The Dr. Brighten Show

• The Truth About Insulin Resistance Treatment, Foods, and Labs in Perimenopause

  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 [email protected] 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

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  51:18
• This Weight Loss Diet Helped Her Lose 100 Pounds (Without Cutting Pizza!) | Ilana Muhlstein

  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

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  57:10
• The Medical System Is Misleading Women About Symptoms of Menopause | Dr. Tara Scott

  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

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  1:18:50
• Unlocking the Power of the Menstrual Cycle: Hormone Health, PMDD & Period Care | Ashley Greene

  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

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  1:19:56
• PFAS Chemicals, FDA Banning Food Dye, and What RFK Jr Got Wrong | Dr. Will Cole

  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

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  1:15:28

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