AMA: Normal Labs But Still Stuck? Insulin, PMS, Fibroids + Gut Flares Explained

In this episode, we answer some of the most common hormone questions women bring to Dr. Brighten when they feel dismissed, confused, or stuck. We talk through why fasting insulin can climb before glucose and A1C change, which helps explain why something can feel off even when standard labs do not raise concern. We also break down the difference between PMS and PMDD, when luteal-phase SSRIs enter the conversation, and why endometriosis can affect mood through inflammation, histamine, and changes in brain signaling. We also get into one of the most nuanced questions in hormone care: can progesterone help if you have fibroids? The answer changes with the type of fibroid, your symptoms, your goals, and how your body responds, so Dr. Brighten explains what shifts the conversation and why repeat imaging can matter. If postpartum anxiety or depression has been brushed off, this part of the conversation is especially important. You’ll hear why thyroid testing is often skipped after birth, how postpartum thyroiditis can show up as anxiety first and low mood later, and why iron status, nutrient depletion, and thyroid markers come up in this discussion. We also cover the difference between oral micronized progesterone and progestin, plus the recovery issues that can change how postpartum symptoms are understood. And because your cycle can absolutely affect your gut, we close with practical notes on luteal-phase digestive changes, IBD-safe strategies, and red flags that mean it is time to get checked instead of assuming it is “just hormones.” If you’ve ever thought, “My labs say I’m fine, but I do not feel fine,” this conversation will help you ask better questions and feel more prepared for your next step. Links Mentioned in This Episode New Book ADHD and Women: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women Dr. Brighten perimenopause plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan Book: Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth https://drbrightenessentials.com/prod... 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram:   / drjolenebrighten   🎥 TikTok:   / drjolenebrighten   🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrig... 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJ... YouTube:    / @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. 💬✨ Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), a nutrition scientist, and a certified sex counselor through the Sexual Health Alliance. As a licensed physician maintaining an active DEA license and full prescriptive authority, her educational frameworks align with leading global standards, including ESHRE and The Menopause Society. She serves as a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), acts as the Lead Researcher for the Brighten Essentials Research Division, and is currently directing ongoing scientific research initiatives to advance clinical care standards for women navigating complex endocrinology, neurodivergence, and tissue-specific hormone sensitivities. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not represent those of my employer or any affiliated organization. The discussion is intended for general educational purposes about women’s health and endometriosis care on a global level. References to challenges in diagnosis, access, or treatment reflect systemic issues in medicine as a whole and are not directed at any specific institution or provider. No patient information or organizational data are discussed.