Women are often told that painful periods, irregular cycles, bloating, mood changes, fatigue, brain fog, postpartum symptoms, and hormonal shifts are “normal.” But common does not mean something should be ignored. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten, ND joins me for a practical deep dive into female-specific conditions that are too often missed, minimized, or treated in isolation, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, PMDD, PCOS/PMOS, fibroids, postpartum thyroid changes, and the gut-hormone connection. Dr. Brighten explains why endometriosis is not just a reproductive condition, how adenomyosis differs from endometriosis, why PMDD is not simply “bad PMS,” how histamine may play a role in cyclical symptoms, and why PCOS is now being reframed as a broader metabolic and endocrine condition. Join the most comprehensive female-specific community for health and longevity optimization. After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/female-longevity-community This episode is sponsored by Zen Basil. Their certified edible basil seeds are designed for human nutrition, deliver 15g of fiber per serving, and are batch-tested for glyphosate and over 400 pesticides. Use the code KAYLA20 for 20% off. https://zenbasil.com/shopzenbasil/zenbasilseedbag In this conversation: -Why endometriosis is a full-body inflammatory condition -The difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis -The three types of endometriosis and why imaging matters -Why painful periods, ovulation pain, gut symptoms, and fatigue deserve investigation -The connection between histamine, estrogen, progesterone, and cyclical symptoms -Why PCOS is now being reframed as PMOS -Insulin resistance, GLP-1s, estrogen metabolism, and inflammation Connect with Kayla: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylabarnes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femalelongevity Twitter:https://x.com/femalelongevity Website:https://www.kaylabarnes.com/ Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4OLWWn22RGB0argbRPvAaQ?si=8e91b3c9e0ce4054 Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/longevity-optimization-with-kayla-barnes-lentz/id1591130227 Follow Her Female Protocol: https://www.protocol.kaylabarnes.com Connect with Dr Jolene: Website: https://drbrighten.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten Order Her New Book: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-in-women/