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 and polycystic ovary syndrome

Acne and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Hormone and Skin Care Treatment

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, PCOS Leave a Comment

In cases of acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acne can appear on the face, neck, chest, and back. Imbalances of androgens, insulin, and inflammation can cause acne to be deep, cystic, and painful. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that presents with several hormone symptoms beyond cystic acne. For some women, this means weight gain. For …

Endo belly

Endo Belly: Causes and Treatments for Endometriosis Bloating

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Cramps, Endometriosis, Estrogen Dominance, Menstrual Cycle, Period, Period Problems, What to Eat Leave a Comment

Endo belly refers to the severe abdominal distention or bloating that occurs in patients with endometriosis. It can not only take a significant physical toll but also has psychological impacts. Nutrition, lifestyle, and, in some instances, medications can help with the management of symptoms. Endometriosis is a common condition affecting about 10% of women and can present as pelvic pain, …

Menopausal Supplements

Best Menopausal Supplements According to a Hormone Expert

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause Leave a Comment

Menopause, a natural phase in every woman’s life, brings about significant hormonal changes that can affect physical and emotional well-being. You’re probably already aware that this transition, while entirely normal and expected, can throw a wrench in many aspects of a woman’s mindset in addition to how her body feels and functions (hello, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances). …

Inositol for weight loss

Inositol for Weight Loss and Enhancing Metabolic Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Weight Loss Leave a Comment

Inositol improves insulin sensitivity by enabling the body to utilize blood glucose (blood sugar) more effectively, which is one of the critical mechanisms in how it aids in weight loss. Although often overlooked, inositol is a pseudovitamin (not technically a vitamin but a compound beneficial for nutrient intake) that plays a significant role in managing metabolic health and hormonal balance, …

intermittent fasting for menopause

Intermittent Fasting for Menopause: What You Need to Know to Before You Start

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause Leave a Comment

Navigating through menopause can be filled with new challenges and changes, particularly when managing your weight and energy. Intermittent fasting for menopause is one approach that’s gaining popularity for aiding in weight loss, mental performance, and overall health. If you’re not familiar with intermittent fasting (IF), it’s a pattern of eating that cycles between periods of fasting and periods of …

Endometriosis and IBS

Endometriosis and IBS: Symptom Connection and Solutions

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis, IBS & IBD Leave a Comment

Endometriosis, a condition affecting millions that can be very painful, is not just about reproductive health—it’s also deeply intertwined with gut health. Patients with endometriosis are more likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms.  Understanding the link between endometriosis and IBS is crucial in managing endometriosis symptoms and improving quality of life. Gut health …

PCOS hair loss

PCOS Hair Loss Explained: Common Patterns, Triggers, and Treatment Options

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Hair Loss, PCOS Leave a Comment

Women with PCOS are more than twice as likely to experience hair loss compared to non-PCOS women of the same age. That is because PCOS is associated with a higher level of androgens, like testosterone, which plays a central role in PCOS hair loss. Here’s a snapshot of what to know about PCOS and hair: The Link Between PCOS and …

Low Estrogen Signs and Symptoms and How to Treat Low Estrogen

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

Low estrogen levels can be the cause of hot flashes, missing periods, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and other symptoms. Understanding the cause of low estrogen is important in selecting the right treatment. Low estrogen is most often associated with menopause, but it can happen throughout your lifetime due to a variety of factors. Sometimes, the low estrogen signs and symptoms …