The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten
  • 5.0 (172)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Semiweekly

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.

  1. 1d ago

    Late Diagnosed ADHD and Autism | Rich & Rox Pink

    Late diagnosed ADHD & autism can change the story you’ve been telling yourself (and your relationship) for decades. In this episode, Dr. Brighten joins Rich and Rox Pink of ADHD Love and the Late Bloomers podcast to talk diagnosis, masking, relationships, perimenopause, HRT, and what finally made their lives make sense; view the full show notes and resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/late-diagnosed-adhd-and-autism/ . Rich and Rox Pink have built a community of more than 5 million followers by showing the messy, funny, painful, and deeply human reality of neurodivergent life. In this candid conversation, Rox opens up about receiving her ADHD diagnosis after years of believing she was lazy, broken, and incapable of maintaining relationships, while Rich shares what it has been like to realize in his 40s that the “neurotypical husband” was actually autistic. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN Why late diagnosed ADHD and autism can completely rewrite decades of shame and self-blame Why traits like lateness, forgetfulness, social awkwardness, sensory sensitivity, and executive dysfunction are so easily interpreted as personal failures How masking can become so automatic that you may even mask in therapy Why trauma and neurodivergence can overlap—and why treating every neurodivergent trait as “just trauma” can miss the bigger picture Why women with ADHD are so often diagnosed later in life How puberty and hormonal changes may alter the way ADHD presents in women Why needing accommodations can bring up unexpected guilt and shame What Dr. Brighten discovered when she finally began using disability accommodations while traveling Why accessing an ADHD or autism diagnosis can still be incredibly difficult How undiagnosed ADHD can contribute to attempts to self-medicate How perimenopause can intensify ADHD symptoms, brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption, and executive dysfunction Why Rox reached the point where she thought she might have to walk away from her music career What changed for Rox after starting estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy Why testosterone matters in women—and its relationship with energy, motivation, muscle, and follow-through How ADHD can influence novelty, intense relationships, impulsivity, and the experience of falling in love Why Rich and Rox credit learning how to actually communicate as one of the biggest shifts in their relationship Why traditional therapy doesn't always feel accessible or effective for neurodivergent people Why socializing, public speaking, travel, touch, noise, and other seemingly ordinary experiences can require enormous amounts of energy Why someone can love being around people while still desperately needing silence afterward How Rich and Rox stopped interpreting neurodivergent behaviors as rejection or bad intentions The relationship philosophy they now use: “us versus the ADHD” and “us versus the autism” Why curiosity and giving your partner the benefit of the doubt can change a neurodivergent relationship ABOUT RICH & ROX PINK Rich and Rox Pink are the couple behind ADHD Love, known for their candid and often hilarious conversations about ADHD, autism, shame, relationships, addiction, recovery, and learning to work with a neurodivergent brain instead of constantly fighting it. Together, they are bestselling authors and hosts of the Late Bloomers podcast, where they share the lessons they learned after years of believing they had simply failed at being adults. 🌐 ADHD Love: https://www.adhd-love.co.uk/ 📸 Rich & Rox / ADHD Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_love_/ 📚 Rich & Rox books + resources: https://linktr.ee/ADHD_Love 🎧 Late Bloomers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/late-bloomers/id1788035047 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 📖 Dirty Laundry by Richard Pink & Roxanne Emery: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743719/dirty-laundry-by-richard-pink-and-roxanne-emery/ 💗 ADHD Love: https://www.adhd-love.co.uk/ 🎧 Late Bloomers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/late-bloomers/id1788035047 🌻 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: https://hdsunflower.com/ 🧠 More episodes from The Dr. Brighten Show: https://drbrighten.com/podcast/ 📚 ADHD and Women by Dr. Brighten: http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind  Want 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.  Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code POD15 for 15% off your order Shop now: https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/radiant-mind FOLLOW DR. BRIGHTEN 💻 Website: https://drbrighten.com 🎙️ The Dr. Brighten Show: https://drbrighten.com/podcast/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjolenebrighten Dr. Brighten is a naturopathic physician, Certified Menopause Specialist through The Menopause Society, Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), author, researcher, and women’s health expert focused on translating complex hormone and health science into information women can actually use. ❤️ LIKE this episode if something in Rich and Rox’s story made your own experience make more sense. 📤 SHARE it with someone who may have spent years believing their ADHD, autism, or neurodivergent traits were character flaws. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to The Dr. Brighten Show for evidence-based conversations about ADHD, hormones, women’s health, menopause, relationships, and the topics women deserve better answers about. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What is something you understand differently about yourself since learning more about neurodivergence? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 11

