The Dr. Brighten Show

• How Hormones and Menopause Affect ADHD: What No One’s Telling You | Dr. Jolene Brighten

  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

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• Complex Trauma, Cortisol Chaos & the Autoimmune Connection | Justin Janoska

  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

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  1:44:37
• Period Pain Relief for Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, and Hormonal Imbalances | Dr. Jolene Brighten

  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

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  1:03:34
• Cortisol Face, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Insulin Resistance, and How to Treat Endometriosis Naturally | Alaia Baldwin

  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

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  57:48
• Side Effects of Stopping The Birth Control Pill: How to Stop Mood Swings, Acne & More | Dr. Jolene Brighten

  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

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