If you’ve got ovaries that ovulate, it is highly likely that you develop an ovarian cyst at sometime in your fertile years. You may not even notice the ovarian cyst symptoms or it may be very painful depending on the type and size of the cyst. Each ovulatory cycle, an egg matures inside of a follicle. Then the follicle bursts …
L-theanine benefits include promotion of relaxation, stress reduction, restful sleep, and increased concentration. It is an amino acid that is found in both green and black tea. It is also found as a stand alone supplement and in combination formulas designed to promote sleep and relaxation. Many of my patients have benefited from adding L-theanine to their lifestyle routine to …
Did you know there are several phases of the menstrual cycle and a whole lot more going on than just your period? That’s right. There is a symphony of hormones playing throughout your cycle, which can explain why we feel different throughout the month. In medicine, there are three phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, …
There are many reasons for a missing period, and you shouldn’t ignore any of them. Left untreated, the hormone imbalances associated with missing periods can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular, neurological, and bone health. In this article, I will explain common reasons that can cause your period to stop or never start in the first place, plus what you can …
By educating your daughter about how her menstrual cycle works, her period, and how her hormones change throughout the month, you can help make her adolescent years less confusing. In this article we’re going to review how to prepare your daughter for her first period so you’re both well equipped. For many parents, discussing periods with their children can be …
Puberty can be a confusing time for young women. Bodies are changing rapidly — breasts are starting to develop, body hair is beginning to grow, the shape of your body is changing, and the anticipation of the first period is looming. The onset of your first period can be scary if you are not prepared for it. In this article, …
Ever notice that your appetite seems to increase in the days leading up to your period? If so, you’re not alone. During our weekly Ask Dr. Brighten Q&A on social media I am often asked, “why am I so hungry on my period (or before),” especially for sugary snacks. It’s a common question among my patients too. So if you’ve …
Serotonin is a key hormone in promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. It plays a role1 in regulating your digestion, sleep, bones, inflammation, libido, and memory. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or insomnia, you may want to ask your doctor about a possible serotonin deficiency. You can support your body’s natural happiness hormone by understanding how serotonin …
Let’s face it, everyone has trouble on their periods. Even if you tell yourself your periods aren’t as bad as other peoples, it still doesn’t mean they are an enjoyable experience. Cramps, mood swings and the general flow of blood just aren’t pleasant. Period. Sure, there are ways you can combat period problems, but until you’ve figured out the key …