In this episode of the Vibrant Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, joins us to discuss the growing conversation around ADHD in women and why so many cases go undiagnosed until adulthood. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Dr. Brighten explains how hormonal shifts during perimenopause can amplify ADHD symptoms and why women often present differently than men. The conversation explores the roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and neuroinflammation in shaping focus, mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Dr. Brighten also shares a functional medicine approach to supporting women with ADHD. She discusses the importance of gut health, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and metabolic health, along with the connections between inflammation, mitochondrial function, and brain performance. The episode also covers ADHD medications, targeted supplements, hormone optimization, and the need to evaluate conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and endometriosis that can contribute to or mimic ADHD symptoms.
Beyond the Symptoms: ADHD is not simply a disorder of attention. It is a complex condition influenced by hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and brain health. By addressing underlying factors such as nutrient deficiencies, sleep disruption, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances, practitioners can help women better understand their symptoms and support long-term cognitive and overall wellness.
Key Topics Covered
🧠 ADHD in Women, Perimenopause & Why Symptoms Often Go Undiagnosed
⚖️ Hormones, Neurotransmitters & the ADHD Hormone Profiles
🧬 Neuroinflammation, Mitochondrial Health & the Brain-Immune-Hormone Connection
🏃 Exercise, Brain Energy Metabolism & Natural Strategies to Improve Focus
🥦 Gut Health, Fiber, Microbiome Diversity & Their Impact on ADHD Symptoms
💉 GLP-1s, Insulin Resistance, Visceral Fat & Metabolic Health in Midlife Women
😴 Sleep Disruption, Circadian Rhythm Challenges & ADHD-Related Insomnia
💊 Functional Medicine Approaches to ADHD, Including Lab Testing, Supplements & Medication Considerations
Timestamps
00:00 — Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD
03:47 — ADHD vs Perimenopause: What's Really Happening?
06:25 — Dr. Jolene Brighten's ADHD & Autism Diagnosis Story
09:13 — Why Women's ADHD Often Gets Missed
11:53 — The ADHD Hormone Profiles Explained
17:18 — The #1 Thing Dr. Brighten Recommends for ADHD
19:32 — Gut Health, Fiber & Brain Function
20:45 — GLP-1s, Weight Loss & ADHD
26:33 — Can ADHD Be Reversed? A Functional Medicine Perspective
29:08 — ADHD and Sleep Problems
33:08 — Testosterone, Impulsivity & ADHD
36:55 — ADHD Medications: Who Benefits?
40:07 — Supplements for ADHD & Brain Health
46:43 — Could It Be ADHD or Thyroid Dysfunction?
50:18 — The Functional Medicine ADHD Workup
53:49 — Root Cause Medicine vs Symptom Relief
59:17 — Dr. Brighten's New Book ADHD & Women
Resources Mentioned
🌐 Learn more about Dr. Brighten on her Website
🔗 Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten on Instagram
📱 Connect with Dr. Alex Carrasco on Instagram
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Limitations
Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or health assessment
