The Dr. Brighten Show

You’re doing everything right—eating well, exercising, managing stress—and yet you still feel exhausted, inflamed, and like your body’s working against you. If the weight won’t budge, sleep is elusive, and your mood feels unfamiliar, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of understanding what’s happening in your body.

In this second part of our perimenopause deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—not as a last resort, but as a proactive, personalized tool to support your brain, metabolism, sleep, and overall vitality. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or even afraid of HRT, this science-backed episode will help you make an empowered, informed decision.

If you missed the first episode, Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight (without starving yourself), you’ll definitely want to listen in to make sure you’re getting the complete picture of how nutrition, lifestyle, and HRT fit together. Once in menopause, these compliment each other and many people make the mistake of thinking that HRT will be enough on its own.

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.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

- Free Download: Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan

- Perimenopause 101 – Foundational episode on what’s happening to your hormones: https://drbrt.in/AERxT2

- Dr. Brighten Essentials: Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit

- Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA & Progesterone (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/ByveEr

- Adrenal Calm by Dr. Brighten Essentials – L-theanine, passionflower & phosphatidylserine to support stress and sleep: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm

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

If you’re cutting calories, pushing harder at the gym, and still watching the scale creep up, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Perimenopause changes everything, especially how your body holds onto weight. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we’re breaking down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes with your hormones, why traditional weight loss advice falls flat, and what to do instead if you want to see real results—without wrecking your metabolism.

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about working with your hormones, not against them. We’ll walk through the science-backed nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies that actually support fat loss, muscle gain, and a healthier metabolism in perimenopause—so you can feel like yourself again.

This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series. The first episode focuses on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle change. In episode 2, you’ll find hormone replacement therapy (HRT) specific info. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the second episode in the series!

This episode is brought to you by:

🛍️ Shop Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements https://drbrightenessentials.com/ SAVE 15% by using the code POD15

Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

- Dr. Navaz Habib on Inflammation (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/UyoQEu

- Dr. Brighten’s Adrenal Calm Supplement (with L-theanine, passionflower, and phosphatidylserine): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm

- Dr. Brighten Essential’s Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit

- Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus

- “Is This Normal?” by Dr. Jolene Brighten (book): https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy

- Episode: Gut Health & Estrogen in Perimenopause (coming soon—subscribe to be notified)

- ADHD, Sleep, and Hormones—Why Perimenopause Makes it Harder (podcast episode) https://drbrt.in/e29sl1

This is the episode that will finally help you understand why your weight is shifting—and what to do about it that actually works.

If you found this episode helpful, I have a small favor to ask—leaving a quick review might not seem like much, but in the podcasting world, it makes a huge difference. Your review helps boost the show’s visibility so more people—especially women—can find this life-changing information. It also helps center women’s voices in conversations about women’s health, where we’ve been overlooked for far too long. So thank you for taking a moment to support the show—you’re helping make sure more women feel seen, heard, and empowered.

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

What if stress isn’t the enemy—but the cure? In this episode, Jeff Krasno shares how he reversed type 2 diabetes, lost 60 pounds, and transformed his life at 50 by leveraging good stress. From cold plunges to tough conversations, he breaks down the science-backed strategies that build resilience, balance hormones, and boost metabolic health.

Whether you're burned out, inflamed, or just tired of feeling off—this episode is your blueprint for powerful, lasting change.

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.

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

LMNT: https://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

Your support of our sponsors helps keep this show free and accessible to everyone—and ends the gatekeeping of quality health info. Thank you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

- Jeff’s book: Good Stress by Jeff Krasno https://amzn.to/3E5kXGZ

- Commune: https://www.onecommune.com

- Jeff’s podcast: Commune with Jeff Krasno

- Rhonda Patrick’s research on sauna and cardiovascular health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34363927/ 

- Article on butyrate and ADHD: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87546-y 

- David Sinclair’s research on resveratrol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12939617/ 

- Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat info: https://bigboldhealth.com

- Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7

- Learn more about ADHD and Women’s Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/sync/

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

What if everything you’ve been told about pregnancy and birth was rooted in fear—not fact? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with leading OB-GYN and humanized birth advocate Dr. Cynthia Dickter, who’s been transforming maternal care across Mexico.

We’re exposing the C-section epidemic, breaking down the impact of obstetric violence, and showing you how to take back control of your pregnancy experience. Whether you're preparing for birth or healing from a past one, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and seen.

✨ Expect truth bombs, evidence-based tips, and stories that will shift how you think about birth forever.

💡 Mentioned in This Episode:

- Dr. Brighten's Methylated Prenatal: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus

- WHO Report on Global C-Section Rates: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196217/

- Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten - https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB

- Free Pregnancy & Birth Guides: https://www.drbrighten.com

🎙 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.  

Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer.

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

If you're tired, itchy, bloated, or breaking out in rashes—and allergy tests keep coming back normal—this episode is for you. Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with certified nutrition specialist and skin health expert Jennifer Fugo to explore the misunderstood world of histamine intolerance, histamine sensitivity, and the hidden causes behind your symptoms.

