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 → 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think your gut is just about digestion? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten uncovers the surprising truth about how gut health probiotics and the right foods—especially fermented foods for gut health—can deeply impact your hormones, immune system, mood, and more. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by fatigue, bloating, heavy periods, thyroid issues, or anxiety, your gut could be the missing link—and it’s one you can start supporting today. This Episode is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Chorus: Chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  .  Links Mentioned in This Episode Endometriosis Flare Guide — drbrighten.com/endoflare Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan — drbrighten.com/plan Dr. Brighten Essentials Women's Probiotic — specifically formulated to support gut health probiotics and hormone balance https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic?selling_plan=995917858 Dr. Brighten Essentials Balance Women’s Hormone Support — specifically formulated to support estrogen detox and the gut estrobolome https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266 Thyroid Deep Dive with Dr. Izabella Wentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY Insulin & Blood Sugar Regulation Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE Vagus Nerve / Nervous System Support Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8 Article: Best Prebiotic Fibers for Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/best-prebiotic/ Seed Cycling & Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/seed-cycling-for-hormone-balance/ 📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one. If you’re ready to finally connect the dots between your gut and your hormones and get the science-backed steps to start healing—this is the episode to press play on. Your hormones will thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the stress, exhaustion, and emotional reactivity you’re battling every day aren’t just personality quirks, but symptoms of nervous system dysregulation? In this deeply moving and enlightening episode, I sit down with Meliza Mokrani—trauma-informed health coach, founder of Worthy Wellness Studio, and nervous system educator—to explore how chronic stress, cultural conditioning, and unhealed trauma shape your hormones, health, and self-worth. We unpack how your autonomic nervous system dysregulation could be behind so much of what you’re calling “normal,” and more importantly, how you can begin to heal. This Episode Is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off. Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Meliza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani Worthy Wellness Studio -  Berkeley, CA: https://www.worthyselfcare.com Join the Waitlist - Mothering Beyond Narcissism Meliza’s proprietary method for a nervous system reset. Understand your triggers. Rewire your stress response: https://melizamokrani.com/mothering-beyond-narcissism/ The WORTHY App - Science-backed breathwork, somatic movement, and regulation tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://worthyselfcare.com/app/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – on trauma and how the body stores it: https://amzn.to/3U1brc4 Pelvic Floor Therapy Resource [Dr. Diana Mendez’s episode on pelvic health]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM Free Nervous System Resource [Downloadable guides and tools to begin your self-regulation journey]: https://melizamokrani.com/resources/ So Informed - Instagram account for digestible weekly news recaps: https://www.instagram.com/so.informed/ Follow Meliza Mokrani: Website: https://melizamokrani.com/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani X: https://x.com/melizamokrani 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten  Whether you're navigating burnout, hormone chaos, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, this episode gives you the science, tools, and validation you need to reclaim your calm. Understanding nervous system dysregulation and healing from trauma isn’t just a mental health matter—it’s a foundational pillar of vibrant, whole-body wellness. Tune in and begin your own transformation from survival to regulation. 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten unpacks the three hidden causes of fatigue most doctors miss and the real reasons so many women are running on empty. If you've ever been told it's just stress, aging, or that you need more sleep, this episode will feel like both a truth bomb and a roadmap. Through powerful insights on PCOS, neurodivergence, and cortisol dysfunction, Dr. Brighten connects the dots between your symptoms and your physiology—so you can stop blaming yourself and start getting your energy back. Expect practical, science-backed tools you can use today to finally feel like yourself again. 👇 Mentioned in this Episode Best Supplements for PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/supplements-for-pcos/ Anti-inflammatory meal plan with 21 recipes: https://drbrighten.com/plan/ Myo-Inositol Plus Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?srsltid=AfmBOoqXWxECOe63krZepCRoGPcPmCgB3N8CjPJndovjn0u6V5Bhg88U&selling_plan=995426338 Dr. Brighten Recommended PCOS Supplement Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/pcos-plus-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopX_05VPM57CHOwvf2u-H8Rm2IpXBmoS-pYuz9BC7yoA0Urzp8T&selling_plan=1482620962 Dr. Brighten’s Insulin Resistance Deep Dive Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE Burnout Recovery Episode (for deeper strategies on brain-based fatigue) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwYf-2orq-8 Dr. Diana Mendez on Painful Sex & Pelvic Floor Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on RSD & Emotional Regulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdHqxvq2VA8 Vagus Nerve Episode: How to Reset Your Nervous System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8 Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Includes libido support & lube recommendations: https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://amzn.to/3becjT7 🎙 This Episode Is Brought to You ByDr. Brighten Essentials: Optimal Adrenal Kit - Restore your energy naturally and get better sleep. Use CODE  POD15 for 15% off  https://drbrightenessentials.com LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. 📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Why is my body changing even though I haven’t? — this episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself. In this deep, funny, and jaw-droppingly real conversation, I sit down with Liz Wolfe, certified personal trainer, nutrition expert, and author of Eat the Yolks, to break down the real reasons women feel like their metabolism crashes in their 40s—and how to become forever strong without starving, punishing workouts, or obsessing over “clean eating.” We go far beyond food and calories and into the hormonal chaos, generational diet trauma, and lifestyle stressors that collide in perimenopause to make women feel like they're falling apart—when really, their bodies are just asking for something different. Something wiser. Something that leads to forever strong health and energy. 🛍️This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. ✨Want to support the show? Check out these incredible brands that help us bring you conversations that end the gatekeeping and get women the answers they deserve.Links Mentioned in This Episode: Liz Wolfe’s Eat the Yolks (book): https://amzn.to/44mepgl Liz Wolfe’s program with protein calculator + TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) tool: https://idealage.com/drbrighten Liz Wolfe’s podcast: https://idealage.buzzsprout.com/2449189/follow Dr. Brighten’s Free Perimenopause Weight Loss Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan  Article: Breakfast with 30 Grams of Protein https://drbrighten.com/breakfast-with-30-grams-of-protein/ Article: How Much Protein Do Women Need https://drbrighten.com/how-much-protein-should-women-have/  👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:  💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎙️ Follow Liz Wolfe : 💻 Website: https://realfoodliz.com/ 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodliz/  👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert conversations that help you take charge of your hormones and your health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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