    Endometriosis Inflammation: Why This Disease May Affect More Than Your Pelvis

    Endometriosis inflammation may have implications far beyond pelvic pain, including associations with cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and long-term health risks. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains what the research actually shows, why a normal CRP doesn’t necessarily rule out inflammation, and what women and clinicians should understand about endometriosis as a whole-body disease. View the complete show notes at Dr. Brighten: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/endometriosis-inflammation/ Pre-order ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten and discover how hormones shape focus, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation ⁠⁠http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen What You'll Learn in This Episode Why endometriosis is about much more than misplaced tissue or retrograde menstruation How immune dysregulation and inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the endometriosis environment Why normal CRP or hs-CRP doesn't necessarily mean inflammation isn't present The important difference between localized, regional, and systemic inflammation How inflammatory signaling, nerve growth, and blood vessel formation may help explain severe pain Why progesterone resistance is an important but often overlooked part of endometriosis biology How lesions may produce estrogen locally and contribute to a self-sustaining inflammatory environment What research suggests about endometriosis and long-term cardiovascular risk How chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and altered hormone signaling could potentially connect endometriosis and cardiovascular health Why the long-term consequences of certain endometriosis treatments deserve consideration alongside their potential benefits Why women with endometriosis are also diagnosed with certain autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases at higher rates Why clinicians shouldn't automatically attribute every new symptom to endometriosis Why cardiovascular and metabolic prevention conversations may need to begin well before midlife Why successful endometriosis care should consider a woman's health trajectory over the next 20–30 years, not simply her pain today 🎧 This Episode Is Brought to You By EndoGlobal Group At EndoGlobal Group, a network of world-class endometriosis specialists comes together to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex endometriosis—offering advanced diagnostic mapping, complete excision surgery, and holistic support. Click here to learn more and schedule a free consultation https://drbrighten.com/endoglobal Dr. Brighten Essentials – NAC Dr. Brighten’s N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/n-acetyl-cysteine) is a high-quality formula designed to support glutathione production — your body’s master antioxidant. It helps promote healthy detoxification, immune resilience, respiratory health, and balanced inflammation. Support your cells from the inside out. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com LUMEBOX Ready to take your skincare results to the next level—right from home? 💡 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. 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. 🔗 Follow Dr. Brighten 🌐 Dr. Brighten Website & Show Notes: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/drjolenebrighten ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten If this episode changed the way you think about endometriosis, like this video, subscribe to The Dr. Brighten Show, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. 👍 LIKE this episode so YouTube knows you want more evidence-based women's health conversations 🔔 SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next episode 💬 COMMENT: Were you ever told your labs were “normal” despite continuing to experience symptoms? ↗️ SHARE this episode with someone living with endometriosis or adenomyosis ⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Aug 4

    The Hidden Cause of Brain Inflammation Doctors Miss | Dr. Pejman Katiraei

    Brain inflammation may influence behavior, sensory processing, sleep, mood, and cognition in ways many families never realize. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Pejman Katiraei explore the connections between the immune system, gut health, environmental exposures, ADHD, autism, PANS/PANDAS, and neuroinflammation; view the complete show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/brain-inflammation-and-behavior/ Neurodivergence Is Not the Problem This episode does not suggest that autism or ADHD should be erased, “fixed,” or reduced to inflammation. Instead, the conversation explores an important distinction: A person’s neurodivergent wiring may be an intrinsic part of who they are. Pain, severe anxiety, sleep disruption, gut dysfunction, overwhelming sensory sensitivity, aggression, or sudden regression may represent additional challenges affecting that person’s quality of life. Understanding that distinction can help families support the whole person without treating their identity as a disease. Signs That May Deserve a Closer Look These symptoms do not confirm a diagnosis, but clusters of symptoms may warrant a more comprehensive conversation with a qualified healthcare professional: Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior New fears, phobias, compulsions, or repetitive thoughts Severe sensory sensitivity to sound, touch, clothing, food, or water Chronic constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, reflux, or bloating Eczema or recurring skin symptoms alongside digestive concerns Restrictive eating that appears driven by texture, smell, or sensory distress Significant sleep disruption or waking consistently during the night Repeated ear infections, respiratory infections, or unexplained inflammatory symptoms Symptoms that worsen after illness, certain foods, antibiotics, or environmental exposures A child expressing beliefs such as “I’m bad,” “I’m mean,” or “I’m stupid” after struggling to control their behavior Always work with an appropriately licensed healthcare professional before beginning medications, antifungals, restrictive diets, parasite protocols, or treatment for suspected mold-related illness. 👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Pejman Katiraei Dr. Pejman Katiraei works with children and families experiencing complex combinations of behavioral, neurological, immune, gastrointestinal, and environmental health concerns. In this episode, he shares clinical observations from his work with children experiencing neuroinflammation, sensory challenges, PANS/PANDAS, gut dysfunction, and significant behavioral changes. Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Website: https://drkatiraei.com/ Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholistickids/?hl=en Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Substack: https://pkatiraei.substack.com/ 👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, Certified Menopause Practitioner, nutrition scientist, certified sex counselor, bestselling author, and host of The Dr. Brighten Show. Her work focuses on women’s hormones, reproductive health, ADHD, neurodivergence, perimenopause, menopause, and the complex ways the brain, immune system, gut, and endocrine system interact. 🌐 Dr. Brighten’s Website: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Follow Dr. Brighten on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten/ 🎵 Follow Dr. Brighten on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten 📘 Follow Dr. Brighten on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbrighten ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It does not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms, testing, medications, supplements, environmental concerns, or treatment decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 28

