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 …

what is vaginal steaming

What is Vaginal Steaming? Steaming Benefits Vs. Safety

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Cycle Self Care™, Endometriosis, Mind-Body, Wellbeing Leave a Comment

Are you curious about vaginal steaming? With deep cultural roots, vaginal steaming is an ancient practice that has recently become popular. Proponents of vaginal steaming claim it’s a “cure” for PMS, infertility, hormone imbalances, and more, but are these claims valid? And is it safe?  We all know the importance of self-care. This article will dive into vaginal steaming as …

Low Testosterone in Women and How to Increase T Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Balancing Your Hormones, Sex Hormones Leave a Comment

Does the word testosterone make you think about bulging muscles, mega competitiveness, and aggressiveness? If so, you’re not alone. Testosterone is often considered a “male” hormone, but in fact, it is critical for women’s health. Testosterone is an androgen involved in sexual desire, arousal, bone density, immunity, and muscle mass. This hormone also affects mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. …

How Women Can Reduce Holiday Stress and Burnout

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Sleep, Stress Reduction Leave a Comment

Time with family, holiday lights, special food, and fun drinks are some of the many things we love about the holidays. But let’s be honest: The holidays can be more than stressful. The pressure to make everything “perfect,” plus extra get-togethers, travel, and gift-giving, can all add up. For women, who tend to do it all, the holidays can be …

Hormonal Imbalance Can Make Weight Loss Difficult

Why Hormonal Imbalance Can Make Weight Loss Difficult

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

Nothing is more frustrating than making lifestyle changes to support your health and lose a little weight, only to find that nothing changes despite your efforts. Everywhere you look, a new fad diet or workout regimen seems to bring about dramatic transformations. So why won’t it work for you? It may be related to a hormone imbalance. The dirty little …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

High Prolactin Level Symptoms & Solutions

Causes of Elevated Prolactin Levels in Women

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PCOS, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Prolactin is one of the less talked about hormones, but it’s critical for both men and women. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and helps with sexual function, fertility, and lactation. While prolactin levels can fluctuate, they should generally be lower in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Elevated prolactin levels can cause several issues, including problems with …

Why Am I In A Good Mood After My Period Starts?

How Hormones Affect Mood Throughout Your Menstrual Cycle

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Menstrual Cycle, Mood & Emotions Leave a Comment

Why Am I In A Good Mood After My Period Starts? You’re likely well acquainted with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the set of symptoms that can occur in the days leading up to your period. But have you ever noticed that once your period actually starts, the clouds seem to part, and you suddenly feel a whole lot better? It’s not …