed, or just tired of feeling off—this episode is your blueprint for powerful, lasting change. 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. Sunlighten Infrared Saunas : use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten LMNT: https://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighte n receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Your support of our sponsors helps keep this show free and accessible to everyone—and ends the gatekeeping of quality health info. Thank you! Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Jeff’s book: Good Stress by Jeff Krasno https://amzn.to/3E5kXGZ - Commune: https://www.onecommune.com - Jeff’s podcast: Commune with Jeff Krasno - Rhonda Patrick’s research on sauna and cardiovascular health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34363927/ - Article on butyrate and ADHD: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87546-y - David Sinclair’s research on resveratrol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12939617/ - Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat info: https://bigboldhealth.com - Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 - Learn more about ADHD and Women’s Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/sync/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3

What if everything you’ve been told about pregnancy and birth was rooted in fear—not fact? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , I sit down with leading OB-GYN and humanized birth advocate Dr. Cynthia Dickter , who’s been transforming maternal care across Mexico. We’re exposing the C-section epidemic , breaking down the impact of obstetric violence , and showing you how to take back control of your pregnancy experience. Whether you're preparing for birth or healing from a past one, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and seen. ✨ Expect truth bombs, evidence-based tips, and stories that will shift how you think about birth forever. 💡 Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Brighten's Methylated Prenatal: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus - WHO Report on Global C-Section Rates: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196217/ - Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten - https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB - Free Pregnancy & Birth Guides: https://www.drbrighten.com 🎙 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. Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 1

If you're tired, itchy, bloated, or breaking out in rashes—and allergy tests keep coming back normal —this episode is for you. Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with certified nutrition specialist and skin health expert Jennifer Fugo to explore the misunderstood world of histamine intolerance , histamine sensitivity , and the hidden causes behind your symptoms. We break down everything from why women are more affected by elevated histamine symptoms , to why low-histamine diets might not be the long-term answer. Plus: the liver, the gut, mold exposure, DAO enzymes, and whether or not antihistamines are doing more harm than good. Get ready for a deep, validating, and empowering conversation that could completely shift your health journey. 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. Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions. 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 - Jennifer Fugo’s website and Quell Shop : https://www.quellshop.com - The Healthy Skin Show Podcast: https://www.skinterrupt.com - Dr. Jolene Brighten’s episode on progesterone dermatitis (on Jennifer’s podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-skin-show/id1449210022?i=1000605517394 - Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic (must be GG strain): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 27

Do you have ADHD and struggle to fall asleep—even when you're exhausted ? You're not alone. In this video, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down why ADHD brains fight sleep , how your hormones are secretly sabotaging your rest , and what you can actually do about it. If your symptoms get worse before your period, your meds feel off some weeks, or you feel wired at night but groggy in the morning… this episode is for you . 🌙 Don’t forget to grab your FREE 5-Day ADHD Hormone & Brain Sync mini course: 👉 https://drbrighten.com/sync Learn the real science behind ADHD sleep issues , how estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, and cortisol all play a role, and get ADHD-friendly sleep hacks that actually work. Whether you’re neurodivergent, navigating perimenopause, or just tired of tossing and turning—this video is packed with tools to finally help you rest. ✨ Supplements, research, and resources mentioned are all linked below! This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials : drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free 5-Day ADHD Hormones & Brain Sync Mini Course: https://drbrighten.com/sync Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – includes the Upgraded Golden Milk recipe https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements Mentioned in the episode: Balance—Women’s Hormone Support (use the code in the show notes) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance Magnesium Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Myo Inositiol Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338 Episode with Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA and hormone balance https://drbrt.in/ByveEr Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib on How to Activate Your Vagus Nerve https://drbrt.in/wRII3Y Subscribe for Dr. Jolene Brighten’s upcoming perimenopause & weight loss hormone therapy episode Article: Foods That Support Progesterone Production https://drbrighten.com/boost-low-progesterone/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 25

Is your child constantly melting down, not listening, or labeled “too sensitive”? You might be dealing with more than just typical kid behavior. In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins us to break down the real signs of ADHD in kids and how emotional dysregulation in ADHD impacts their daily lives—and yours. Whether you’re wondering about ADHD symptoms in kids, how to handle tantrums that feel extreme, or why parenting feels so exhausting, this conversation will bring clarity, hope, and practical strategies you can use immediately. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your child’s brain, behavior, and how to support them without losing yourself in the process. 🎙 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. Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions. 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. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s Website: http://www.anewdaysa.com Follow Dr. Lockhart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart ACEs Study: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697 Book: Science of Stretch by Dr. Leada Malek https://www.amazon.com/Science-Stretch-Flexible-Potential-Maximize/dp/0744084474 CBT Resources: https://www.nami.org/ ACT Resources: http://contextualscience.org Parent Coaching with Dr. Lockhart: http://www.anewdaysa.com/parent-coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're sharing a special excerpt from our full episode with Dr. Ana Sierra, a leading expert in pelvic health. In this segment, Dr. Sierra uncovers the surprising connection between endometriosis and fibroids, explaining why so many women experience both conditions. If you've been dealing with chronic pelvic pain or heavy periods, this conversation may hold the key to understanding your symptoms and finding the right path to relief. Tune in to learn more! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Sierra: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

