The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 33min

Peptides for Hair Loss & Skin Aging Reversal: OneSkin Review

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 https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/oneskin/. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 snips

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 37min

SIBO vs IBS vs Leaky Gut: Tests, Treatments, and How to Heal Fast | Dr. Carolina Gonzalez

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: Dr. Brighten Essentials Women’s Probiotic https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Dr. Brighten Essentials Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Carolina Gonzalez’s website https://www.ctnaturalhealth.com/ Carolina Gonzalez’’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodgutdoc/ Carolina Gonzalez’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodgutdoc Podcast: Gut Health Probiotics https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/ Article: SIBO Part I https://drbrighten.com/sibo-symptoms-what-is-it-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-it/ Article: SIBO Part II: https://drbrighten.com/sibo-treatment-natural-diet/ Article: The Surprising Cause of IBS https://drbrighten.com/the-surprising-cause-of-ibs/ Article: Histamine Intolerance https://drbrighten.com/histamine-intolerance/ Podcast: Natural Treatments for Eczema | Jen Fugo https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/natural-treatments-for-eczema/ Podcast: Cortisol Face, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Insulin Resistance | Alaia Baldwin https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/cortisol-face/ Podcast: Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism. Dr. Izabella Wentz https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hashimotos-hypothyroidism/ Podcast: Top Foods That Delay Menopause | Dr. Kara Fitzgerald https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-delay-menopause/ Clean 15 & Dirty Dozen produce guide (EWG) https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ 👩🏻‍⚕️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

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 39min

Menopause Brain Fog Is Real: 7 Science-Backed Ways To Clear It | Dr. Jolene Brighten

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

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 26min

Natural Treatments for Eczema That Actually Work: Creams, Moisturisers & More | Jen Fugo

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 19min

The Hidden Costs of People Pleasing: Why ADHD Women Struggle + How to Break Free | Meredith Carder

Sep 2, 2025 • 2h 12min

Sjogrens Syndrome and Treatment: What Women Need to Know | Dr. Kara Wada

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: Sjögren’s Foundation (patient education & resources): https://www.sjogrens.org Gut Hormone Connection Episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/ Therapies discussed: Allergy shots; Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets/drops) and Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) Medications referenced (discuss with your clinician): Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); H1 antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine); H2 blocker (famotidine); caution with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Research context named in the episode: LEAP trial (early oral peanut introduction): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1414850 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

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 2min

GLP-1 Weight Loss in Menopause: How HRT Amplifies Results

If your midlife metabolism suddenly stopped playing by the old rules, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Brighten breaks down how perimenopause and menopause shift insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, appetite, and recovery and where glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (think semaglutide/Ozempic, Wegovy, liraglutide, tirzepatide as a related incretin therapy) can fit safely alongside hormone therapy, lifting, protein, and smart lab work. You’ll leave with a practical checklist you can take to your clinician, plus a clear understanding of how to protect muscle, heart, and brain while losing fat. Now, to be clear, this episode isn’t about convincing anyone to use a GLP-1. It is about making sure you know how they work, what the risks are, and what you MUST do to stay healthy on them. You’ll hear the new science of what role they play in cardiovascular disease prevention. 🎧For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/glp-1-weight-loss-in-menopause/ 👩🏻‍⚕️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 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

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 31min

Endometriosis, HRT, and Menopause: Expert Answers on Surgery, IVF & What Really Helps | Dr. Melissa McHale

Aug 21, 2025 • 49min

Progesterone Side Effects & Intolerance: Why You Feel Worse on Progesterone | Dr. Jolene Brighten

So you finally got your progesterone prescription to help you sleep better, feel calmer, and support your hormones, but instead of feeling better, you’re more anxious, moody, and wide awake at night. You might have progesterone intolerance. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I uncover why some women experience the opposite of the “calming” benefits they’re promised, and what new research reveals about how progesterone interacts with the brain. Whether you’re in perimenopause, on HRT, or struggling with PMS/PMDD, this conversation will help you finally connect the dots. Understanding Progesterone Intolerance and Side Effects What are the side effects of progesterone? Progesterone side effects can include insomnia, panic attacks, mood swings, and even feelings of rage. For many women, though, it has the opposite effect—improving sleep and calming the nervous system. In this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ , I share the science behind why some women thrive while others struggle. Can progesterone cause anxiety? Yes, in some women. Instead of activating the brain’s calming GABA receptors, progesterone’s metabolite may overstimulate the nervous system. I explain how new research on the amygdala sheds light on this paradox. Is progesterone intolerance the same as PMS or PMDD? Not quite. While symptoms can overlap, progesterone intolerance has unique brain-level differences that make women more reactive during the luteal phase. Tune in to hear the distinctions that matter for treatment. What’s the difference between progesterone and progestin side effects? Doctors and media often use these words interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Progestins are synthetic, bind differently to hormone receptors, and are linked with depression risk in teens and women starting contraception. I break down the chemistry and clinical differences in this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/. For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/progesterone-side-effects/ Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal Book: Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pil Progesterone Intolerance Article – https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-intolerance Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements: Adrenal Calm – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Adrenal Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support Women’s Probiotic – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Balance Women’s Hormone Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 29min

Sugar and Brain Health: How Diet Shapes Kids’ Focus, Mood & Microbiome | Dr. Elisa Song

Are you unknowingly feeding your kids foods that sabotage their gut health, disrupt hormones, and even affect brain performance? In this eye‑opening conversation, I sit down with pediatric functional medicine expert Dr. Elisa Song to uncover the hidden ingredients and environmental exposures shaping your child’s mood, focus, immune health, and long‑term development. From sugar and brain function to delayed puberty in boys, autoimmune warning signs, and the microbiome’s role in behavior, this is a must‑listen for every parent who wants to protect and optimize their child’s health. This is our second episode with Dr. Elisa Song, so be sure to check out our first interview where we talked extensively about strategies for picky eaters https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/child-gut-health/ This episode is brought to you by: Fygg Toothpaste Want an oral-care routine that strengthens enamel and nourishes your mouth’s microbiome? Fygg’s fluoride-free, prebiotic toothpaste uses nano-hydroxyapatite to support remineralization and sensitivity relief—without the burn, foam, or harsh essential oils. Developed by functional dentists Dr. Mark Burhenne and Dr. Staci Whitman, it’s crafted with clean, microbiome-friendly ingredients you can feel great about. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription) Shop now → https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv Dr. Brighten Essentials Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com Sunlighten Saunas Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind? At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals. Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna Shop now → 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: Dr. Elisa Song’s website https://www.healthykidshappykids.com Dr. Elisa Song’s Book Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience https://amzn.to/3EsfeuI https://drbrighten.com/ for nutrition, hormone, and fertility support Dr. Brighten Essentials Women's Probiotic for mom’s microbiome https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Tiny Health– gut microbiome testing https://www.tinyhealth.com/ Episode with dentist Stacey Whitman https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/ about oral health/the oral microbiome ⭐ Follow Dr. Elisa Song: 💻 Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/ 🟦 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElisaSongMD/ 👩🏻‍⚕️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 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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