We break down everything from why women are more affected by elevated histamine symptoms, to why low-histamine diets might not be the long-term answer. Plus: the liver, the gut, mold exposure, DAO enzymes, and whether or not antihistamines are doing more harm than good.

Get ready for a deep, validating, and empowering conversation that could completely shift your health journey.

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.

Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions.

 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

- Jennifer Fugo’s website and Quell Shop: https://www.quellshop.com

- The Healthy Skin Show Podcast: https://www.skinterrupt.com

- Dr. Jolene Brighten’s episode on progesterone dermatitis (on Jennifer’s podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-skin-show/id1449210022?i=1000605517394

- Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB

- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic (must be GG strain): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic

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

Do you have ADHD and struggle to fall asleep—even when you're exhausted? You're not alone. In this video, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down why ADHD brains fight sleep, how your hormones are secretly sabotaging your rest, and what you can actually do about it. If your symptoms get worse before your period, your meds feel off some weeks, or you feel wired at night but groggy in the morning… this episode is for you.

🌙 Don’t forget to grab your FREE 5-Day ADHD Hormone & Brain Sync mini course:

👉 https://drbrighten.com/sync

Learn the real science behind ADHD sleep issues, how estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, and cortisol all play a role, and get ADHD-friendly sleep hacks that actually work. Whether you’re neurodivergent, navigating perimenopause, or just tired of tossing and turning—this video is packed with tools to finally help you rest.

✨ Supplements, research, and resources mentioned are all linked below!

This Episode is Brought to You By:

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

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Free 5-Day ADHD Hormones & Brain Sync Mini Course: https://drbrighten.com/sync

Beyond The Pill  by Dr. Jolene Brighten – includes the Upgraded Golden Milk recipe https://amzn.to/3becjT7

Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements Mentioned in the episode:

Balance—Women’s Hormone Support (use the code in the show notes) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance

Magnesium Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus

Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm

Myo Inositiol Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338

Episode with Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA and hormone balance https://drbrt.in/ByveEr

Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib on How to Activate Your Vagus Nerve https://drbrt.in/wRII3Y

Subscribe for Dr. Jolene Brighten’s upcoming perimenopause & weight loss hormone therapy episode

Article: Foods That Support Progesterone Production https://drbrighten.com/boost-low-progesterone/

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

Is your child constantly melting down, not listening, or labeled “too sensitive”? You might be dealing with more than just typical kid behavior. In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins us to break down the real signs of ADHD in kids and how emotional dysregulation in ADHD impacts their daily lives—and yours.

Whether you’re wondering about ADHD symptoms in kids, how to handle tantrums that feel extreme, or why parenting feels so exhausting, this conversation will bring clarity, hope, and practical strategies you can use immediately. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your child’s brain, behavior, and how to support them without losing yourself in the process.

🎙 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.

Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions.

LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products.

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s Website: http://www.anewdaysa.com

Follow Dr. Lockhart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart

ACEs Study: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html

Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697

Book: Science of Stretch by Dr. Leada Malek https://www.amazon.com/Science-Stretch-Flexible-Potential-Maximize/dp/0744084474

CBT Resources: https://www.nami.org/

ACT Resources: http://contextualscience.org

Parent Coaching with Dr. Lockhart: http://www.anewdaysa.com/parent-coaching

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

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're sharing a special excerpt from our full episode with Dr. Ana Sierra, a leading expert in pelvic health. In this segment, Dr. Sierra uncovers the surprising connection between endometriosis and fibroids, explaining why so many women experience both conditions. If you've been dealing with chronic pelvic pain or heavy periods, this conversation may hold the key to understanding your symptoms and finding the right path to relief. Tune in to learn more!

As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare

Listen to the full episode with Dr. Sierra: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/

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

In celebration of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’re sharing an insightful clip from Dr. Jolene Brighten on how diet can play a crucial role in managing endometriosis. Dr. Brighten walks us through simple, actionable steps to bring more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet without feeling overwhelmed. From omega-3-rich fish to nutrient-packed leafy greens, she highlights the foods that can help ease symptoms and support long-term health. If you're looking for easy ways to improve your nutrition while managing endo, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice!

As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare

Listen to the full episode on endometriosis surgery prep and recovery here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-treatment/

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

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Ram Cabrera sheds light on the complexities of hormonal treatments for endometriosis. In this clip, he explains why commonly prescribed treatments, like the birth control pill and hormonal castration, may not be the solution for many women with deep endometriosis. Dr. Cabrera offers important insights on the side effects, effectiveness, and the need for individualized care. If you’ve been navigating treatment options for endometriosis, this episode is essential for understanding what might work for you—and what might not. Tune in for a deeper understanding of hormonal therapy’s role in managing endo.

As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare

Listen to the full episode with Dr. Cabrera here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/

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