Birth Control for Endometriosis? Hormones, Progesterone Resistance, and What Doctors Aren’t Telling You
The Dr. Brighten ShowShow Notes
If you’ve ever been told to “just go on birth control” for endometriosis, this episode is going to change the way you understand endometriosis and hormones.
Hormonal therapy is often the first-line treatment for endometriosis, but not all hormones work the same way and for many women, birth control helps symptoms without ever addressing the underlying disease. In this powerful final panel episode of our endometriosis expert series, leading excision surgeons and hormone specialists unpack the truth about the best birth control for endometriosis, progesterone resistance, HRT, perimenopause flares, and whether endometriosis is truly a hormone imbalance.
You’ll learn why some women feel better on hormonal suppression, why others feel dramatically worse, and what every woman deserves to know before being told to wait for menopause, try Lupron, or start HRT.
This Episode Is Brought to You By
Dr. Brighten Essentials
Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/, 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.
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
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Anna Sierra, Endometriosis Surgeon with Neuropeviology Training Doyenne Institute and Endo Global Based in Mexico City https://jolene.endoglobalgroup.com/
Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker, Endometriosis Excision SurgeonPacific Endometriosis and Pelvic SurgeryBased in Gig Harbor, Washington https://pacificendometriosis.com/
Dr. Shanti Mohling, Endometriosis Excision SurgeonNorthwest Endometriosis and Pelvic SurgeryBased in Portland, Oregon https://www.nwendometriosis.com/
Dr. Victoria Vargas, Endometriosis Excision Surgeon
Founder, Washington Endometriosis and Complex SurgeryBased in Washington DC https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/dr-maria-victoria-vargas-md/
👩🏻⚕️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
More from The Dr. Brighten Show
ADHD medication can feel different across your menstrual cycle, and a difficult month doesn’t automatically mean your treatment has failed. View the show notes and episode resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcast/adhd-medication-and-your-period/ .
ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), women’s mental load, and the relationship fights that never seem to end—this episode explores how ADHD can affect communication, friendship, intimacy, and the stories we tell ourselves about being “too much.” View the full show notes and resources at DrBrighten.com: https://drbrighten.com/podcast/adhd-and-relationships/
ADHD and hormones are deeply connected, and shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may help explain why focus, mood, executive function, and even the experience of ADHD medication can change across the menstrual cycle and during perimenopause. View the full show notes and additional resources at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-hormones-in-women/.
ADHD in women symptoms can hide behind straight As, a successful career, a packed calendar, and the exhausting work of appearing “fine.” In Episode 1 of the ADHD in Women series, Dr. Jolene Brighten joins psychiatrist Dr. Agnes Kwon Simone, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, and clinical s/xologist Dr. Leann Borneman to unpack the signs women mask, the assessment gaps that lead to missed diagnoses, and how to advocate for a thorough evaluation. View the full show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-in-women-symptoms/ .
Did you know women with endometriosis are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD? In my new book, ADHD and Women, I connect the dots between hormones, pain, mood, focus, and the symptoms women are too often told to simply push through—so you can finally understand what is happening in your body and brain. Get your copy: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women/