postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease, Exercise, Wellbeing

If you’ve ever stood up and felt your heart race, your head spin, and an overwhelming wave of fatigue wash over you, you’re probably wondering what’s wrong and what the cause is. For some people, these symptoms aren’t just an occasional dizzy spell—they’re an everyday battle.  Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system …

low-dose naltrexone

Low-Dose Naltrexone for Women’s Health: Benefits for Hormones, Autoimmunity, and Chronic Pain

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease, Balancing Your Hormones, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

When we talk about game-changing therapies for women’s health, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is one you need to know about. But what exactly is low-dose naltrexone, and how can it support your hormones and immunity and also potentially ease chronic pain management?  In my practice, we seek to use the least invasive and most effective strategies for healing. You’ll find me …

Addison’s Disease

The Effects of Addison’s Disease on Your Period

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease, Menstrual Cycle, Period

Addison’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition that causes damage to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands play a critical role in hormones like cortisol and aldosterone necessary for everyday functions.  Addison’s is also called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal failure, but it’s important not to confuse this diagnosis with HPA axis dysregulation, or what some people call adrenal fatigue. HPA …

Best Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus

What is the Best Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disease that results in thin, white, wrinkled patches of skin, usually on the genitals. It can be excruciating and incredibly itchy to deal with. While doctors previously believed it was rather rare, in recent years, doctors have suggested it’s more common than initially thought. By some estimates, cases have doubled1 between 1991 and 2011.  …

what is interstitial cystitis

What Is Interstitial Cystitis?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease, Balancing Your Hormones

Interstitial cystitis (also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome) is a chronic condition involving bladder pain that you cannot attribute to another known cause. Interstitial cystitis symptoms include pain in the bladder or urethra, a frequent need to urinate, and sometimes pain throughout the pelvic floor.  Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome most commonly affects women but can also affect men. …

what is breast implant illness syndrome

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Autoimmune Disease

Breast implant illness is starting to gain attention in the medical community. Breast implant illness (BII) is the term used to describe symptoms associated with breast implants and can range from joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, and headaches to chronic fatigue, anxiety, neurological issues, and brain fog. Many women who identify as having BII experience symptoms after having breast …