The Dr. Brighten Show

Latest Episodes:

Hidden Symptoms of PMDD & PMS: How Progesterone, Birth Control & Brain Chemistry Shape Your Mood | Dr. Sarah Hill Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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

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🎥 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.

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Top AuDHD Expert: Shocking Risks of Undiagnosed Female ADHD & Autism | Dr. Samantha Hiew Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

ADHD in women is often misunderstood and autism in women is even more invisible. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Samantha Hiew, award-winning speaker, researcher, and author of Tip of the ADHD Iceberg. Together, we break down the myths, the biology, and the lived experience that medicine has ignored for too long.

In this episode, you’ll discover why so many women are dismissed in assessments, how hormones play a role in ADHD and autism, and what you can do if medication isn’t working for you.

View the full show notes, links, and resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/female-adhd/.

This Episode is Brought to you By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/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 → https://drbrightenessentials.com

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

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The New Perimenopause Weight Loss Approach | Tara LaFerrara Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Kick the “eat less, move more” myth to the curb. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with strength coach Tara LaFerrara to explain why resistance training is the queen for perimenopausal and menopausal women who want real results—better body recomposition, stronger bones, steadier energy, and less belly fat—without living on a treadmill or wrecking their hormones.

You’ll learn how to train smarter (not harder), what to change in your 30s, 40s, 50s+, and how sleep, stress, and mobility quietly make or break your progress. We dig into walking, Pilates vs. strength, why the scale lies, and the mindset shift from motivation to disciplined routines that carry you through messy days.

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

Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com

Founded by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is revolutionizing aging with the OS-01™ peptide, the first ingredient proven to reverse skin’s biological age by targeting cellular senescence.

Shop now → https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1950532/2885132/3105

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.

Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.

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

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Tara LaFerrara – Broads App & Coaching (strength, mobility, programming for women) https://www.broads.app/midlife-broad-program
Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan - Free Guide https://drbrighten.com/plan/
Article: How to Lose Weight in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/how-to-lose-weight-during-perimenopause/
Mental Load & Relationships with Dr. Vanessa Marin — Learn how the hidden mental load impacts intimacy, stress, and even your ability to prioritize self-care https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/92-vanessa-and-xander-marin-your-sex-drive-isnt/id1710024779?i=1000712224524
Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight (without starving yourself) https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/
ADHD, Executive Function & Perimenopause with Dr. Jolene Brighten — Why ADHD symptoms often intensify in perimenopause and practical strategies to support brain health, focus, and daily routines https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-adhd/

Follow Tara LaFerrara:

💻 Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taralaferrara/

🎥 TikTok :https://www.tiktok.com/@taralaferrara?lang=en

👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

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🎥 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.

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Peptides for Hair Loss & Skin Aging Reversal: OneSkin Review Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

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SIBO vs IBS vs Leaky Gut: Tests, Treatments, and How to Heal Fast | Dr. Carolina Gonzalez Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

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 linkhttp://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

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🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten

🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten

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Menopause Brain Fog Is Real: 7 Science-Backed Ways To Clear It | Dr. Jolene Brighten Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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

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🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten

🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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Natural Treatments for Eczema That Actually Work: Creams, Moisturisers & More | Jen Fugo Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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/

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The Hidden Costs of People Pleasing: Why ADHD Women Struggle + How to Break Free | Meredith Carder Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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. 💬✨

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Sjogrens Syndrome and Treatment: What Women Need to Know | Dr. Kara Wada Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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

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GLP-1 Weight Loss in Menopause: How HRT Amplifies Results Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

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/

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