The Dr. Brighten Show

Think your gut is just about digestion? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten uncovers the surprising truth about how gut health probiotics and the right foods—especially fermented foods for gut health—can deeply impact your hormones, immune system, mood, and more. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by fatigue, bloating, heavy periods, thyroid issues, or anxiety, your gut could be the missing link—and it’s one you can start supporting today. This Episode is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Chorus: Chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.  .  Links Mentioned in This Episode Endometriosis Flare Guide — drbrighten.com/endoflare Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan — drbrighten.com/plan Dr. Brighten Essentials Women's Probiotic — specifically formulated to support gut health probiotics and hormone balance https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic?selling_plan=995917858 Dr. Brighten Essentials Balance Women’s Hormone Support — specifically formulated to support estrogen detox and the gut estrobolome https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?selling_plan=995295266 Thyroid Deep Dive with Dr. Izabella Wentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY Insulin & Blood Sugar Regulation Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE Vagus Nerve / Nervous System Support Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8 Article: Best Prebiotic Fibers for Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/best-prebiotic/ Seed Cycling & Gut Health: https://drbrighten.com/seed-cycling-for-hormone-balance/ 📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one. If you’re ready to finally connect the dots between your gut and your hormones and get the science-backed steps to start healing—this is the episode to press play on. Your hormones will thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the stress, exhaustion, and emotional reactivity you’re battling every day aren’t just personality quirks, but symptoms of nervous system dysregulation? In this deeply moving and enlightening episode, I sit down with Meliza Mokrani—trauma-informed health coach, founder of Worthy Wellness Studio, and nervous system educator—to explore how chronic stress, cultural conditioning, and unhealed trauma shape your hormones, health, and self-worth. We unpack how your autonomic nervous system dysregulation could be behind so much of what you’re calling “normal,” and more importantly, how you can begin to heal. 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. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Meliza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani Worthy Wellness Studio -  Berkeley, CA: https://www.worthyselfcare.com Join the Waitlist - Mothering Beyond Narcissism Meliza’s proprietary method for a nervous system reset. Understand your triggers. Rewire your stress response: https://melizamokrani.com/mothering-beyond-narcissism/ The WORTHY App - Science-backed breathwork, somatic movement, and regulation tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://worthyselfcare.com/app/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – on trauma and how the body stores it: https://amzn.to/3U1brc4 Pelvic Floor Therapy Resource [Dr. Diana Mendez’s episode on pelvic health]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM Free Nervous System Resource [Downloadable guides and tools to begin your self-regulation journey]: https://melizamokrani.com/resources/ So Informed - Instagram account for digestible weekly news recaps: https://www.instagram.com/so.informed/ Follow Meliza Mokrani: Website: https://melizamokrani.com/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/melizamokrani X: https://x.com/melizamokrani 👩🏻‍⚕️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  Whether you're navigating burnout, hormone chaos, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, this episode gives you the science, tools, and validation you need to reclaim your calm. Understanding nervous system dysregulation and healing from trauma isn’t just a mental health matter—it’s a foundational pillar of vibrant, whole-body wellness. Tune in and begin your own transformation from survival to regulation. 👉 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 eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten unpacks the three hidden causes of fatigue most doctors miss and the real reasons so many women are running on empty. If you've ever been told it's just stress, aging, or that you need more sleep, this episode will feel like both a truth bomb and a roadmap. Through powerful insights on PCOS, neurodivergence, and cortisol dysfunction, Dr. Brighten connects the dots between your symptoms and your physiology—so you can stop blaming yourself and start getting your energy back. Expect practical, science-backed tools you can use today to finally feel like yourself again. 👇 Mentioned in this Episode Best Supplements for PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/supplements-for-pcos/ Anti-inflammatory meal plan with 21 recipes: https://drbrighten.com/plan/ Myo-Inositol Plus Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?srsltid=AfmBOoqXWxECOe63krZepCRoGPcPmCgB3N8CjPJndovjn0u6V5Bhg88U&selling_plan=995426338 Dr. Brighten Recommended PCOS Supplement Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/pcos-plus-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopX_05VPM57CHOwvf2u-H8Rm2IpXBmoS-pYuz9BC7yoA0Urzp8T&selling_plan=1482620962 Dr. Brighten’s Insulin Resistance Deep Dive Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEGKXDL-OE Burnout Recovery Episode (for deeper strategies on brain-based fatigue) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwYf-2orq-8 Dr. Diana Mendez on Painful Sex & Pelvic Floor Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiHFcqE-9QM Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on RSD & Emotional Regulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdHqxvq2VA8 Vagus Nerve Episode: How to Reset Your Nervous System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugVgKTRrS8 Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Includes libido support & lube recommendations: https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://amzn.to/3becjT7 🎙 This Episode Is Brought to You ByDr. Brighten Essentials: Optimal Adrenal Kit - Restore your energy naturally and get better sleep. Use CODE  POD15 for 15% off  https://drbrightenessentials.com LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. 📲 Connect with Dr. Brighten 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you actionable tools, please hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this! ✨ Leave a comment and tell us what type of fatigue resonated most—we read every single one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Why is my body changing even though I haven’t? — this episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself. In this deep, funny, and jaw-droppingly real conversation, I sit down with Liz Wolfe, certified personal trainer, nutrition expert, and author of Eat the Yolks, to break down the real reasons women feel like their metabolism crashes in their 40s—and how to become forever strong without starving, punishing workouts, or obsessing over “clean eating.” We go far beyond food and calories and into the hormonal chaos, generational diet trauma, and lifestyle stressors that collide in perimenopause to make women feel like they're falling apart—when really, their bodies are just asking for something different. Something wiser. Something that leads to forever strong health and energy. 🛍️This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. ✨Want to support the show? Check out these incredible brands that help us bring you conversations that end the gatekeeping and get women the answers they deserve.Links Mentioned in This Episode: Liz Wolfe’s Eat the Yolks (book): https://amzn.to/44mepgl Liz Wolfe’s program with protein calculator + TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) tool: https://idealage.com/drbrighten Liz Wolfe’s podcast: https://idealage.buzzsprout.com/2449189/follow Dr. Brighten’s Free Perimenopause Weight Loss Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan  Article: Breakfast with 30 Grams of Protein https://drbrighten.com/breakfast-with-30-grams-of-protein/ Article: How Much Protein Do Women Need https://drbrighten.com/how-much-protein-should-women-have/  👩🏻‍⚕️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/ 🎙️ Follow Liz Wolfe : 💻 Website: https://realfoodliz.com/ 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodliz/  👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert conversations that help you take charge of your hormones and your health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that when estrogen drops during perimenopause and menopause, ADHD symptoms can skyrocket? If you’ve felt like your ADHD got worse overnight—or that your once-manageable brain fog, mood swings, or forgetfulness have taken over—you're not imagining things.  In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we uncover the science behind how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and testosterone profoundly impact the ADHD brain and why menopause and perimenopause make those effects louder, messier, and harder to ignore. If you're a woman navigating perimenopause and ADHD, or wrestling with brain fog and menopause, this conversation is the empowering knowledge bomb you’ve been waiting for. 🎧 Mentioned in This Episode: Free ADHD Hormone Sync Mini Course — https://drbrighten.com/sync/ Free Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan for Hormone & Brain Support — https://drbrighten.com/plan/ Sleep & ADHD Episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/ ADHD Types & Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/ Insulin & Blood Sugar Episode with Lab Guide: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/insulin-resistance/ Perimenopause Weight Loss & Exercise Strategies: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/ Menopause Hormone Therapy or HRT to Manage Menopause Symptoms: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/symptoms-of-menopause/ PMDD, Histamine & Neurodivergent women: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menstrual-cycle-and-hormone-health/ ADHD Burnout Recovery: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-burnout/ Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/ Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements Discussed: Omega-3s (2000mg/day) for brain structure, mood, and inflammation https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?selling_plan=995557410 Magnesium Glycinate (300mg at night) for nervous system and sleep https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?selling_plan=995459106 HRT Protocols Mentioned: Oral micronized progesterone (100–200mg at night) Topical estrogen (e.g. 0.025mg estradiol patch) Testosterone replacement based on labs: Total T, Free T, SHBG 🙌 Support the show by supporting our sponsorsDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off DUTCH Test: Advanced hormone testing for clearer clinical insights—new providers get up to 5 Complete tests at 50% off. https://dutchtest.com Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. 👩🏻‍⚕️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 this episode hit home, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Turn on notifications so you never miss a moment of hormone + ADHD truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Justin Janoska, founder of The Autoimmune Revolution, dives into the profound effects of complex trauma on women's health and autoimmune disorders. He reveals how unresolved emotional pain can manifest as physical ailments like thyroid dysfunction and chronic fatigue. The conversation also highlights the significance of heart rate variability, the impact of medical gaslighting on women's health, and the necessity of holistic healing approaches. Janoska advocates for building resilience through practices like meditation, transforming personal narratives around health, and fostering community connections.

