Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Birth Control

I remember reaching my ten year anniversary with the pill and feeling a deep concern about my own health. Especially as it related to birth control pills and breast cancer. You see, many experts have concluded that the longer we are exposed to high dose estrogen the higher the risk of developing estrogen-related cancers.  We’ve known there is a risk …

Sore Breasts: What Causes Breast Tenderness?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

Do you often suffer from breast tenderness when it’s that time of the month? Do you experience soreness or pain in a specific area of your breasts that keep you from enjoying going out or being active?  You’re not alone. 50% of all women will experience breast pain at some point in their lives, according to the Breast Health Centre. …

functional medicine chris kresser

Functional Medicine – An Interview with Chris Kresser

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Kresser on more than one occasion about the serious state our health care is in and the role of Functional Medicine. Chris and I share similar views about the need for allied providers, like nutrition consultants and health coaches, in supporting those with chronic disease and the necessity of returning to a …

7 Thyroid Symptoms Most People Don’t Know About

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Thyroid gland problems can range from weight gain to hair loss to depression, but these 7 thyroid symptoms are less recognized and often missed by many doctors. Related product: Thyroid Support 7 Thyroid Symptoms Most People Don’t Know About #1. You may not taste or smell things the same if you’re hypothyroid.  Too little thyroid hormone can cause alterations to …

bone broth recipe

Hot and Sour Bone Broth Recipe

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Food

Looking for a bone broth recipe that is simple and effective at maintaining your health during winter months? My clinic’s nutritionist, Erica, created this delicious bone broth recipe to support our patients as we prepare to go into winter months. Bone broth is a rich source of immune supporting minerals and vitamins, which is why many people choose to make …

Non-Hormonal Birth Control – Alternatives To The Pill

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Birth Control

There are several non-hormonal birth control options and alternatives to the pill. Perhaps you, like many women, are experiencing symptoms associated with the pill like depression, nausea, low sex drive or headaches. Or perhaps you’ve got a sneaking suspicion that your adrenal and thyroid issues may be linked to the pill. Or maybe you were given the pill to treat …

Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Adrenal Fatigue?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Birth Control

“Does the birth control pill cause adrenal fatigue?,” Charlotte, a 31 year old patient at my clinic asked. As a women’s health expert that specializes in helping women with the side effects and long-term consequences associated with the birth control pill, this is a question I hear often. Charlotte, like many other women, had become concerned about what role the …

7 Adaptogenic Herbs to Heal Adrenals Naturally  

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Sex Hormones

“Every little stressor feels like the end for me! I’m screaming at my kids, my husband, and gritting my teeth with co-workers for at least the last 6 months,” Alice shared in her first visit. She was 10 months postpartum with her first baby and holding down a full time job on top of a household! To say she had …

high testosterone in women

High Testosterone in Women: Common Symptoms & How to Lower It

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Sex Hormones

High testosterone in women can present as acne, unwanted hair growth on the face (known as hirsutism), hair loss on the head, abdominal weight gain, and irregular periods.  Testosterone is often thought of as a “male sex hormone” because it is essential to the development of male growth1—regulating sex drive, muscle mass, sexual function, and fat distribution. However, testosterone also …