Endometriosis symptoms get worse in perimenopause! Hormone treatment explained

In this final episode of our endometriosis series, Dr. Jolene Brighten and a panel of leading experts dive deep into the complex relationship between hormones and endometriosis. From debunking common myths about menopause and pregnancy "cures" to discussing the nuanced differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, this conversation provides essential insights for anyone navigating the challenges of pelvic pain and hormonal management. 00:00 – Myths in endometriosis: Sexual partners, pregnancy, and menopause 03:52 – Overview of hormonal options for managing endometriosis 09:00 – Why doctors jump to GnRH analogs (chemical castration) 15:05 – Progesterone vs. Progestin: Defining the biochemical differences 20:45 – The role of vaginal estrogen and IUDs in treatment 27:15 – Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) for chronic pain and inflammation 33:30 – Estrogen risks and the importance of opposing progesterone 40:50 – Endometriosis as a systemic disease: Beyond the uterus 51:15 – The role of pain psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy in healing 58:30 – Managing comorbidities: EDS, POTS, and MCAS surgical protocols 1:09:45 – The future of endometriosis research: Non-surgical management goals 1:14:40 – Final thoughts: Advocating for the future of endometriosis care This Episode Is Brought to You By: Dr. Brighten Essentials  Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 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 https://drbrighten.com/endoglobal Meet Our Experts Dr. Ana Sierra Dr. Ana Sierra is an endometriosis excision surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic treatment of complex endometriosis. She has extensive training in neuropelviology and pelvic pain, which informs her multidisciplinary approach to treating endometriosis and related pain conditions. Instagram:   / dra_anasierra   Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker is a fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeon specializing in excision surgery for endometriosis and complex pelvic pain disorders. She practices in Washington State and is known for her work in advanced laparoscopic surgery and multidisciplinary endometriosis care. TikTok:   / pacificendometriosis   Dr. Shanti Mohling Dr. Shanti Mohling is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and internationally recognized endometriosis excision surgeon. She specializes in minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis, pelvic pain disorders, and complex gynecologic conditions. Instagram:   / shantimohlingmd   Dr. Victoria Vargas Dr. Victoria Vargas is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and complex pelvic disorders. She practices in Washington, D.C., where she treats patients with severe endometriosis, pelvic pain conditions, and complex gynecologic surgical needs. Instagram:   / vickyvargasmd   👩🏻‍⚕️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   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). 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.