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 …

adhd and pmdd

ADHD and PMDD Hormone Connection

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Brain Health, PMS & PMDD

There is a significantly higher prevalence of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) among those with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In fact, it is estimated that 46% of women with (ADHD) also struggle with PMDD. When compared to the general population, with only 28% reporting PMDD, it is clear those with ADHD are at increased risk. If you find that you’re …

endometriosis flare up

Endometriosis Flare-Up Symptoms, Triggers, and Tips for Relief

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis

If you struggle with endometriosis, you’re probably all too familiar with the debilitating endometriosis flare-ups that can rock your world with excruciating pain and disrupt your daily routine. Certain triggers, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, increased inflammation, and fatigue, can contribute to the onset of an endometriosis flare-up. Becoming attuned to your personal triggers and having a proactive plan in …

best magnesium for menopause

Understanding Magnesium for Menopause: Your Comprehensive Guide

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Herbs & Supplements, Perimenopause/ Menopause

Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life, marked by hormonal changes that can bring about a myriad of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, fatigue, and night sweats. Using magnesium for menopause symptoms, as well as for support of cardiovascular, bone, and brain health, is one way to help ease the transition.  Magnesium, particularly in the form of highly-absorbable …

Endometriosis Relief Naturally

19 Ways to Find Endometriosis Relief Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis, Wellbeing

While conventional treatments for endometriosis, such as hormonal therapy or surgery, aim to manage endometriosis symptoms and remove abnormal tissue, many women with endo still struggle with discomfort and, therefore, seek complementary therapies to get endometriosis relief naturally. Endometriosis is a complex and often very painful condition caused by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, typically in the …

adrenal pcos

Adrenal PCOS: Holistic Strategies to Manage Stress and PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, PCOS, Stress Reduction, Wellbeing

As many as 30% of those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have elevated levels of DHEA-S due to adrenal androgen excess. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women, with some estimates stating up to 70% of women remain undiagnosed1.  Adrenal PCOS Symptoms include: In addition, upwards of 70% of those with PCOS struggle with insulin …

How Much Protein Should Women Have

How Much Protein Should Women Have

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Brighten Lifestyle, Food, Gut-Hormone Connection, Weight Loss, What to Eat

From muscle building and metabolism to hormonal balance and disease prevention, protein is an indispensable nutrient for women’s health. Women of all ages need adequate protein for energy, focus, appetite control, and tissue repair. Across different life stages like pregnancy and menopause, protein becomes even more critical, supporting fetal development, maintaining muscle tissue and bone density, and managing moods, hormonal …