The Dr. Brighten Show

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

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.

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🎧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:

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

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

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

View the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode at

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

This Episode Is Brought to You By

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

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

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

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

Follow Dr. Sarah Hill:

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

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

Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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

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

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

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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: 

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

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

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

This episode is brought to you by:

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

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

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

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

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

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

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

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

Follow Tara LaFerrara:

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

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

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

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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

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

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

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

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

Chapters — Key Moments

00:00 — Episode Trailer (Skin Aging Control)

01:24 — Show Welcome

02:12 — Topical Retinol & Inflammation

07:49 — How to Cycle Retinol Safely

10:48 — Zombie (Senescent) Cells Explained

14:28 — What Are Peptides?

16:55 — Not All Peptides Are Equal—OS01

17:19 — OS-01: Validated Results

22:09 — OneSkin Benefits Over Time

23:56 — OneSkin Review of Outcomes

25:37 — Menopause-Focused SkinCare

27:23 — How to Preserve Collagen 

29:28 — Lowering Systemic Inflammation (Cytokines)

32:09 — Skin Fragility With Age

37:16 — Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Aging

39:54 — Blue Light Damages Skin

40:58 — Best Antioxidants for Skin Health

43:45 — Smart Sun Exposure Guidelines

47:50 — Can You Reverse Sun Damage?

50:03 — Best Skincare Routine for Over 50

54:13 — Eye Cream Clinical Trial Results

55:58 — Best Skincare in Your 20s

57:13 — Pregnancy & Melasma Treatment 

59:53 — Hidden Causes of Skin Aging

01:06:55 — Stress and Hair Loss

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

01:15:18 — How to Regrow Hair

01:18:25 — Scalp Microbiome Health

01:23:51 — Biggest Skin-Aging Misconception

01:27:16 — Episode Outro

Dr. Brighten’s OneSkin Review

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

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

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

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

This episode is brought to you by: 

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

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

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

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

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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

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

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

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

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: 

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

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

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

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

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

Chapters

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

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

00:06:00 Hormones that affect sleep

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:26:00 Hormone Stage Drives Brain

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

00:33:00 Signs to Look Out For

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

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

00:48:00 Medical Conditions That Cause Brain Fog

00:50:00 Focus Tools

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

00:57:00 Exercise & Brain Health

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

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

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

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

01:18:00 Nervous System Downshift

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

01:23:00 Surgical Menopause & Dementia Risk

01:31:00 Key Takeaways 

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

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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

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

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

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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

Episodes Mentioned

Articles:

Studies & Research Mentions

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:

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

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

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

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

This episode is brought to you by: 

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

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

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

Follow Meredith Carder:

Website https://meredithcarder.com/

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

Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This episode is brought to you by: 

LUMEBOX

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

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

Dr. Brighten Essentials 

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

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

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Chorus

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

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

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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