In celebration of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’re sharing an insightful clip from Dr. Jolene Brighten on how diet can play a crucial role in managing endometriosis. Dr. Brighten walks us through simple, actionable steps to bring more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet without feeling overwhelmed. From omega-3-rich fish to nutrient-packed leafy greens, she highlights the foods that can help ease symptoms and support long-term health. If you're looking for easy ways to improve your nutrition while managing endo, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode on endometriosis surgery prep and recovery here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-treatment/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Ram Cabrera sheds light on the complexities of hormonal treatments for endometriosis. In this clip, he explains why commonly prescribed treatments, like the birth control pill and hormonal castration, may not be the solution for many women with deep endometriosis. Dr. Cabrera offers important insights on the side effects, effectiveness, and the need for individualized care. If you’ve been navigating treatment options for endometriosis, this episode is essential for understanding what might work for you—and what might not. Tune in for a deeper understanding of hormonal therapy’s role in managing endo. As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Cabrera here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

As part of our Endometriosis Awareness Month promotion, we’re sharing an excerpt from our full conversation with Dr. Ana Sierra. In this segment, Dr. Sierra explores the relationship between adenomyosis and endometriosis, and the challenges women with adenomyosis may face with fertility. She also delves into why a hysterectomy is sometimes recommended for those with adenomyosis, but why it isn’t a cure-all for endometriosis. If you’ve been told a hysterectomy is the solution, or if you’re struggling with infertility, this clip is a must-listen. Tune in now to uncover the facts! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Sierra here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

In this special clip for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Ram Cabrera reveals the critical steps in diagnosing endometriosis, including the groundbreaking imaging protocol known as endomapping. Dr. Cabrera explains why relying solely on surgery for diagnosis is outdated and why imaging studies can now offer a less invasive and more accurate way to detect deep endometriosis. If you've been struggling to get a proper diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn why high-quality imaging is key to understanding your condition and getting the treatment you deserve. As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Cabrera here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Brighten is sharing a powerful new series dedicated to helping you better understand endometriosis and its effects on the body. In this episode, she dives into the often-overlooked connection between endometriosis and gut health, revealing why gut inflammation and imbalances can play a role in your symptoms. With helpful tips for managing both endo and gut issues, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating these intertwined conditions. Tune in to gain insights that could change the way you approach your health! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 18

If you’ve been wondering how to get pregnant easily and faster , this episode is packed with expert advice to help you optimize your fertility, improve egg quality, and navigate IVF or natural conception with confidence. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, The Egg Whisperer , joins me to break down the biggest fertility myths , game-changing treatments , and essential tests every woman should know about . From boosting mitochondrial health to understanding PGT embryo testing , this episode will give you the science-backed strategies to maximize your chances of pregnancy —at ANY age! 📚 Links & Resources Mentioned: The Egg Whisperer Show [Dr. Aimee’s Podcast]: https://www.draimee.org/the-show Genetic Counselor for Embryo Testing: https://www.dnaide.com/ Dr. Aimee’s IVF Checklist (SPARKLE Method): https://www.draimee.org/the-sparkle-method-your-checklist-for-ivf-monitoring-visits Rapamycin for ovarian rejuvenation: https://www.draimee.org/rapamycin-to-delay-menopause-and-extend-your-fertility Red light therapy for fertility support: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox Best supplements for egg quality: https://drbrighten.com/best-fertility-supplements-for-women/ Can I get pregnant during perimenopause: https://drbrighten.com/can-i-get-pregnant-during-perimenopause/ 🎙 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. Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13

Buckle up for a fiery and thought-provoking conversation with Alex Clark! In this episode, we dive into the untold truths about hormonal birth control, the American food industry, and the growing health crisis affecting women today. Alex shares her personal health transformation, from ultra-processed foods to a whole-foods lifestyle, and how questioning Big Pharma and Big Food changed everything for her. We also get an insider look at the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement , the policies shaping it, and the heated debate over reproductive health. This Episode is Brought to You By: Natural Cycles: use code DrBrighten at https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Sunlighten Sauna: use the code drbrighten at https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. Dr. Brighten Essentials: use code POD15 at https://drbrightenessentials.com for 15% off 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Science Vs on the Placebo Effect: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/placebo-can-the-mind-cure-you/id1051557000?i=1000565044402 🔗 Business of Birth Control Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3543964/ 🔗 Recent bans on toxic food dyes: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/food-dye-ban-bill 🔗 Trump’s IVF Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/expanding-access-to-in-vitro-fertilization/ 🔗 Endometriosis & PCOS funding disparities: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00048-6 🔗 Maternal mortality crisis in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2023/maternal-mortality-rates-2023.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 11

