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 …

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, …

Perimenopause and Intimacy

Potential Impact of Perimenopause on Sexual Health and Intimacy

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Libido, Orgasms, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Sexual Health

Sex and sexuality are highly individualized, as people have different sex drives and desires. How much sex you want to have and your interest in intimacy is deeply personal. But for many people, sex is essential to well-being1, encompassing physical, social, and psychological wellness. With all that said, it can come as a surprise if your feelings towards sex — …

How Coffee Affects Your Health and Hormones

How Coffee Affects Your Health and Hormones

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Food, Mood & Emotions, PCOS

The love for coffee runs long and deep for so many of us. I am a coffee lover, too, so I get it. Aside from enjoying the morning ritual, research1 points to many health benefits of coffee, ranging from brain health to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. These associations appear to stem from coffee’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. …

Perimenopause and Weight Gain

How to Lose Weight During Perimenopause

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause, Weight Loss

Weight gain is a common symptom that women experience during perimenopause. Even when diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors remain the same, the number on the scale and the waist measurement can creep up. This change can feel frustrating, unexpected, and impossible to change.  However, the root of perimenopause weight gain may be in the natural hormonal changes during this …

can you get pregnant during perimenopause

Can I Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Preconception & Fertility

I’ll jump straight to the point: yes, some women can get pregnant during perimenopause, but others will have a hard time becoming or staying pregnant because of. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause or the cessation of your period for at least 12 months. During perimenopause, hormonal shifts cause irregular menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to predict …