Vagus Nerve Massage

Vagus Nerve Massage: How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Gut-Hormone Connection, Mood & Emotions, Wellbeing

Incorporating vagus nerve massage and other vagus nerve stimulation techniques into your daily routine can be a valuable strategy for enhancing your ability to cope with stress, and helps you unlock a multitude of other benefits for your body, mind, and hormones. Benefits of vagus nerve massage can include: Within our bodies, hidden beneath layers of muscle and bone, lies …

Odd Symptoms of Menopause

10 Odd Symptoms of Menopause

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause

When most people think about menopause symptoms, hot flashes and night sweats are usually top of the list. It’s true that up to 80% of women going through menopause experience vasomotor symptoms1 (like hot flashes), but there are some really odd symptoms of menopausal not often discussed. These hormonal shifts impact all systems of your body, primarily driven by low …

take prenatal vitamins without being pregnant

Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Herbs & Supplements, Pregnancy, Wellbeing

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 …

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

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 women1 and can present as pelvic pain, …

Menopausal Supplements

Best Menopausal Supplements According to a Hormone Expert

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause

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

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

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 loss1, 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

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 …