    Melatonin Benefits: Why Your Brain Needs Darkness for Better Sleep, Brain Health, and Healthy Aging | Deanna Minich

    Melatonin benefits extend far beyond helping you fall asleep. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with nutrition scientist Dr. Deanna Minich, MS, PhD, CNS, IFMCP, to explore the surprising science behind melatonin, circadian rhythms, color, inflammation, brain health, and why being deficient in darkness may be one of the most overlooked threats to your long-term health. For additional resources, research, and key takeaways, be sure to visit the full show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/melatonin-benefits/ Whether you're struggling with poor sleep, hormone imbalance, chronic inflammation, or simply want to optimize healthy aging, this conversation will completely change how you think about light, darkness, and the body's innate healing capacity. Pre-order ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten and discover how hormones shape focus, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation ⁠⁠http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen In This Episode You'll Learn Why melatonin is one of the body's most important molecules, not just a sleep hormone How darkness influences your hormones, brain health, and longevity The surprising role melatonin plays in your mitochondria and cellular energy Why melatonin supports your immune system and helps regulate inflammation How declining melatonin may contribute to brain aging and neurodegenerative disease The critical difference between morning sunlight and evening light exposure How different colors may influence mood, hormones, creativity, and healing Why the colors of the foods you crave may reveal more than you think The emotional connections behind food cravings and emotional eating Why creative expression may be essential for emotional and physical healing The powerful relationship between stress, inflammation, and self-talk Simple daily habits that support healthy circadian rhythms and hormone balance About Dr. Deanna Minich Dr. Deanna Minich, MS, PhD, CNS, IFMCP is an internationally recognized nutrition scientist, educator, author, and functional medicine expert. She has published extensively on nutrition, phytochemicals, metabolism, inflammation, detoxification, and whole-person health, and is widely known for her work connecting food, color, physiology, and emotional well-being. About Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, Certified Menopause Society Practitioner (NCMP), nutrition scientist, and bestselling author specializing in women's hormone health, ADHD in women, fertility, autoimmune disease, and longevity. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Deanna Minich 🌐 Website: https://deannaminich.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannaminich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannaminich 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten 🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoleneBrighten 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolenebrighten ❤️ Support The Show 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📤 Share this episode with someone who struggles with sleep, hormones, or chronic inflammation 🔔 Subscribe for new conversations on hormones, women's health, nutrition, and longevity every week. ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jul 21

    Chronic Inflammation: The Hidden Driver Behind Autoimmune Disease, Fatigue, and Gut Health | Daniel Cardenas