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. This Episode Is Brought to You By: 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: "Medical Misogyny Leaves Many Women in Pain" https://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj.q2780 (Published study referenced in episode) Period Pain Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11477228/  Period Pain in Teens: https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/21/6/762/628858 93% of Women Feel Dismissed: https://www.femtechworld.co.uk/news/93-of-women-feel-dismissed-when-seeking-medical-help-new-survey-reveals 👍 If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 👇 YOU’LL LEARN: 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: Alaia Baldwin’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alaiabaldwin Myo Inositol Plus from Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus DrBrighten.com – Free Hormone & PCOS Resources https://drbrighten.com/category/menstrual-cycle/pcos/ Book: Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal Understanding Cortisol Face – Adrenal PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/adrenal-pcos/ MyoInositol and PCOS: https://drbrighten.com/best-inositol-supplement/ Cold Plunge Therapy for Women: https://drbrighten.com/cold-plunge-benefits/ Endo What? Documentary – Endometriosis Awareness https://www.endowhat.com/ How to Tell If You Have Endometriosis with Dr. Ram Cabrera [Podcast]: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ 👩🏻‍⚕️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

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! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Gut Health Episode with Gastroenterologist – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QivbSb4JzM Episode on Painful Periods & Medical Gaslighting – Coming next week, subscribe so you don't miss the episode https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten Perimenopause Weight Loss & Metabolic Health Episode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TQ5fbOKsMI Thyroid Health Episode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONw2EiGa7JY Recommended Prenatal/Multi Supplement – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus?selling_plan=995786786 👩🏻‍⚕️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 👍 Like this episode?  Please like, comment, and share this video with someone who needs it. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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. Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! Links Mentioned in This Episode The Vagina Business by Marina Gerner –​​ https://amzn.to/4kM7xPI Dr. Brighten’s book Is This Normal? – https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Dr. Brighten’s book Beyond the Pill - https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Research: "Association of Hormonal Contraception With Depression" (JAMA, 2016) – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2552796 Fertility Awareness resource guide – https://drbrighten.com/fertility-awareness-method-work/ The Guardian article on the smart bra – https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2020/jun/02/smart-bras-and-a-light-tracker-the-wearable-tech-helping-plug-the-medical-gender-bias-gap Follow Marina Gerner: Website https://www.marinagerner.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marinagerner Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marinagerner 👩🏻‍⚕️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