Health Risks of Low Hormones

Health Risks of Low Hormones, Premature Menopause, and Menopause

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

You might be surprised to learn that your ovarian hormones, including estrogen, have more to offer beyond the menstrual cycle and reproduction. These hormones affect all tissues and systems in the body and are integral to the health of your brain, heart, bones, and more. That’s why there are real health risks that come with low hormone levels in women.  …

AMH, PCOS, and Infertility

The Connection Between AMH, PCOS, and Infertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Fertility, PCOS Leave a Comment

AMH, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, can be a useful marker in evaluating those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. While it does have utility, it also has limitations. But what is AMH and why might your doctor order it? The quick and simple answer is, AMH can give you information about the number of eggs you have. Low levels can …

Postpartum Hair Loss Prevention

Can You Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Hair Loss, Postpartum Leave a Comment

Picture this: you’ve finally got a nap schedule down and actually have time and a little energy for a hairstyle other than a messy bun. You jump in the oh-so-needed glorious shower but notice the drain is clogged with hair, and you’re losing clumps of hair as you comb your conditioner through.  Sound familiar? You aren’t going bald, and you …

Postcoital Dysphoria

Postcoital Dysphoria: Why Am I Sad After Sex

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Mood & Emotions, Sex Hormones, Sexual Health Leave a Comment

When you engage in consensual sex, you expect it to be a positive emotional experience leaving you feeling happy and relaxed. But when you feel sad after sex, you may wonder what is going on and if this is a normal or a common experience for women.  While most research on female sexual dysfunction focuses on what happens before or …

Increase Oxytocin Naturally

How to Increase Oxytocin Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Brain Health, Mood & Emotions Leave a Comment

The feeling of love and relaxation you experience when cuddling with your kids or having sex results from releasing oxytocin.  The hormone oxytocin is the “love hormone” that promotes trust, connection, attachment, and relaxation. It plays a critical role in social behavior and female reproduction. In fact, women have more oxytocin than men.  Oxytocin has many health benefits, and most …

Nettle Root for PCOS

Benefits of Nettle Root for PCOS Symptoms

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Herbs & Supplements, PCOS Leave a Comment

Nettle root is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it’s one of my favorite potent botanicals for hormone balance. Let’s dig into how nettle root can help with PCOS symptoms by managing androgens (and a few other supplements to try that only add to its effectiveness). Public awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) continues …

Selenium Benefits for Hormones and Thyroid

Selenium Benefits For Hormones and Thyroid Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Herbs & Supplements, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Selenium is a trace mineral essential for fertility, thyroid health, and pregnancy. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your heart and mental health. While it’s found in food, not everyone gets enough selenium from diet alone. It’s incredibly important for women’s health, but not everyone knows about it. Here’s what to know about selenium and why it’s vital …

Balancing Hormones for Weight Loss

Why Eat Less and Exercise More is Bad Advice for Women

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, PCOS, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance, Weight Loss Leave a Comment

You’re not alone if you feel like your weight loss journey comes with an extra burden of guilt—from every angle, someone is telling you you’re doing something wrong. You’re eating too much. You’re not eating enough of the right foods. You’re not exercising enough. You must not be motivated enough.  The list goes on.  And while there are a million …

Brain Fog and Hormone Imbalance

Connection Between Brain Fog and Hormone Imbalance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Brain Health Leave a Comment

Are you living in a fog? Does your brain feel tired, and even everyday tasks are challenging because your brain isn’t cooperating with focus, thinking, and memory?  Brain fog is a common (but not to be considered normal) symptom for women, especially during hormonal change or imbalance, as hormones play a vital role in brain health and function. While a …