Autoimmune disease is on the rise, and the statistics are staggering— four out of five people with autoimmune diseases are women . Yet, despite the growing prevalence, research funding lags behind, women’s symptoms are often dismissed, and many suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Sara Szal—Harvard and MIT graduate, New York Times bestselling author, and leading voice in precision medicine. Together, we dive into the complexities of autoimmune disease, what is the cause of autoimmune disorder , the hidden gender bias in healthcare, and why so many women are struggling with undiagnosed health conditions. This episode is brought to you by: Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription 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. Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Sara’s Website: https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/ - Dr. Sara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/?hl=en - Dr. Sara’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGottfried/featured - Dr. Sara’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/treated-with-dr-sara/id1799034638 - Dr. Sara Szal’s book, The Autoimmune Cure : https://amzn.to/3Dlh54l - Ace Score Questionnaire – A tool for assessing childhood trauma and its health impacts https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/discover-your-ace-score/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6

Are you tracking your cycle correctly? Only 13% of women ovulate on day 14 —so what does that mean for you? In this episode, I sit down with Elina Berglund , co-founder of Natural Cycles , the first FDA-cleared birth control app. We’re busting myths about ovulation, fertility tracking, and how understanding your body can empower your reproductive health . This episode is brought to you by: Natural Cycles use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. https://www.naturalcycles.com/join-me-plan?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=jolene-brighten&utm_source=podcast&code=DrBrighten&name=Dr.%20Jolene%20Brighten&percentage=15 Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Elina Berglund’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinascherwitzl/ Natural Cycles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalcycles/ Article: Ovulation Signs Every Woman Should Know https://drbrighten.com/ovulation-signs/ Article: Phases of the Menstrual Cycle https://drbrighten.com/phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle/ Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth by Dr. Jolene Brighten http://amzn.to/2dngRJX My previous episode on Perimenopause Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu1_qSeAzc0 Study: Time to pregnancy recognition among FDA users https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Time to pregnancy using a FDA fertility awareness mobile app https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Detecting variations in ovulation and menstruation during COVID https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258314 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and the COVID vaccine (US cohort) https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2022/04000/association_between_menstrual_cycle_length_and.2.aspx Study: Impact of Covid vaccination on menstrual bleeding https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17471 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and COVID vaccine (global) https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000297 Study: Timing of COVID vaccine and effects on menstrual cycle changes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38412506/ Study: Association between menstrual cycle pattern regularity and changes in menstrual bleeding following COVID vaccine (Secondary Analysis) https://srh.bmj.com/content/early/2024/12/31/bmjsrh-2024-202564 👩🏻‍⚕️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 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe & share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 4

This powerful episode dives into miscarriage warning signs and what your doctor must check for recurrent pregnancy loss. If you've ever felt frustrated with the lack of answers around fertility, what causes miscarriages, or reproductive health, you are not alone . Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa , a world-renowned fertility expert, to unpack everything you need to know about cutting-edge reproductive science , unexplained infertility, and the crucial role both partners play in conception . Whether you’re trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to understand your body better, this conversation is packed with jaw-dropping insights that could change how you approach your reproductive health forever. 📚 Links & Resources Mentioned: 👨🏽‍⚕️ Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgerardobarroso 📸 Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clinicanascere 🏥 Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic: https://agenda.nascere.org.mx/en/ 🔷 Emma, ERA, and Alice Tests for Endometrial Microbiome and Infection: https://www.invitra.com/en/endometrio-test/endometrio/ 💊 Supplements for Fertility Optimization: Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol – Used for PCOS , supports egg quality and insulin sensitivity ​. Check out Myo-Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus Lactobacillus Probiotics – Essential for restoring the reproductive microbiome , especially after antibiotics​. Check out Women’s Probiotic by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports anti-inflammatory responses in the reproductive system​. Check out Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus Vitamin D – Plays a role in hormonal balance and implantation ​. Check out Vitamin D3/K2 by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2 🔗 Signs of Miscarraige Article: https://drbrighten.com/common-causes-and-signs-of-miscarriage/ 🔗 How to Boost Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/factors-that-effect-female-fertility/ 🔗 What Role Does Diet Play in Male Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/super-antioxidant-smoothie-boosts-male-fertility/ 🙌 This episode is brought to you by: Chorus: Visit http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10% off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials : https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27

