The Dr. Brighten Show

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.

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:

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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.

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:

👩🏻‍⚕️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

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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!

👩🏻‍⚕️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

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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.

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

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marinagerner

💻 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/

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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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/

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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

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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: 

👩🏻‍⚕️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. 💬✨

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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.

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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: 

Follow Dr. Will Coles Social Media:

👩🏻‍⚕️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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Welcome to The Dr. Brighten Show! If you’ve ever wondered about your fertility, the quality of your eggs, or whether freezing them might be a smart move, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Debbie Cassis, an OBGYN, who has helped countless women navigate fertility preservation. 

Whether you’re thinking about starting a family now or just want to preserve your options and understand the egg freezing process, this episode will empower you with science-backed knowledge, expert advice, and a whole lot of real talk about egg freezing, IVF, and what you can do to optimize your fertility health at any age.

🔗 SPONSORS + LINKS This episode is made possible by our generous sponsors. To support the show and gain access to trusted resources, visit: 👉 DrBrighten.com for free hormone health guides and fertility resources 👉 DrBrightenEssentials.com for the highest-quality supplements

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr. Debbie Cassis’s Clinic: Hestia Fertility https://www.hestiafertility.com/en/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaD2_KtQr3rUrBiB9ID4uTH7bByiVSTNKWD3zcgTPjOmNLXEEJEobiVtGc_aem_Y4_N1iPJ1u5LXH7XCmugCQ

Dr. Debbie Cassis’s Instagram: @drad.debbiesassis https://www.instagram.com/dra.debbiecassis/?hl=en

Myo Inositol Plus to Support Egg Quality: Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338

Endometriosis Resource:Interview with Ram Cabrera https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/

Beyond the Pill: Dr. Brighten’s book with fertility information https://amzn.to/3becjT7

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