how do you stop craving sugar

How Do You Stop Craving Sugar? Causes & Solutions Backed by Research

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Gut-Hormone Connection

Do you ever find yourself rummaging through the pantry for something sweet after dinner, or feel that irresistible pull toward chocolate, especially before your period? Sugar cravings can feel powerful, and for women, they’re often tied to hormonal shifts that affect their mood, metabolism, and even brain chemistry. Managing a “sweet tooth” can be very tough to deal with, but …

perimenopause and extreme fatigue

Extreme Fatigue in Perimenopause: What’s Really Going On—And What Helps?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Perimenopause/ Menopause

Perimenopause fatigue is a hormone-driven exhaustion caused by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone, disrupted cortisol patterns, and poor sleep quality.  During perimenopause, hormonal changes can turn your once-reliable energy levels into an unpredictable rollercoaster. And the cause isn’t just getting older, nor is the solution simply needing more sleep.  To help cope with this type of exhaustion, you have to address …

best supplements for menopause belly fat

Supplements for Menopause Belly Fat

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Perimenopause/ Menopause

Struggling with stubborn belly fat during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone. Even active, health-conscious women notice their waistline changing as hormones shift. Estrogen decline, cortisol spikes, and insulin resistance make it easier to store fat around the middle and harder to burn it off. The good news? Specific supplements for menopause belly fat can help with changing hormones, support …

how to help pmdd

Saffron and PMDD: Natural Relief for Mood Swings, Anxiety & PMS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than just “bad PMS.” It’s a severe and even debilitating condition that affects women’s moods, energy, and mental clarity in the two weeks leading up to their period.  While antidepressants are often prescribed, more women are exploring natural PMDD solutions that support both mood and hormone balance—without harsh side effects. One of the most …

saffron supplement

Best Saffron Supplement for Mood, Anxiety, ADHD & PMS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones

If you’ve been looking for a natural way to support your mood, reduce anxious feelings, or even sharpen your focus, you may have heard about saffron.  This vibrant red spice—yes, the same one used in paella and Persian dishes—has been used medicinally for centuries. In recent years, researchers have uncovered saffron extract benefits that extend far beyond the kitchen — …

adhd focus supplements

Best Natural ADHD Supplements for Focus and Attention (Science-Backed Guide)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones

If you’re searching for natural ADHD supplements that support focus and attention without stimulants, this guide breaks down what’s clinically backed and what to skip. You might feel less alone knowing that millions of adults in the U.S. face similar challenges—including racing thoughts, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue, which can make it hard to stay productive and emotionally balanced when managing …

saffron and depression

Saffron and Depression: How This Natural Mood Booster Compares to Antidepressants

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones

If you’re struggling with low mood, persistent sadness, postpartum depression, or even just feeling “off” lately, you’re experiencing symptoms that affect just about everyone at some point—and you’re certainly not without options.  Depression affects about 1 in every 5 adults1 in the U.S. and is especially common among women, impacting nearly 25% at some point in their lives. Antidepressants are …

brain fog in perimenopause

Perimenopause Brain Fog: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Perimenopause/ Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just about hot flashes and irregular periods. For many women, the most frustrating symptom isn’t even physical; it’s mental.  Words escape you mid-sentence, concentration slips away, and your once-sharp memory feels sluggish. These are all examples of what perimenopause brain fog feels like. They’re among the most common (yet least discussed) cognitive changes to occur1 during …

herbal supplements for anxiety

Anxiety and Supplements: What Really Works for Stress, Mood, and Sleep

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, Stress Reduction

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges globally, especially among women, young adults, and teenagers. Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S.1 will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, which can range from generalized anxiety to panic attacks, social anxiety, and other types.  What’s so alarming is that these numbers have been …