Inflammation—it’s a word we hear all the time, but do we really understand what it means? More importantly, do we know how to control it? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Navaz Habib , functional medicine expert and best-selling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve . Dr. Habib is on a mission to help people optimize their health by harnessing the power of the body’s most underrated superhighway—the vagus nerve . If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, gut issues, autoimmune disease, or chronic stress , this is the conversation you need to hear. 💡 If you found this episode helpful, hit LIKE & SHARE it with someone who needs this! 🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews on optimizing your health! This episode is brought to you by: Lumebox : use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumebox 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: 📖 Books by Dr. Navaz Habib: • Activate Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/3QyGjPF • Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/439vWJB 👉 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

Feb 25

Is Your Environment Secretly Sabotaging Your Fertility? The Truth About Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals We’re told to focus on diet, exercise, and supplements when trying to conceive—but what if something else was making it harder to get pregnant ? The products we use daily, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink could be exposing us to endocrine disruptor chemicals that wreak havoc on our hormones, menstrual cycles, and ability to carry a healthy pregnancy. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Lora Shahine , a leading fertility specialist, to reveal how endocrine disrupting chemicals are impacting reproductive health, pregnancy loss, and the rising rates of female infertility . From skincare to plastics to hidden toxins in our homes, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights and real-world solutions. 🔥 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 🩸 Lumebox : use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumebox 🩸 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: 📖 Countdown by Dr. Shanna Swan – The shocking research on sperm count decline & endocrine disruptors https://amzn.to/4gUo5CP 🎙️ Verified Podcast – Johnson & Johnson talc controversy & corporate manipulation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-verified-dust-up/id1497379527?i=1000494406434 🔬 Stanford Study on BPA & Miscarriage Risk – Groundbreaking fertility research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711263/ 💨 Best HEPA Air Filters – Reduce indoor air toxins affecting your fertility https://amzn.to/4bhSHNn 🌿 Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements – Science-backed support for hormonal balance & fertility https://drbrightenessentials.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20

Want to Know How to Increase Testosterone Naturally? You’re in the Right Place! Testosterone isn’t just the male hormone —it’s essential for energy, focus, libido, muscle growth, and overall vitality . But here’s the problem: men’s testosterone levels are plummeting at an alarming rate. Even more shocking? Young men today have lower testosterone than their grandfathers did at the same age. If you or a man in your life struggles with low energy, brain fog, or a dip in drive , this episode is a must-listen. I’m joined by Dr. Geo Espinosa , a leading expert in men’s health, to break down the truth about testosterone—what actually affects it, what labs your doctor isn’t ordering , and how to optimize it naturally. We also dive into the role of estrogen in men , the biggest mistakes men make when trying to increase their testosterone , and the best foods and supplements for testosterone support. This episode is brought to you by: LMNT : http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase 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: - Geo Espinosa’s Supplement line : https://iammrhappy.com/collections/all-supplements - Ashwaghanda Supplement for Testosterone Support : Adrenal Support, save 15% with CODE: POD15 https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support?selling_plan=995360802 - The "21 Ejaculations per Month" Study - study that found men who ejaculate at least 21 times per month have a lower risk of prostate cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27033442/ - Testosterone Decline in Young Men Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32081788/ - Testosterone & Sleep Study – Men who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have 15% lower testosterone: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445839/#:~:text=Daytime%20testosterone%20levels%20were%20decreased,of%20the%20US%20working%20population . - Testosterone & Dopamine Connection Study - The role of dopamine in motivation, libido, and brain function, and how testosterone directly influences it: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9312911/ - Estrogen in Men Study – Why too much estrogen-blocking (like using aromatase inhibitors) can actually kill libido and lower energy: https://journals.lww.com/ajandrology/fulltext/2016/18030/the_role_of_estradiol_in_male_reproductive.28 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18

Brain inflammation is silently shaping your cognitive health, influencing everything from your mood and memory to your risk of serious conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s. But here’s the good news: you can take charge of your brain’s future. In today’s episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a leading expert in brain health and neuroplasticity, to reveal how you can harness lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset shifts to optimize your mind. If you’re struggling with brain fog, stress, or memory lapses—or simply want to future-proof your cognitive health—this episode is packed with science-backed solutions you won’t want to miss. This episode is brought to you by: Sunlight Sauna https://drbrighten.com/sunlighten Use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. 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: Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s Book: – https://amzn.to/4341T5V Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on brain inflammation and depression : https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.657004/full Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on how polyphenols influence epigenetics/immunity: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1474597/full Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on Parkinson's and pesticides on golf courses: https://health.usnews.com/conditions/brain-disease/parkinsons-disease/connection-between-parkinsons-and-pesticides Chaotic Forager Instagram: @chaoticforager Victoria Sampson's episode Dr. Brighten’s Free Resources on Women's Hormonal Health: https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ Article: The Connection Between Brain Health and Hormone Balance https://drbrighten.com/brain-health-and-hormone-balance/ Article: Do Hormones Affect Brain Health https://drbrighten.com/hormones-affect-brain-health/ Article: Connection Between Brain Fog and Hormones https://drbrighten.com/brain-fog-and-hormonal-imbalance/ Article: How Does Serotonin Affect Depression: https://drbrighten.com/how-does-serotonin-affect-depression/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13

