Show Notes
Endometriosis pain can rewire the brain and nervous system, yet women are still told to tolerate severe pelvic pain, traumatic IUD insertions, and years of medical dismissal; explore the research and resources in the show notes at http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen. In this AMA, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains central sensitization, vagus nerve dysfunction, cycle-related inflammation, copper IUD pain, omega-3s, food sensitivities, and what it can take to recover after chronic pain.
🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How unmanaged endometriosis and adenomyosis pain can change pain processing in the brainWhy pain may persist after excision surgery or a hysterectomy
What central sensitization means and why recovery can take time
How endometriosis may disrupt vagal tone and autonomic nervous-system function
Why a hysterectomy can treat adenomyosis but does not treat endometriosis outside the uterus
How copper IUDs create localized inflammation
Why severe IUD pain, bleeding, fainting, or loss of function deserves investigation
How estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, oxytocin, and melatonin interact with inflammation
Why histamine symptoms may intensify around ovulation
How prostaglandins influence menstrual cramps, inflammation, and “period poops”
What to look for when choosing an omega-3 supplement
How Dr. Brighten’s approach to elimination diets and nutritional restriction has evolved
Why food variety and oral tolerance matter for women with chronic inflammatory conditions
How patients and clinicians can help change the standard of care for women
💬 Have you experienced severe IUD pain, medical gaslighting, or persistent pain after endometriosis treatment? Share your experience in the comments, including where you live and whether you were offered meaningful pain relief.
👍 If this episode helped you, please like the video, subscribe to The Dr. Brighten Show, and share it with someone who has been told her pain is normal.
⚕️ This content is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical care. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about persistent or severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, anemia, or symptoms that interfere with daily life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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/