The Dr. Brighten Show

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

  If your midlife metabolism suddenly stopped playing by the old rules, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Brighten breaks down how perimenopause and menopause shift insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, appetite, and recovery and where glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (think semaglutide/Ozempic, Wegovy, liraglutide, tirzepatide as a related incretin therapy) can fit safely alongside hormone therapy, lifting, protein, and smart lab work. You’ll leave with a practical checklist you can take to your clinician, plus a clear understanding of how to protect muscle, heart, and brain while losing fat. Now, to be clear, this episode isn’t about convincing anyone to use a GLP-1. It is about making sure you know how they work, what the risks are, and what you MUST do to stay healthy on them. You’ll hear the new science of what role they play in cardiovascular disease prevention. 🎧For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/glp-1-weight-loss-in-menopause/  👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  Does endometriosis go away after menopause? Many women hope so, but the reality is more complex. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Melissa McHale to unpack the latest science, surgical risks, and what women truly need to know about navigating endometriosis during perimenopause and menopause. 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 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 Shop now → https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten  Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Melissa McHale’s clinic: https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/ Dr. Melissa McHale’s social media: https://www.instagram.com/drmelissamchale/?hl=en Endo Flare guide https://drbrighten.com/endoflare/ to help you get of, and stay out of pain Beyond the Pill (Book) https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pil Is This Normal (Book) https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal  ADHD and Endometriosis Connection https://youtu.be/M57eI4uA2A0?si=K-T1hLA7bSppRO3d When to Take Progesterone for Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-for-perimenopause/ Menopause and Autoimmune Disease in Women: Symptoms, Flare-Ups, and What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You https://drbrighten.com/menopause-and-autoimmune-disease/ Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, & Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPPS Disease): How to Finally Get Relief | Dr. Ana Sierra https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/ How to Tell If You Have Endometriosis. Painful Menstruation, Symptoms, and Treatment | Dr. Ramiro Cabrera https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/how-to-tell-if-you-have-endometriosis/ Endometriosis Awareness Month: Shttps://drbrighten.com/podcasts/symptoms-of-menopause/Fassbender A, Vanhie A, Saunderpecial Episode Clips https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-awareness-month-special-episode-clips/ Should You Consider HRT? How to Know If It's Time & What to Ask Your Doctor https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/should-you-consider-hrt/ HRT for Menopause & Perimenopause: Benefits, Side Effects & Menopause Solutions | Dr. Amy Killen https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/ The Medical System Is Misleading Women About Symptoms of Menopause | Dr. Tara Scott s PTK, et al. Endometriosis and cancer: lessons from a clinico-pathological and molecular approach https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10046182/pdf/cancers-15-01708.pdf Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(6):1708. doi:10.3390/cancers15061708  ✨ Stay Connected with Dr. Brighten ✨ Website: https://drbrighten.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/drjolenebrighten TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten Facebook: https://facebook.com/drbrighten YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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• Best Skincare for Aging Skin: 7 Myths You Need to Stop Today | Dr. Sara Cherem

  Dermatologist Dr. Sara Cherem joins Dr. Jolene Brighten to share proven tips, bust myths, and reveal treatments that actually protect, restore, and rejuvenate your skin at every stage of life. 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. It’s the same science trusted in top dermatology clinics, now in your hands. 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 OneSkin  Shop now → http://oneskin.co/BRIGHTEN use code BRIGHTEN for 15% off your first purchase. 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Episode with Dr. Tony Youn https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/best-skincare-products-for-aging-skin/  Article: Resveratrol Supplements https://drbrighten.com/resveratrol-supplement/ Products & Skincare Brands Alastin Skincare (especially the TriHex Technology products and laser-specific formulations) https://alastin.com/ Polypodium leucotomos oral antioxidant (sold under various names, in Mexico as Heliocaps) Sculptra® (Poly-L-lactic acid injectable) Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse® and other brands) Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (various brands including Juvederm® by Allergan) Armonia filler (Allergan product, not yet available in the U.S.) Lycopene supplements Oral Omegas / Fish Oil supplements for skin barrier health https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?_pos=1&_psq=omega&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995557410 Antioxidants for topical and oral use (Vitamin C, berries, astaxanthin, etc.) LED Therapy Masks (no specific brand mentioned) Devices & Technologies PhotoFinder (skin mapping and dermatoscope imaging system with AI analysis)z Hybrid Laser Devices (ablative + non-ablative) Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) for vascular redness Picosecond Lasers (for pigmentation) Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening devices High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) devices (Ultraformer mentioned) LED Light Therapy devices for skin and hair loss treatment https://drbrighten.com/lumebox Ingredients & Actives Vitamin C (topical antioxidant) Retinoids (for collagen stimulation) Peptides (skin communication molecules) Glycolic Acid (AHA exfoliant) Salicylic Acid (BHA exfoliant) Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) (gentle exfoliants for sensitive skin) Ceramides (barrier repair moisturizers) Lipids & Cholesterol (skin barrier support) Follow Sara Cherem : 💻 Website: https://www.theskinclinic.mx/en 📸 Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/drasaracherem/  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drasaracherem 👩🏻‍⚕️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

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