Struggling with low libido? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into what is the meaning of libido , the real reasons behind low sex drive in women , and how to improve libido naturally . If you’ve ever wondered why your desire has changed or how to get it back, this is the video for you! This episode is brought to you by: Coconu https://coconu.com use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off 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: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Deep dive into libido, hormones, and women’s health https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Learn about hormonal birth control and libido https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill Myo Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials to support sleep and blood sugar https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?_pos=1&_psq=myo+&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995426338 Magnesium Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?_pos=1&_psq=magnesium&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995459106 Vitamin D3/K2 by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2?_pos=1&_psq=vitamins&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995885090 Balance Women’s Hormone Support supplement with Vitamin B6 and resveratrol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?_pos=1&_psq=balance&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995295266 Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?_pos=1&_psq=omega&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995557410 Dr. Brighten’s Hormone Kit – A meal plan and guide for optimizing your hormones DrBrighten.com/hormonekit Dr. Brighten’s website for more free resources: DrBrighten.com Article: 10 Best Supplements for Sleep That Aren’t Melatonin Podcast episode on Perimenopause – Learn how hormone shifts impact libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hrt-for-menopause-perimenopause-benefits-side-effects/id1786362161?i=1000684848205 Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Brain Health Episode with Dr. Austin Perlmutter – Brain health and its connection to sexual health Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Thyroid Episode with Dr. Izabella Wentz Episode with Dr. Victoria Sampson – Oral health and its impact on hormones and libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shocking-truth-about-gum-disease-what-your/id1786362161?i=1000682967249 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11

Are you struggling with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or wondering if pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) could be the cause of your discomfort? In this episode, we dive deep into the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome , the key differences between PCS and CPPS, and the most effective treatment options available. 🎙 Our expert guest, Dr. Ana Sierra, is a leading endometriosis surgeon and neuropelviology specialist , sharing cutting-edge insights on how to manage and treat chronic pelvic pain effectively . ✅ Don't forget to subscribe for more deep dives into women's health, chronic pain, and expert interviews! 📌 Links Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Ana Sierra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dra_anasierra/ Dr. Ana Sierra on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dra.anasierra Dr. Ana Sierra on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DraAnaSierraCirugiaGinecologicaMinimaInvasion I Care Better (Doctor directory for endometriosis and pelvic pain specialists) https://icarebetter.com Nancy’s Nook (Patient-recommended list of endometriosis specialists) https://www.facebook.com/groups/NancysNookEndoEd/ EndoLatam (Latin American endometriosis resources): https://www.instagram.com/endolatam/?hl=en Painful Bladder Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis Article: https://drbrighten.com/what-is-interstitial-cystitis/ Dr. Ram Cabrera’s episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nbh18QcBbX1qRsulNB90w This episode is brought to you by: Coconu https://coconu.com use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6

Is your child a picky eater, struggling with anxiety, ADHD, or frequent illnesses ? Their gut health could be playing a bigger role than you think ! In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Elisa Song , a Stanford-trained holistic pediatrician, breaks down how the gut microbiome influences everything from immunity and hormones to brain development and mood. We also dive deep into PANS/PANDAS , a terrifying yet underdiagnosed autoimmune brain condition affecting 1 in 200 children , and what parents need to know to get proper treatment. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode is a must-watch . Learn how to support your child’s gut health, identify hidden nutrient deficiencies, and advocate for the right medical care . This Episode Is Brought to You By: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials : https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: 🔹 Dr. Elisa Song’s Website: https://healthykidshappykids.com/ 🔹 Dr. Song’s Book: https://amzn.to/3EsfeuI 🔹 PANS/PANDAS Testing: https://www.moleculera.com/about-autoimmune-brain-panel/ 🔹 Dr. Brighten’s Prenatal (Choline-Rich for Brain Health!): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus?selling_plan=995786786 🔹 Executive Function Workbook for Kids: https://amzn.to/3Es2Z14 🔹 ADHD Superpowers Class on OutSchool: https://outschool.com/parents/14cfe14d-4324-4309-8cd6-6327c182b1f1/30ced844-9ccf-4f83-b99b-2deb6622f6fe?signup=false&usid=HqoqZwXS&utm_campaign=share_invite_link 🔹 NoPo Dentist in Portland Oregon (dentist who offers ozonated water) https://nopokids.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 4