    Chronic inflammation is at the root of many of today's most common health conditions, including autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, leaky gut, chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog—but it's often overlooked until significant damage has already occurred. View the full show notes, research, and resources mentioned in this episode at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/chronic-inflammation/ . In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Daniel Cárdenas, a conventionally trained physician, functional medicine practitioner, and medical homeopath, to explore why inflammation rarely exists in isolation. Together, they discuss how the gut, immune system, thyroid, nervous system, mitochondria, sleep, nutrition, stress, and environment all interact to influence long-term health—and what you can start doing today to address inflammation at its source. Pre-order ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten and discover how hormones shape focus, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation ⁠⁠http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen In This Episode You'll Learn: Why chronic inflammation is involved in many chronic diseases—not just autoimmune conditions The difference between acute and chronic inflammation Early signs your body may be chronically inflamed How mood changes and fatigue can be symptoms of inflammation The laboratory markers that may help evaluate inflammation Why ferritin doesn't always tell the full story What leaky gut really is—and why it matters How molecular mimicry may contribute to autoimmune disease Why Hashimoto's is more than a thyroid problem The surprising discussion around gluten sensitivity How elimination diets should actually be used The Five R framework for gut healing The relationship between stress, the nervous system, and digestion Why mindful eating may improve digestive health The importance of chewing your food Traditional Mexican cuisine and food as medicine The science behind capsaicin and gut health Lifestyle habits that support immune regulation The role of vitamin D, omega-3s, and mitochondria Why movement matters for autoimmune disease Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain Environmental toxins, liver health, and detoxification Why healing requires more than medication alone Connect with Daniel Cardenas 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_danielcardenas/?hl=en 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.danielcardenas Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten 🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoleneBrighten 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolenebrighten Subscribe for more evidence-based conversations on hormones, autoimmune disease, metabolism, thyroid health, menopause, nutrition, and functional medicine. Show notes, studies, and additional resources: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/chronic-inflammation/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 16

    The Dr. Brighten Show is entering a new chapter

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 14

    Your Body Knows: The Hidden Cost of Always Being "The Strong One"

    What happens when being the strong one becomes the reason your body starts breaking down? In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains how chronic stress, hypervigilance, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional over-functioning can contribute to burnout, hormone symptoms, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness. For additional resources and references, visit the show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/being-the-strong-one/ Whether you're the woman everyone depends on, the caregiver, the fixer, or the one who never asks for help, this conversation will help you understand why your body may be asking you to finally put the weight down. Pre-order ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten and discover how hormones shape focus, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation ⁠⁠http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen In This Episode You'll Learn: Why "being the strong one" isn't just emotional—it's biological How chronic hypervigilance rewires your nervous system Why capable women often become invisible when they need support most The connection between stress, hormones, autoimmune disease, and burnout Why your symptoms may be your body's way of protecting you—not betraying you Three powerful mindset shifts that can begin your healing today This Episode is Sponsored By 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 LMNT Electrolytes  Want a clean, science-backed way to stay hydrated and energized? At LMNT, electrolytes are formulated with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium — with no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers. Designed to support hydration, muscle function, and daily energy, LMNT helps you feel your best through workouts, busy days, and everyday life. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Visit http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten to receive a free sample pack with any purchase. 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 👩🏻‍⚕️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

  8. Jul 9

    The Hidden Burnout of ADHD & Autism After Motherhood | MasterChef Vanessa D'Souza

    Motherhood can expose ADHD and autism in ways many women never expect. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Vanessa D’Souza discuss how postpartum hormones, burnout, masking, sensory overload, and relationship dynamics can leave neurodivergent women feeling like they’ve lost themselves—not because they’re failing, but because no one prepared them for what happens after birth. For the complete show notes, research, and resources, visit Dr. Brighten: Vanessa D’Souza joins Dr. Brighten for an honest conversation about why pregnancy may feel easier than postpartum for women with ADHD and autism, how estrogen and progesterone influence executive function, why postpartum burnout is often mistaken for depression, and what partners, families, and healthcare providers need to understand to better support neurodivergent mothers. ✨ In This Episode 🧠 Why ADHD and autism often become much more noticeable after childbirth 🌸 The dramatic hormone shifts from pregnancy to postpartum 🎭 Why masking suddenly becomes impossible 💥 How postpartum burnout differs from postpartum depression 🍼 Breastfeeding, sensory overload, and nervous system regulation 💛 The invisible emotional labor carried by neurodivergent mothers 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Why relationships often become strained after a baby 🏥 How birth environments can affect autistic women 🧬 The role estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, testosterone, and cortisol play in executive function 🚩 Early warning signs of burnout before a complete crash 🛠 Practical ways to better prepare for the fourth trimester 📚 Resources Mentioned 📖 Is This Normal?: https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal/ 📖 Beyond the Pill: https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pill 📖 ADHD & Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women/ 🤝 Connect with Vanessa D’Souza 🌐 Website: https://vanessadsouza.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.autistic.chef/?hl=en 💜 Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten 🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoleneBrighten 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolenebrighten ❤️ Enjoying the Show? 👍 Like this video 💬 Share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode Your support helps us bring more evidence-based conversations about women’s health, hormones, ADHD, autism, and neuroscience to millions of people. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
172 Ratings

About

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jolene Brighten
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © DrBrighten.com
  • Show Website
    The Dr. Brighten Show

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