About
Dr. Jolene Brighten
Board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in women’s hormonal health. Reaching millions through clinical practice, published research, and evidence-based education.
NMD
FABNE
Certified Menopause Specialist
Clinical Sexologist
Nutrition Scientist
4
Published Books
1M+
Social Followers
15+
Years Clinical Practice
250K+
Monthly Readers
A Career Built on Questioning the Status Quo
Dr. Jolene Brighten is one of the world’s leading experts in women’s hormonal health. As a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist (FABNE) and the founder of Rubus Health in Oakland, California, she has spent more than fifteen years treating complex hormonal conditions that conventional medicine often overlooks or dismisses.
Her work sits at the intersection of clinical endocrinology, nutrition science, and patient advocacy. She specializes in post-birth control syndrome, thyroid disorders, PCOS, perimenopause, ADHD in women, and the gut-hormone connection — conditions that disproportionately affect women and are routinely under-diagnosed.
Before medical school, Dr. Brighten pursued a PhD in molecular nutrition at UC Davis, where her research focused on the biochemistry of hormonal systems. That scientific rigor became the foundation of her clinical practice: she treats patients using an evidence-based framework that integrates conventional endocrinology with functional and naturopathic medicine.
Her first book, Beyond the Pill (HarperOne, 2019), brought the conversation about birth control side effects into the mainstream. It became a bestseller and established her as a leading voice on hormonal contraception’s impact on women’s long-term health. Her second book, Is This Normal? (Simon & Schuster, 2023), provides a judgment-free guide to understanding your body at every stage. Her forthcoming title, ADHD and Women (Penguin Random House, October 2026), addresses the underdiagnosed intersection of hormones and neurodivergence.
Dr. Brighten’s clinical expertise and ability to translate complex science into actionable guidance has made her a sought-after resource for both patients and media. Her work has been featured in Forbes, NBC News, The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, and dozens of other national and international outlets. She reaches over one million people daily through her social platforms, where she breaks down hormonal health research for a general audience.
Education and Credentials
Education
- Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD)
National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR - B.S. Nutrition Science
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Graduate Research, Molecular Nutrition
University of California, Davis
Board Certifications
- FABNE
Fellow, American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology - Certified Menopause Specialist
The Menopause Society - Clinical Sexologist
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists - Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor
State of California
Professional Affiliations
- The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Faculty - Institute for Functional Medicine
Member - American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member - The Menopause Society
Member - AASECT
Member
Clinical Practice
- Rubus Health
Founder and Chief Medical Officer — Oakland, CA - Clinical Focus
Women’s endocrine health, PCOS, thyroid, perimenopause, post-birth control syndrome, ADHD - Approach
Evidence-based integrative medicine combining conventional endocrinology with functional and naturopathic modalities
Published Works
ADHD and Women
Penguin Random House · October 2026
A groundbreaking guide to optimizing hormones and thriving with ADHD. Explores the underdiagnosed connection between neurological and endocrine health in women.
Is This Normal?
Simon & Schuster · 2023
Judgment-free, straight talk about your body. A comprehensive guide to understanding what’s happening at every stage of your hormonal life, from periods to perimenopause.
Beyond the Pill
HarperOne · 2019
The bestseller that changed the conversation around birth control. A 30-day program to balance hormones, reclaim your body, and reverse the side effects of hormonal contraception.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Brighten’s clinical and educational work spans the full spectrum of women’s endocrine health, with particular depth in conditions that are frequently misdiagnosed or undertreated.
Hormonal Imbalance
Root-cause investigation and treatment of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol dysregulation across all life stages.
PCOS
Comprehensive management of polycystic ovary syndrome including insulin resistance, androgen excess, and metabolic complications.
Thyroid Disorders
Full-spectrum thyroid evaluation and treatment — Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and subclinical patterns often missed on standard panels.
ADHD in Women
The hormonal and neurological intersection of ADHD — how estrogen, progesterone, and dopamine interact across the menstrual cycle and life stages.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Evidence-based hormone therapy, symptom management, and metabolic support during the menopausal transition.
Post-Birth Control Syndrome
Recovery protocols for hormonal disruption following discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives — a condition Dr. Brighten helped define and bring to public awareness.
Gut-Hormone Connection
The estrobolome, microbiome-driven hormone metabolism, and gut-mediated endocrine disruption — including its role in estrogen dominance and autoimmunity.
Sexual Health
Hormonal drivers of libido, arousal, and sexual function — with expertise as a certified clinical sexologist.
Fertility & Postpartum
Hormonal optimization for conception, pregnancy support, and fourth-trimester recovery including postpartum mood and thyroid concerns.
Featured In
Forbes
NBC News
The Guardian
Cosmopolitan
ABC News
Shape
New York Post
MindBodyGreen
HuffPost
Parade
Awards and Recognition
- 2019 — Author of the Year
- 2018 — Nominated: Rising Tide Award, Innovator Award, Health Influencer Award
- 2017 — Blog named Best Women’s Health Blog of the Year
- 2017 — Nominated: Leading Health Innovator Award
- 2014–15 — Best General Practitioner, Oakland Magazine
Clinical Philosophy
Women deserve better than being told their symptoms are normal or that it’s all in their head. They deserve clinicians who will dig into the root cause and give them real answers — backed by science, not dismissal.
Dr. Brighten’s approach begins with comprehensive testing — not the limited panels most providers order, but the full picture: complete thyroid panels, sex hormone profiles, adrenal function, metabolic markers, and nutrient status. She believes that accurate diagnosis requires accurate data.
From there, treatment addresses root causes rather than suppressing symptoms. This might include targeted nutrition protocols, strategic supplementation, bioidentical hormone therapy, lifestyle interventions, or a combination — always tailored to the individual and always grounded in published research.
Her philosophy extends beyond the clinic. Through her books, podcast, and educational platform, she equips women with the scientific literacy to advocate for themselves within a healthcare system that has historically minimized their concerns. The goal is not to replace the doctor-patient relationship but to transform it into a genuine partnership.
The Dr. Brighten Show
Weekly conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and health experts — translating cutting-edge science into guidance you can actually use. Available on all major platforms.
Work with Dr. Brighten
For press inquiries, speaking engagements, media appearances, or collaboration requests, please visit the press page or contact our team directly.