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show ! Today, we’re diving into the truth about metabolic health —why most people are struggling with weight loss, energy crashes, and hormone imbalances despite doing all the “right” things. If you’ve ever been told to just "eat less, move more" and felt like that advice didn’t work for you, then you’re going to love this conversation. I’m joined by Pamela Berrondo , a leading expert in women’s metabolic health and co-founder of Mesa Sana , who has helped over 15,000 women reset their metabolism and reclaim their vitality. In this episode, we’re cutting through the confusion around insulin, blood sugar, and hormones to help you understand what’s really holding you back from feeling your best. You’ll also learn how to boost your metabolism with simple yet powerful lifestyle changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: We start by breaking down the myths around diet and weight loss, including why the old "calories in, calories out" model is incomplete. Pamela explains why insulin resistance is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions affecting women today and how it plays a massive role in PCOS, infertility, perimenopause, and stubborn weight gain . We also discuss why most doctors miss early signs of metabolic dysfunction and how women can advocate for better testing and personalized nutrition. Pamela shares her personal journey with PCOS, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism—and the exact lifestyle changes that helped her transform her health. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow progress or confused by conflicting health advice, this episode will empower you with clear, actionable steps to take control of your health, optimize your hormones, and finally achieve metabolic balance. You’ll also discover how to boost your metabolism naturally by making small but impactful changes to your daily habits. This Episode Is Brought to You By: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com/ use code POD15 for 15% off 🛍 Get Dr. Brighten’s Favorite Supplements for Metabolism: Myo Inositol Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus 📚 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 👉 Mesa Sana Cookbook – https://www.amazon.com/Mesa-Sana-Hard-Cover/dp/6079995409 👉 Dr. Brighten’s Free Resources – https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit 👉 Recommended Supplements: Berberine https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support Myo-Inositol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus Omega-3 https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus Magnesium https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus Adaptogens https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support B Vitamins https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/b-active-plus 👉 Research Papers & Articles on Metabolic Health: Metabolic Enhancers to Boost your Metabolism https://drbrighten.com/metabolic-boosters/ Inositol for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health https://drbrighten.com/inositol-for-weight-loss/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30

In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show , we take a deep dive into the powerful yet often overlooked hormone, GABA —your brain’s natural brake system. Joining me to discuss why women experience a decline in GABA as they age, the link between progesterone and brain health, and how to optimize your hormones for better mood, sleep, and resilience is hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones . 💡 If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, sleep disturbances, or sudden mood swings, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical strategies you can start using today! This episode is brought to you by: Coconu https://drbrighten.com/coconu use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off your order Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/ : use code POD15 for 15% off 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Brighten’s Website https://drbrighten.com/ - Free Hormone Balancing Recipe Guide Resources https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ - Supplement for Sleep & Anxiety: Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm - L-Theanine Sleep and Mood Support Article https://drbrighten.com/l-theanine-benefits/ - How Passion Flower Can Calm Anxiety Article https://drbrighten.com/passionflower-benefits/ - How to Boost Low Progesterone Article https://drbrighten.com/boost-low-progesterone/ - Dr. Amy Killen’s episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/ 👩‍⚕️Follow Dr. Carrie Jones: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejones/ - Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drcarriejones - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones - The Root Cause Medicine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-root-cause-medicine-podcast/id1589219026 - Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/ 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten - Website: https://www.drbrighten.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28

Are you struggling with chronic illness, post-viral fatigue, or stress that just won’t quit? Wondering how ancient Chinese medicine can revolutionize your health? This episode of The Dr. Brighten Show is a deep dive into how time-tested practices can help you take control of your well-being. Dr. Brighten welcomes Dr. Crawford, an expert in traditional Chinese medicine and integrative health, for a conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. In it they discuss the power of breathwork , managing complex conditions like long COVID, fibromyalgia, and adenomyosis, along with the medical facts on parasite cleanses . This episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your health. From debunking medical myths to exploring cutting-edge research on diet, movement, and plant-based therapies, this conversation will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about your body and its resilience. This episode is brought to you by: Chorus : use code DRBRIGHTEN Sunlighten : Brief description with code/ link. Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! Links Mentioned in Episode: Brehan Crawford’s Instagram: @crawford_wellness Brehan Crawford’s Tik Tok: @crawford_wellness N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Tibetan Foot Soak – An herbal remedy discussed by Dr. Crawford Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – A must-read for women navigating hormone health and coming off hormonal birth control. The Stress of Life by Hans Selye Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten – A guide to understanding what’s normal in women’s health and what’s not. Near Infrared Light Therapy Sunlighten Infrared Saunas – A home-friendly option for full-spectrum heat therapy. Electrolyte Replenishment – Dr. Crawford recommends ensuring proper hydration with natural electrolyte solutions, such as LMNT . Dr. Ram Cabrera – Mentioned for his expertise in endometriosis and adenomyosis Dr. Lora Shahine – Mentioned for her expertise in reproductive endocrinology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23

