Does Endometriosis Go Away After Menopause? Here’s the Truth

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Endometriosis, Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause/ Menopause

There’s a common belief that menopause “cures” endometriosis. No more periods = no more pain, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While some women do experience symptom relief after menopause, others continue to struggle with endometriosis after menopause-related pain. In some cases, endo symptoms can even get worse during the menopausal transition. In this article, we’ll unpack what really …

Perimenopause sleep issues

Why Can’t I Sleep? The Real Reasons for Perimenopause Sleep Issues (and What Actually Helps)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Sleep

If you’re in your 40s and suddenly waking up at 3 a.m.—wide-eyed, sweating, and wondering if something is seriously wrong with you—please know you’re not alone. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of perimenopause, affecting between 40-60% of menopausal women1, and they often show up even before your periods start changing.  Despite how common perimenopause …

histamine and pmdd

Histamine and PMDD: The Hidden Link Worsening Your Symptoms

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PMS & PMDD

Emerging research shows a potential connection between histamine and PMDD in some women, offering new insights into treatment options and symptom relief. If you struggle with histamine and PMDD, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that histamine, a compound involved in allergies and inflammation, can also influence mood, cramps, and other PMDD symptoms. Understanding the connection between histamine and …

estrogen face cream

Estrogen Face Cream: A Hormone-Boosting Treatment for Healthier Skin

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Balancing Your Hormones, Estrogen Dominance

As we age, hormonal changes—especially declining estrogen levels—can take a toll on our skin. Many women notice more dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity when experiencing low estrogen, which can become even more apparent during perimenopause and menopause. If you’ve been wondering, “Can you put estrogen cream on your face?” the answer is yes! In fact, it could be …

autistic women

PMDD in Autistic Women: Symptoms, Causes & Effective Solutions

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects around 5-8% of menstruating women1. Among autistic women, the prevalence of PMDD is notably high, making the connection between autism and PMDD an important topic for discussion in women’s health.  Studies have found that between 14% and 21% of autistic women2 deal with PMDD—so if you’re …

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 …

Red S

Understanding Red S: The Hidden Health Risk for Athletes and Active Individuals

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, Wellbeing

If you’re an athlete or a very active person and you’re experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, energy, mood, and performance—especially if you eat a restrictive diet— you might be suffering from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, also called RED-S. RED-S, formerly known as the Female Athlete Triad Syndrome, is more prevalent than many might expect. It affects athletes across …

Benefits of Cold Plunges

Cold Plunge Benefits for Women, According to A Hormone Expert

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Mind-Body, Wellbeing

Immersing your body in very cold or nearly freezing water might be uncomfortable, but it can be worth it — considering it’s a habit that’s linked to many health benefits, such as a boost in circulation and metabolism1 and a reduction in pain and inflammation.  That said, for women, the benefits and considerations of cold plunging can be influenced by …

Connection Between PCOS and Menopause

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS

While you may no longer need to worry about your cycles, you may still struggle with symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in menopause. On average women enter menopause around age 51, with PCOS women experiencing menopause about two years later compared to women without PCOS. PCOS doesn’t just go away in menopause. In fact, the metabolic and high androgen …