take prenatal vitamins without being pregnant

Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Herbs & Supplements, Pregnancy, Wellbeing Leave a Comment

Prenatal vitamins are often associated exclusively with pregnancy, but their benefits can extend beyond supporting a healthy pregnancy. Due to their rich concentration of essential vitamins and minerals, they can boost your overall nutrient intake, thereby reducing the risk of issues tied to nutrient deficiencies. Potential health benefits of prenatal vitamins when not pregnant include: This article will explore the …

Acne During Pregnancy Tips

Acne in Pregnancy: What to Do When You’re Pregnant with Acne

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Pregnancy Leave a Comment

People often talk about the “pregnancy glow”—that elusive radiance that’s supposed to come with growing a tiny human. But what isn’t often talked about is how common it is to be pregnant with acne.  Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition with links to genetics, environment, and—yep, you guessed it—hormones. The hormone connection is why acne is common in the teen …

AMH Levels and Fertility

What is AMH and How Does it Impact Fertility?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Endometriosis, Fertility, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

If you are struggling with fertility issues, you’ve probably had your AMH tested, especially if you are over 35. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels give clues about reproductive health, ovarian function, and success with fertility treatments.  This article will cover everything you need to know about AMH levels and fertility. Plus, I’ll cover how to improve AMH levels naturally with nutrition, …

Balance Hormones While Breastfeeding

How to Balance Hormones While Breastfeeding

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Breastfeeding, Postpartum Leave a Comment

The postpartum time is a tumultuous period for women’s hormones, to say the least. You just grew a tiny human, which consumed a lot of your body’s resources. As you heal from delivery and begin nursing, the demands are even higher. Mix in the stress of adjusting to a new routine, having little time for yourself, and sleep deprivation, and …

Lab Work You Need When Trying To Conceive

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Lab Testing, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

With rising rates of fertility challenges, more women are taking time and energy to prepare their bodies for pregnancy. Optimizing your health beforehand improves your chances of conception, a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy baby. An important part of pregnancy preparation is lab work for trying to conceive.  Taking a thorough look at nutrition and health markers helps identify areas …

can you get pregnant during perimenopause

Can I Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

I’ll jump straight to the point: yes, some women can get pregnant during perimenopause, but others will have a hard time becoming or staying pregnant because of. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause or the cessation of your period for at least 12 months. During perimenopause, hormonal shifts cause irregular menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to predict …

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Am I Pregnant? When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Pregnancy Leave a Comment

The anticipation of finding out whether you are pregnant or not can be overwhelming. Whether planning a pregnancy or hoping to avoid one, your body sometimes tells you something’s up before you can test. Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as two weeks after conception, and many women experience at least some of them before they take a pregnancy test. …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

inositol for fertility

Inositol Fertility Benefits

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PCOS, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

Inositol is one of my favorite supplements for fertility. It’s a nutrient closely related to the B vitamins, and it’s especially helpful for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it helps regulate insulin levels. Nearly one in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS, and it’s one of the most common causes of fertility problems. PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance, …