Are you ready to reimagine the way you think about ADHD, mental health, and the neurodivergent brain? Today, we’re diving deep into the science, personal experiences, and practical strategies to thrive in a world designed for the neurotypical. I’m joined by Ludovico, a brilliant PhD researcher and advocate who discovered his ADHD while in grad school. Together, we unpack the complex layers of neurodivergence, hormonal interplay, and how our environment shapes our mental health. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or simply curious about what makes your brain tick, this episode is for you. This Episode is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off your order Fygg Toothpaste : use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off Links Mentioned in This Episode Ludovico on Instagram: @brain.curiosities Ludovico on Tik Tok: @brain.curiosities Ludovico’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR7DX64Z Recommended research: Dr. Oscar Lau’s genetic study on ADHD origins: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32451437/ Tools for sleep: Melatonin, Adrenal Calm , and binaural beats. Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten Study on bilingualism and cognitive benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3820916/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21

Ever wonder what it takes to age gracefully and thrive through every stage of life? In this episode, Dr. Amy Killen joins me, Dr. Jolene Brighten, for a no-holds-barred conversation on women’s health, longevity, and the game-changing science that's empowering women to live their best lives. From busting myths about hormone therapy to unveiling cutting-edge research on aging, we’re diving deep into the information every woman deserves to know. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s your toolkit for thriving at every age. Dr. Killen and I cover powerful strategies, surprising science, and actionable advice for reclaiming your health and vitality. This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off Coconu use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16

Get ready to redefine your skincare and wellness game with today’s episode of The Dr. Brighten Show ! Join me, Dr. Jolene Brighten, as I sit down with America’s holistic plastic surgeon, Dr. Tony Youn, to uncover the science-backed secrets of aging gracefully—without going under the knife. Dr. Youn, a social media sensation and best-selling author of Younger for Life , shares his revolutionary approach to skincare, nutrition, and regenerative health that’s changing the lives of millions. Whether you’re in your twenties looking to preserve your youthful glow or navigating menopause with grace, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off Links mentioned in this episode: Dr. Tony Youn’s book: Younger for Life Follow Dr. Tony Youn on social media for daily tips - Website , Instagram , Tik Tok , Youtube Youn Beauty – Dr. Youn’s skin care line Resources on menopause and hormone replacement therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16

Welcome to another episode of The Dr. Brighten Show ! This week, we’re delving into one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions affecting women globally: endometriosis . Joined by world-renowned minimally invasive surgeon Dr. Ramiro Cabrera Carranco, we uncover groundbreaking insights about this multisystemic inflammatory disease. With over 200 million women affected worldwide—and nearly half undiagnosed—this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand endometriosis or support someone navigating it. If you’ve been told that your pain is “normal” or suspect endometriosis might be part of your story, don’t miss this empowering conversation. Together, we break down myths, explore advanced diagnostic tools, and provide actionable steps for improving quality of life. This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off Sunlighten Infrared Saunas Thank you to our sponsors for making this content possible and accessible to all! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Ramiro Cabrera’s Institute : Doyenne Institute Supplements Discussed : Vitex , Cat’s Claw, Omega-3 Fatty Acids , Magnesium Glycinate . Books : Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten Podcast Episodes : Check out the endometriosis excision surgery prep protocol Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from it. Together, we’re changing the conversation around women’s health! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14

Welcome to The Dr. Brighten Show , where we empower women with science-based tools to take control of their health. In today’s episode, we tackle a topic that resonates with many: endometriosis excision surgery preparation . Dr. Jolene Brighten shares her deeply personal journey with endometriosis, blending her expertise in hormone health with firsthand insights. Whether you're considering surgery, exploring non-surgical options, or simply want to understand this condition better, this episode is packed with strategies, stories, and solutions. In this episode, you’ll learn the nitty-gritty details of surgical preparation. Dr. Brighten emphasizes the need to tailor plans to individual needs, diving into the role of nutrition, supplements, and mindset in recovery. She shares personal anecdotes, like her experience managing anxiety and the challenges of navigating medical systems as both a doctor and patient. The conversation highlights the lack of funding for endometriosis research, driving home the importance of self-advocacy and education. This Episode Is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off Links Mentioned in This Episode: Download Dr. Brighten’s Post-Op Guide at DrBrighten.com/endometriosis . Episode with Dr. Ram Cabrera on endometriosis surgery. Recommended books: Beyond The Pill and Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten Products mentioned: ( Prenatal Plus , Adrenal Calm & Women's Probiotic ) How to find relief from endometriosis Endometriosis flare-up strategy Compression socks and hospital must-haves: Amazon list. Don’t miss this empowering conversation. If you or someone you know is navigating endometriosis or considering surgery, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable steps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9

