Can your Period Trigger IBS?

Can Menstrual Cycles Affect IBS? Yes. Here’s How to Feel Better

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Digestion, IBS & IBD, Menstrual Cycle

If you’ve noticed your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms get worse around your period, you aren’t alone. Even women without IBS1 can experience gastrointestinal discomfort during their menstrual cycle.  So if you suffer from IBS, things can get even worse during your period. Bloating, cramping, diarrhea (hello period poops) are all symptoms of IBS in women that can be exacerbated …

Having Sex During Your Period

Period Sex: Why It Is a Good Thing

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, Sex Hormones, Sexual Health

It may not be discussed very often, but period sex is a good thing. Two topics that have been taboo in many cultures—menstruation and sex—are perfectly normal parts of life, so I want to open up the conversation. Sex during period is happening, whether or not we talk about it, and I know many of you have questions or at …

how to treat hormonal acne naturally

Want to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally? Things to Try Before Birth Control

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Balancing Your Hormones, Post-Birth Control Acne

If you make an appointment to see your doctor about hormonal acne, chances are you’ll leave with a prescription for birth control. Hormonal birth control is a go-to for hormonal acne, but the truth is that it comes with its own set of side effects and it doesn’t always work.. I often get requests from patients, readers and social media …

gut health and menstrual cycle

Gut Health and Your Menstrual Cycle: What Women Need to Know

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Digestion, Leaky Gut, Menstrual Cycle

Your microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your body, mostly in your large intestine and skin. These guests (and their genes) play a huge role all throughout the body, including digestion, immunity, and even your mood. Your gut microbiome takes cues from your hormones and can even influence your menstrual cycles. What Does Your …

Female Ejaculation

Squirting and Female Ejaculation: What You Need to Know

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Orgasms, Sexual Health

Did you know that women can also ejaculate during sex? The phenomenon, also called “squirting,” is a popular topic when it comes to sexual health, and one that comes with a lot of questions. Female ejaculation is a fairly common experience, but not something that gets talked about very often. To compare, just think of how many phrases there are …

Keto for Women

Keto for Women: The Risks, Benefits, and How It Impacts Hormones

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Food, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Thyroid, What to Eat

Questions about the keto diet fill my inbox and DMs daily, so it’s time to get the facts straight. The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, very-low-carb diet that shifts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body uses fat instead of carbs for energy. If you follow the research, the health benefits of keto are pretty …

How Hormones Affect the Brain

Do Hormones Affect Brain Health?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Brain Health

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about hormones? If you’re like most people, it’s probably your period or reproduction. But did you know that hormones have a significant impact on your brain? Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are involved with brain development even before birth and play a role in memory, mood, and …

Diet Hormonal Acne

How to Address Hormonal Acne With Changes to Your Diet

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Sex Hormones

Many women deal with hormonal acne caused by changes in the body’s hormonal balance. While common, I know it can be incredibly frustrating and impact your self-esteem and confidence. There are many treatments for acne, but I’ve found that a few diet changes can significantly improve symptoms. The food we eat directly impacts our hormones, including those that trigger acne. …

bacterial vaginosis symptoms

Bacterial Vaginosis Causes, Symptoms & 5 Natural Treatments

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Sexual Health

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that mainly affects women in their reproductive years, most commonly1 ages 15-44. In fact, it’s the most common vaginal condition women in this age group experience, though anyone can get it. It’s caused by the overgrowth of normal bacteria found in the vagina. While many women don’t have symptoms, others can experience …