PCOS Skincare

Comprehensive Guide to PCOS Skincare: Expert Strategies for Radiant, Clear Skin

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS

The skin PCOS symptoms of oily skin, hormonal acne, and hirsutism can be some of the most daunting aspects of living with PCOS. There are evidence based ways to effectively approach PCOS skincare to help resolve these symptoms, which is what I’ll be sharing with you in this article.  The same hormonal disorders that cause symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, …

Bloated Before Period

Bloated Before Period—Solutions to Manage PMS Bloating

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Period bloating is a common and often frustrating symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It’s that uncomfortable, swollen feeling that makes your jeans feel a bit too tight and leaves you longing for your comfiest pair of yoga pants. It may even make you feel like you’ve had weight gain come out of nowhere, even though you haven’t, and it can …

how to lose weight with pcos

How to Lose Weight With PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Weight Loss

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight is a common symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Because PCOS has a complex metabolic and reproductive hormone imbalance associated with it, the question of how to lose weight with PCOS is more complicated than the standard “eat less and exercise more” many of us hear. Research1 suggests that losing 5 to 10 percent …

Vaginismus Treatment

Vaginismus: What it is and What to Do About It

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis, Sexual Health

Vaginismus is a type of sexual pain disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that make vaginal penetration of any kind painful or impossible. Someone with symptoms of vaginismus can’t control these spasms, and the pain can range from mild to extreme. It can seriously disrupt relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem. Painful intercourse is only one …

Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Benefits, Risks

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Weight Loss

Ozempic®  for weight loss claims are everywhere—the drug that became popular as a celebrity trend and crossed into the mainstream. The big question I get is, does ozempic work for weight loss or is it just another trend? This is especially true for women with PCOS, hypothyroidism, or those going through perimenopause. Ozempic or Semaglutide is used to treat type …

Holy Basil Benefits

Holy Basil Benefits & Hormonal Balance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Sleep

Holy basil is an herb used for hormonal balance, blood sugar support, anxiety, cholesterol, and inflammation by many people. As I’ll explain in this article, research has shown holy basil benefits range from stress and mental/ emotional support to helping with fatigue and providing nutritional support. Holy Basil Benefits:  Addressing hormone balance takes a holistic approach, but holy basil is …

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 …

Acne During Pregnancy Tips

Acne in Pregnancy: What to Do When You’re Pregnant with Acne

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Pregnancy

People often talk about the “pregnancy glow”—that elusive radiance that’s supposed to come with growing a tiny human. But what isn’t often talked about is how common it is to be pregnant with acne.  Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition1 with links to genetics, environment, and—yep, you guessed it—hormones. The hormone connection is why acne is common in the teen …

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, …