In today’s episode, I sit down with McCall McPherson, founder of the Modern Thyroid Clinic and advocate behind Thyroid Nation. Together, we dive deep into the nuances of thyroid health, GLP-1 medications, and how these new treatments are revolutionizing metabolic health for women worldwide. Whether you're dealing with weight challenges, autoimmune conditions, or simply curious about cutting-edge solutions, this episode is packed with life-changing insights you won’t want to miss. McCall and I explore the complexities of GLP-1 medications, like their history as diabetes treatments and their rise as weight loss game-changers. We also break down how they work, their anti-inflammatory benefits, and their potential role in reversing metabolic dysfunction. The discussion turns personal as we address the stigma women face when seeking help for thyroid or weight challenges, highlighting the critical need for better diagnostic tools and customized care. Whether you're struggling with autoimmune issues, managing postpartum thyroiditis, or curious about how these meds could improve your quality of life, we’ve got you covered. What will you learn? We’re cutting through the media noise, debunking myths, and giving you the tools to navigate your health with confidence. This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off Lumebox Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! Links Mentioned in This Episode: McCall McPherson’s Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa McCall McPherson’s Tik Tok: @mccallmcpherson McCall McPherson’s Youtube Modern Thyroid Clinic – Personalized care for thyroid and metabolic health. Modern Thyroid Lab Guide – McCall’s free resource for understanding thyroid lab tests and optimal ranges. Modern Weight Loss – Nationwide telemedicine program for metabolic health and weight management. Article on GLP-1 medications for weight loss Article on thyroid medication options Common Thyroid Tests – TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO Antibodies, and Thyroglobulin Antibodies Thyroid Health in Postpartum Women – Addressing risks like postpartum thyroiditis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7

Did you know that the health of your mouth can affect your entire body—your immune system, sleep, and even your risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s? In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Victoria Sampson, a trailblazing dentist and oral health researcher, to explore the incredible connection between your oral microbiome and overall health. From the surprising ways your diet impacts your teeth to the fascinating link between gum disease and COVID complications, this conversation will completely change the way you think about oral health. In this fascinating discussion, we uncover how your oral microbiome is a mirror for your overall health and why keeping it in balance is critical for your well-being. Dr. Sampson explains how the foods we love—like lemon water, kimchi, and apple cider vinegar—can secretly harm our enamel and what you can do to mitigate the damage. We also dive into the role of oral health in women’s health , including how hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can make women more susceptible to gum disease and inflammation. You’ll learn practical, science-backed strategies to protect your teeth, boost your oral microbiome, and even improve your sleep and mental clarity. This episode is brought to you by: Fygg Toothpaste : use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off Dr. Brighten Essentials : use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Victoria Sampson on Instagram : @Dr.VictoriaSampson The Health Society (London clinic) : https://www.thehealthsociety.co.uk/victoria-sampson Oralis One (Oral Microbiome Test) : https://thslabs.co.uk/products/oralis-1 Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Products : https://drbrighten.com/beekeepersnaturals Research on Gum Disease and Covid: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-1747-8 Weston Price Foundation : https://www.westonaprice.org/#gsc.tab=0 Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7

Feeling the effects of hormonal shifts? You're not alone. Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, can bring on a cascade of symptoms beyond hot flashes. From brain fog and fatigue to sleep disturbances and mood swings, this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show explores the complexities of perimenopause. Join Dr. Jolene Brighten as she unravels the mysteries of this phase, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to navigate these changes with grace and ease. Perimenopause can begin years before your last period, often with subtle yet impactful symptoms. This phase is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the nuances of these hormonal shifts, such as the decline in progesterone and the rise of FSH, is crucial for recognizing and addressing perimenopausal challenges. By tracking your cycles and identifying your unique symptom patterns, you can gain valuable insights into your body's changing needs and work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for navigating this transition. This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials use code POD15 for 15% off your order Coconu use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off your order Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Dr. Brighten's Website Recommended books: Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten Products mentioned: Balance Women's Hormone Support , Omega Plus & Magnesium Plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 2024

In this trailer for The Dr. Brighten Show , Dr. Jolene Brighten lays out her fresh approach to women’s health—drawing on her expertise as a naturopathic endocrinologist, nutrition scientist, and more. Expect expert interviews, science-backed insights, and actionable strategies for thriving. Hit subscribe and get ready to transform your well-being from the inside out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices