The Dr. Brighten Show

Ever been told that leaking pee when you laugh, sneeze, or jump is just part of being a woman—especially after having kids? What if I told you that’s not only false, but that your workouts, posture, or even the way you breathe could be making it worse? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Diana Mendez to break down the real reasons behind urinary incontinence, painful sex, prolapse, and so many misunderstood symptoms tied to pelvic floor dysfunction. This episode is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or handed a prescription for Kegels without a proper evaluation. If you’ve ever searched for urinary incontinence treatment and been told to “just do Kegels,” you’re going to want to hit play immediately—because there’s a lot more to the story. Whether you’ve had babies or not, this conversation will help you reconnect with your body, understand how stress and trauma live in your pelvic floor, and take back control of your bladder, your sex life, and your confidence. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert-led conversations to help you take back your health. This Episode is brought to you by: Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off  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 Dr. Diana Mendez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapelvix/ Therapelvix: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3g5TdgbfT1nSCESw9 Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy Guided Body Scan Meditation 👇 Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels”—and how that worked out for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your child’s ADHD, anxiety, or picky eating actually caused by mouth breathing? And what does fluoride in your water really do to your brain? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Staci Whitman—founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry and global leader in functional pediatric oral health—joins me to expose the hidden links between oral health, airway issues, the microbiome, and behavior. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert-led conversations to help you take back your health. This episode is brought to you by:  Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off   Fygg  https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription) Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   🦷Website: Dr. Staci Whitman’s Practice & Resources 🎧Dr. Elisa Song’s episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/child-gut-health/ 🎧Dr. Victoria Sampson’s episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/shocking-truth-about-gum-disease/ 📘 Book: “Sleep Wrecked Kids” by Sharon Moore https://amzn.to/44rDhET 📘 Book: “Breath” by James Nestor https://amzn.to/4luQXoJ 🧪Research Paper: National Toxicology Program report on fluoride and neurotoxicity: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride  🔬Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2748634 🧪Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425  🛒Product: MyoTape for kids https://www.myotape.com 🛒Functional Tools: - Myo Munchie https://myomunchee.com/ - Cordless Waterpik https://www.waterpik.com/ 🔬Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (Cochrane Review): https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub3/full#CD010856-abs-0001  🔬Time to Reassess Systemic Fluoride Exposure, Again (JAMA): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2828429  🦷American Academy of Oral Systemic Health: https://www.aaosh.org/ 🦷International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology: https://iaomt.org/ 🦷Holistic Dental Association: https://holisticdental.org/ 🦷American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry: https://aapmd.org/  🌬️The Breath Institute: https://thebreatheinstitute.com/ 🔬Institute for Functional Dentistry: https://functionaldentistry.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re doing everything right—eating well, exercising, managing stress—and yet you still feel exhausted, inflamed, and like your body’s working against you. If the weight won’t budge, sleep is elusive, and your mood feels unfamiliar, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of understanding what’s happening in your body. In this second part of our perimenopause deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—not as a last resort, but as a proactive, personalized tool to support your brain, metabolism, sleep, and overall vitality. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or even afraid of HRT, this science-backed episode will help you make an empowered, informed decision. If you missed the first episode, Perimenopause? How to Lose Weight (without starving yourself), you’ll definitely want to listen in to make sure you’re getting the complete picture of how nutrition, lifestyle, and HRT fit together. Once in menopause, these compliment each other and many people make the mistake of thinking that HRT will be enough on its own. This Episode is Brought To You by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off   Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Free Download: Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan: http://drbrighten.com/plan - Perimenopause 101 – Foundational episode on what’s happening to your hormones: https://drbrt.in/AERxT2 - Dr. Brighten Essentials: Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit - Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA & Progesterone (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/ByveEr - Adrenal Calm by Dr. Brighten Essentials – L-theanine, passionflower & phosphatidylserine to support stress and sleep: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re cutting calories, pushing harder at the gym, and still watching the scale creep up, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Perimenopause changes everything, especially how your body holds onto weight. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we’re breaking down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes with your hormones, why traditional weight loss advice falls flat, and what to do instead if you want to see real results—without wrecking your metabolism. This isn’t about restriction. It’s about working with your hormones, not against them. We’ll walk through the science-backed nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies that actually support fat loss, muscle gain, and a healthier metabolism in perimenopause—so you can feel like yourself again. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series. The first episode focuses on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle change. In episode 2, you’ll find hormone replacement therapy (HRT) specific info. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the second episode in the series! This episode is brought to you by: 🛍️ Shop Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements https://drbrightenessentials.com/ SAVE 15% by using the code POD15 Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Navaz Habib on Inflammation (podcast episode): https://drbrt.in/UyoQEu - Dr. Brighten’s Adrenal Calm Supplement (with L-theanine, passionflower, and phosphatidylserine): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm - Dr. Brighten Essential’s Metabolic Reset Kit: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/metabolic-reset-kit - Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus - “Is This Normal?” by Dr. Jolene Brighten (book): https://amzn.to/3wvdgWy - Episode: Gut Health & Estrogen in Perimenopause (coming soon—subscribe to be notified) - ADHD, Sleep, and Hormones—Why Perimenopause Makes it Harder (podcast episode) https://drbrt.in/e29sl1 This is the episode that will finally help you understand why your weight is shifting—and what to do about it that actually works. If you found this episode helpful, I have a small favor to ask—leaving a quick review might not seem like much, but in the podcasting world, it makes a huge difference. Your review helps boost the show’s visibility so more people—especially women—can find this life-changing information. It also helps center women’s voices in conversations about women’s health, where we’ve been overlooked for far too long. So thank you for taking a moment to support the show—you’re helping make sure more women feel seen, heard, and empowered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if stress isn’t the enemy—but the cure? In this episode, Jeff Krasno shares how he reversed type 2 diabetes, lost 60 pounds, and transformed his life at 50 by leveraging good stress. From cold plunges to tough conversations, he breaks down the science-backed strategies that build resilience, balance hormones, and boost metabolic health. Whether you're burned out, inflamed, or just tired of feeling off—this episode is your blueprint for powerful, lasting change. This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten LMNT: https://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. Your support of our sponsors helps keep this show free and accessible to everyone—and ends the gatekeeping of quality health info. Thank you! Links Mentioned in This Episode: - Jeff’s book: Good Stress by Jeff Krasno https://amzn.to/3E5kXGZ - Commune: https://www.onecommune.com - Jeff’s podcast: Commune with Jeff Krasno - Rhonda Patrick’s research on sauna and cardiovascular health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34363927/  - Article on butyrate and ADHD: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87546-y  - David Sinclair’s research on resveratrol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12939617/  - Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat info: https://bigboldhealth.com - Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 - Learn more about ADHD and Women’s Hormones: https://drbrighten.com/sync/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you’ve been told about pregnancy and birth was rooted in fear—not fact? In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with leading OB-GYN and humanized birth advocate Dr. Cynthia Dickter, who’s been transforming maternal care across Mexico. We’re exposing the C-section epidemic, breaking down the impact of obstetric violence, and showing you how to take back control of your pregnancy experience. Whether you're preparing for birth or healing from a past one, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and seen. ✨ Expect truth bombs, evidence-based tips, and stories that will shift how you think about birth forever. 💡 Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Brighten's Methylated Prenatal: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus - WHO Report on Global C-Section Rates: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196217/ - Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten - https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB - Free Pregnancy & Birth Guides: https://www.drbrighten.com 🎙 This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.   Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're tired, itchy, bloated, or breaking out in rashes—and allergy tests keep coming back normal—this episode is for you. Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with certified nutrition specialist and skin health expert Jennifer Fugo to explore the misunderstood world of histamine intolerance, histamine sensitivity, and the hidden causes behind your symptoms. We break down everything from why women are more affected by elevated histamine symptoms, to why low-histamine diets might not be the long-term answer. Plus: the liver, the gut, mold exposure, DAO enzymes, and whether or not antihistamines are doing more harm than good. Get ready for a deep, validating, and empowering conversation that could completely shift your health journey. This episode is brought to you by: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions.  Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode - Jennifer Fugo’s website and Quell Shop: https://www.quellshop.com - The Healthy Skin Show Podcast: https://www.skinterrupt.com - Dr. Jolene Brighten’s episode on progesterone dermatitis (on Jennifer’s podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-skin-show/id1449210022?i=1000605517394 - Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic (must be GG strain): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have ADHD and struggle to fall asleep—even when you're exhausted? You're not alone. In this video, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down why ADHD brains fight sleep, how your hormones are secretly sabotaging your rest, and what you can actually do about it. If your symptoms get worse before your period, your meds feel off some weeks, or you feel wired at night but groggy in the morning… this episode is for you. 🌙 Don’t forget to grab your FREE 5-Day ADHD Hormone & Brain Sync mini course: 👉 https://drbrighten.com/sync Learn the real science behind ADHD sleep issues, how estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, and cortisol all play a role, and get ADHD-friendly sleep hacks that actually work. Whether you’re neurodivergent, navigating perimenopause, or just tired of tossing and turning—this video is packed with tools to finally help you rest. ✨ Supplements, research, and resources mentioned are all linked below! This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials: drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free 5-Day ADHD Hormones & Brain Sync Mini Course: https://drbrighten.com/sync Beyond The Pill  by Dr. Jolene Brighten – includes the Upgraded Golden Milk recipe https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements Mentioned in the episode: Balance—Women’s Hormone Support (use the code in the show notes) https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance Magnesium Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm Myo Inositiol Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?selling_plan=995426338 Episode with Dr. Carrie Jones on GABA and hormone balance https://drbrt.in/ByveEr Episode with Dr. Navaz Habib on How to Activate Your Vagus Nerve https://drbrt.in/wRII3Y Subscribe for Dr. Jolene Brighten’s upcoming perimenopause & weight loss hormone therapy episode Article: Foods That Support Progesterone Production https://drbrighten.com/boost-low-progesterone/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your child constantly melting down, not listening, or labeled “too sensitive”? You might be dealing with more than just typical kid behavior. In this powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins us to break down the real signs of ADHD in kids and how emotional dysregulation in ADHD impacts their daily lives—and yours. Whether you’re wondering about ADHD symptoms in kids, how to handle tantrums that feel extreme, or why parenting feels so exhausting, this conversation will bring clarity, hope, and practical strategies you can use immediately. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your child’s brain, behavior, and how to support them without losing yourself in the process. 🎙 This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription – Because you deserve peace, presence, and practical solutions. LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase – Helping you support your child’s development with science-backed products. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s Website: http://www.anewdaysa.com Follow Dr. Lockhart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart ACEs Study: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697 Book: Science of Stretch by Dr. Leada Malek https://www.amazon.com/Science-Stretch-Flexible-Potential-Maximize/dp/0744084474 CBT Resources: https://www.nami.org/ ACT Resources: http://contextualscience.org Parent Coaching with Dr. Lockhart: http://www.anewdaysa.com/parent-coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're sharing a special excerpt from our full episode with Dr. Ana Sierra, a leading expert in pelvic health. In this segment, Dr. Sierra uncovers the surprising connection between endometriosis and fibroids, explaining why so many women experience both conditions. If you've been dealing with chronic pelvic pain or heavy periods, this conversation may hold the key to understanding your symptoms and finding the right path to relief. Tune in to learn more! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Sierra: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’re sharing an insightful clip from Dr. Jolene Brighten on how diet can play a crucial role in managing endometriosis. Dr. Brighten walks us through simple, actionable steps to bring more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet without feeling overwhelmed. From omega-3-rich fish to nutrient-packed leafy greens, she highlights the foods that can help ease symptoms and support long-term health. If you're looking for easy ways to improve your nutrition while managing endo, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode on endometriosis surgery prep and recovery here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-treatment/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Ram Cabrera sheds light on the complexities of hormonal treatments for endometriosis. In this clip, he explains why commonly prescribed treatments, like the birth control pill and hormonal castration, may not be the solution for many women with deep endometriosis. Dr. Cabrera offers important insights on the side effects, effectiveness, and the need for individualized care. If you’ve been navigating treatment options for endometriosis, this episode is essential for understanding what might work for you—and what might not. Tune in for a deeper understanding of hormonal therapy’s role in managing endo. As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Cabrera here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of our Endometriosis Awareness Month promotion, we’re sharing an excerpt from our full conversation with Dr. Ana Sierra. In this segment, Dr. Sierra explores the relationship between adenomyosis and endometriosis, and the challenges women with adenomyosis may face with fertility. She also delves into why a hysterectomy is sometimes recommended for those with adenomyosis, but why it isn’t a cure-all for endometriosis. If you’ve been told a hysterectomy is the solution, or if you’re struggling with infertility, this clip is a must-listen. Tune in now to uncover the facts! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Sierra here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special clip for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Ram Cabrera reveals the critical steps in diagnosing endometriosis, including the groundbreaking imaging protocol known as endomapping. Dr. Cabrera explains why relying solely on surgery for diagnosis is outdated and why imaging studies can now offer a less invasive and more accurate way to detect deep endometriosis. If you've been struggling to get a proper diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn why high-quality imaging is key to understanding your condition and getting the treatment you deserve. As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Listen to the full episode with Dr. Cabrera here: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Brighten is sharing a powerful new series dedicated to helping you better understand endometriosis and its effects on the body. In this episode, she dives into the often-overlooked connection between endometriosis and gut health, revealing why gut inflammation and imbalances can play a role in your symptoms. With helpful tips for managing both endo and gut issues, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating these intertwined conditions. Tune in to gain insights that could change the way you approach your health! As a special bonus get the Endo Flare Tool Kit to help you get out of pain and manage inflammation: https://drbrighten.com/endoflare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been wondering how to get pregnant easily and faster, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you optimize your fertility, improve egg quality, and navigate IVF or natural conception with confidence. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, The Egg Whisperer, joins me to break down the biggest fertility myths, game-changing treatments, and essential tests every woman should know about. From boosting mitochondrial health to understanding PGT embryo testing, this episode will give you the science-backed strategies to maximize your chances of pregnancy—at ANY age! 📚 Links & Resources Mentioned: The Egg Whisperer Show [Dr. Aimee’s Podcast]: https://www.draimee.org/the-show  Genetic Counselor for Embryo Testing: https://www.dnaide.com/  Dr. Aimee’s IVF Checklist (SPARKLE Method): https://www.draimee.org/the-sparkle-method-your-checklist-for-ivf-monitoring-visits  Rapamycin for ovarian rejuvenation: https://www.draimee.org/rapamycin-to-delay-menopause-and-extend-your-fertility  Red light therapy for fertility support: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox Best supplements for egg quality: https://drbrighten.com/best-fertility-supplements-for-women/  Can I get pregnant during perimenopause: https://drbrighten.com/can-i-get-pregnant-during-perimenopause/  🎙 This Episode is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off. Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase.   Natural Cycles: https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up for a fiery and thought-provoking conversation with Alex Clark! In this episode, we dive into the untold truths about hormonal birth control, the American food industry, and the growing health crisis affecting women today. Alex shares her personal health transformation, from ultra-processed foods to a whole-foods lifestyle, and how questioning Big Pharma and Big Food changed everything for her. We also get an insider look at the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, the policies shaping it, and the heated debate over reproductive health. This Episode is Brought to You By: Natural Cycles: use code DrBrighten at https://naturalcycles.app/DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. Sunlighten Sauna: use the code drbrighten at https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase.   Dr. Brighten Essentials: use code POD15 at https://drbrightenessentials.com for 15% off 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Science Vs on the Placebo Effect: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/placebo-can-the-mind-cure-you/id1051557000?i=1000565044402  🔗Business of Birth Control Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3543964/ 🔗Recent bans on toxic food dyes: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/food-dye-ban-bill 🔗Trump’s IVF Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/expanding-access-to-in-vitro-fertilization/  🔗 Endometriosis & PCOS funding disparities: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00048-6  🔗 Maternal mortality crisis in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2023/maternal-mortality-rates-2023.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Autoimmune disease is on the rise, and the statistics are staggering—four out of five people with autoimmune diseases are women. Yet, despite the growing prevalence, research funding lags behind, women’s symptoms are often dismissed, and many suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Sara Szal—Harvard and MIT graduate, New York Times bestselling author, and leading voice in precision medicine. Together, we dive into the complexities of autoimmune disease, what is the cause of autoimmune disorder, the hidden gender bias in healthcare, and why so many women are struggling with undiagnosed health conditions. This episode is brought to you by:  Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription 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. Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  - Dr. Sara’s Website: https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/ - Dr. Sara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/?hl=en - Dr. Sara’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGottfried/featured - Dr. Sara’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/treated-with-dr-sara/id1799034638 - Dr. Sara Szal’s book, The Autoimmune Cure: https://amzn.to/3Dlh54l - Ace Score Questionnaire – A tool for assessing childhood trauma and its health impacts https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/discover-your-ace-score/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tracking your cycle correctly? Only 13% of women ovulate on day 14—so what does that mean for you? In this episode, I sit down with Elina Berglund, co-founder of Natural Cycles, the first FDA-cleared birth control app. We’re busting myths about ovulation, fertility tracking, and how understanding your body can empower your reproductive health. This episode is brought to you by:  Natural Cycles use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. https://www.naturalcycles.com/join-me-plan?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=jolene-brighten&utm_source=podcast&code=DrBrighten&name=Dr.%20Jolene%20Brighten&percentage=15 Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Elina Berglund’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinascherwitzl/ Natural Cycles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalcycles/ Article: Ovulation Signs Every Woman Should Know https://drbrighten.com/ovulation-signs/ Article: Phases of the Menstrual Cycle https://drbrighten.com/phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle/ Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth by Dr. Jolene Brighten http://amzn.to/2dngRJX My previous episode on Perimenopause Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu1_qSeAzc0 Study: Time to pregnancy recognition among FDA users https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Time to pregnancy using a FDA fertility awareness mobile app https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Detecting variations in ovulation and menstruation during COVID https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258314 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and the COVID vaccine (US cohort) https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2022/04000/association_between_menstrual_cycle_length_and.2.aspx Study: Impact of Covid vaccination on menstrual bleeding https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17471 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and COVID vaccine (global) https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000297 Study: Timing of COVID vaccine and effects on menstrual cycle changes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38412506/ Study: Association between menstrual cycle pattern regularity and changes in menstrual bleeding following COVID vaccine (Secondary Analysis) https://srh.bmj.com/content/early/2024/12/31/bmjsrh-2024-202564 👩🏻‍⚕️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 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe & share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This powerful episode dives into miscarriage warning signs and what your doctor must check for recurrent pregnancy loss. If you've ever felt frustrated with the lack of answers around fertility, what causes miscarriages, or reproductive health, you are not alone.  Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa, a world-renowned fertility expert, to unpack everything you need to know about cutting-edge reproductive science, unexplained infertility, and the crucial role both partners play in conception. Whether you’re trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to understand your body better, this conversation is packed with jaw-dropping insights that could change how you approach your reproductive health forever. 📚 Links & Resources Mentioned: 👨🏽‍⚕️  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drgerardobarroso 📸  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clinicanascere 🏥  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic: https://agenda.nascere.org.mx/en/  🔷 Emma, ERA, and Alice Tests for Endometrial Microbiome and Infection: https://www.invitra.com/en/endometrio-test/endometrio/  💊 Supplements for Fertility Optimization: Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol – Used for PCOS, supports egg quality and insulin sensitivity​. Check out Myo-Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus Lactobacillus Probiotics – Essential for restoring the reproductive microbiome, especially after antibiotics​. Check out Women’s Probiotic by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports anti-inflammatory responses in the reproductive system​. Check out Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus Vitamin D – Plays a role in hormonal balance and implantation​. Check out Vitamin D3/K2  by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2 🔗 Signs of Miscarraige Article: https://drbrighten.com/common-causes-and-signs-of-miscarriage/ 🔗 How to Boost Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/factors-that-effect-female-fertility/ 🔗  What Role Does Diet Play in Male Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/super-antioxidant-smoothie-boosts-male-fertility/ 🙌 This episode is brought to you by: Chorus: Visit http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10% off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices