Best Balance Foods for Healthy Hormone Breakfast

The Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Hormone Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Food

When it comes to healthy hormone breakfast, this what I share with my patients as a board certified naturopathic endocrinologist to help them optimize their hormonal balance every day. The first meal of the day is a substantial opportunity for you to support insulin sensitivity, reproductive hormones, and reduce stress levels on your body. Research shows a healthy breakfast sets …

Vaginismus Treatment

Vaginismus: What it is and What to Do About It

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis, Sexual Health

Vaginismus is a type of sexual pain disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that make vaginal penetration of any kind painful or impossible. Someone with symptoms of vaginismus can’t control these spasms, and the pain can range from mild to extreme. It can seriously disrupt relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem. Painful intercourse is only one …

Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Benefits, Risks

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Weight Loss

Ozempic®  for weight loss claims are everywhere—the drug that became popular as a celebrity trend and crossed into the mainstream. The big question I get is, does ozempic work for weight loss or is it just another trend? This is especially true for women with PCOS, hypothyroidism, or those going through perimenopause. Ozempic or Semaglutide is used to treat type …

Holy Basil Benefits

Holy Basil Benefits & Hormonal Balance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Sleep

Holy basil is an herb used for hormonal balance, blood sugar support, anxiety, cholesterol, and inflammation by many people. As I’ll explain in this article, research has shown holy basil benefits range from stress and mental/ emotional support to helping with fatigue and providing nutritional support. Holy Basil Benefits:  Addressing hormone balance takes a holistic approach, but holy basil is …

What Causes Rosacea on Face

What Causes Rosacea on Face: Treating Rosacea Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Balancing Your Hormones, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Sex Hormones, The Pill

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects the face and sometimes the eyes, as well. While not a debilitating condition, it can impact an individual’s confidence and mental health when struggling with persistent red, irritated skin. It’s common for rosacea on face, chest, neck, and ears to be associated with anxiety and depression, as we’ll discuss. We’ve known …

Benefits of Passionflower for Anxiety

Benefits of Passionflower: How to Calm Anxiety

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Brain Health, Wellbeing

Passionflower is an herb that has been used for centuries to support a calm state in the nervous system. It is well tolerated by most and has a low side effect profile, making it an ideal gentle herb to create a sense of peace in the body.    Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herbal medicine used to support a healthy emotional …

Acne During Pregnancy Tips

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

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Pregnancy

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 condition1 with links to genetics, environment, and—yep, you guessed it—hormones. The hormone connection is why acne is common in the teen …

Alcohol Impacts Your Sex Life

How Alcohol Impacts Your Sex Life

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Libido, Sex Hormones, Sexual Health

Recent data shows alcohol consumption among women rose by 41% during the pandemic1. There are certainly downsides to alcohol; it could trigger  hot flashes, mess with your sleep, and may even promote liver issues. Alcohol also impacts your sex life, but it isn’t talked about much.   You may think drinking puts you in the mood or makes having sex easier, …

AMH Levels and Fertility

What is AMH and How Does it Impact Fertility?

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

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, …