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 https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes/. 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. Shop now 🎧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: 💻 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

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 https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pmdd-symptoms/ 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 📸  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

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Samantha Hiew, a keynote speaker and founder of ADHD Girls, delves into the often-ignored nuances of female ADHD and autism. She reveals why women frequently slip through diagnostic cracks and how hormonal factors play a critical role in symptom management. The conversation touches on the challenges of ADHD medication and the impact of hormonal shifts on neurodivergent women. Dr. Hiew also shares strategies for emotional regulation during perimenopause and the importance of reclaiming authenticity after social camouflaging.

Tara LaFerrara, a strength coach and founder of Broads, shares her insights on fitness for midlife women. She debunks the myth of 'eat less, move more,' emphasizing resistance training for improving body composition and bone density. Tara explains how stress, sleep, and lifestyle can hinder progress and offers practical tips for effective workouts at any age. She discusses the importance of discipline over motivation and the need to redefine self-worth beyond weight, encouraging joyful movement that empowers women in their fitness journey.

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

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

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

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 Jennifer Fugo’s Healthy Skin Show Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-skin-show/id1449210022 Quell Shop: Skincare and supplements for chronic skin conditions  https://www.quellshop.com Episodes Mentioned Is It Really Histamine Intolerance? with Jen Fugo — on histamine, skin rashes, and hidden gut triggers https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/is-it-really-histamine-intolerance/ Struggling with Sleep & Anxiety? Dr. Carrie Jones https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ The Best Skincare for Aging Skin| Dr. Sara Cherem https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-for-aging-skin/ The Best Skincare Products for Aging Skin| Dr. Tony Youn https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-products-for-aging-skin/ What Every Woman Needs to Know to Balance Hormones  https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/ Articles: What is Histamine Intolerance https://drbrighten.com/histamine-intolerance/ 12 Natural Treatments for Hyperthyroidism https://drbrighten.com/natural-treatments-hyperthyroidism/ The Thyroid Gut Connection https://drbrighten.com/thyroid-gut-connection/ Topical Estrogen Face Cream https://drbrighten.com/estrogen-face-cream/ Studies & Research Mentions Reviewing the Evidence Base for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome in the Research Literature and Social Media Platforms: An Evidence Gap Map: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11662184 Topical Steroid Withdrawal (Red Skin Syndrome): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603718/  Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Atopic Dermatitis: Patient-reported Characterization from a Swedish Social Media Questionnaire: https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/40187  Psoriasis https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra0804595  Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms of Action in Psoriasis and Associated Comorbidities https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8019008 Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-17 Shows a Significant Association with Helicobacter pylori Infection and Disease Severity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5748147 Global Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Incidence of Gastric Cancer Between 1980 and 2022 https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2823%2905687-1/fulltext Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection between 1980 and 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253%2823%2900070-5/abstract Revisiting the Roles of Filaggrin in Atopic Dermatitis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140947 Filaggrin gene mutations with special reference to atopic dermatitis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7880084 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: 💻 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

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:  Meredith Carder – [Author & ADHD Coach] https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/  Meredith’s community, The Hummingbird Hive https://meredith-rose-carder.mykajabi.com/group-membership  Meredith’s book It All Makes Sense Now https://amzn.to/45XHvTN  Research referenced: study on higher mortality risk in ADHD women Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart’s episode on parenting and emotional regulation (for further listening) https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/raising-kids-with-big-feelings/   Diet for ADHD: How Nutrition Shapes Focus, Mood, and Brain Health | Timothy Frie https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/diet-for-adhd/   Mouth Breathing, ADHD & the Cavity Conspiracy: What Your Dentist Isn’t Telling You | Dr. Staci Whitman https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/   ADHD Types and Hormones: The Unexpected Link You Need to Know | Ludovico Saint amour di Chanaz https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/   ADHD, Sleep & Hormones: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/   ADHD Burnout? Your Hormones Might Be Sabotaging You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-burnout/   How Hormones and Menopause Affect ADHD: What No One’s Telling You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-adhd/   ADHD Endometriosis Connection: What You Should Know If You’re Diagnosed with ADHD https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-endometriosis-connection/   Article: Exploring Natural Solutions for Adult ADHD — How To Find Relief https://drbrighten.com/natural-remedies-adhd/  Follow Meredith Carder: Website https://meredithcarder.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/ 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

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