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 …

inositol for fertility

Inositol Fertility Benefits

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PCOS, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

Inositol is one of my favorite supplements for fertility. It’s a nutrient closely related to the B vitamins, and it’s especially helpful for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it helps regulate insulin levels. Nearly one in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS, and it’s one of the most common causes of fertility problems. PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance, …

how to get pregnant with PCOS

Getting Pregnant With PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, PCOS Leave a Comment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reason for anovulatory infertility (when an egg isn’t released from the ovaries). But having PCOS doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant. PCOS could make it harder to conceive because lack of ovulation is at the core of this condition. Without any egg for sperm to fertilize, there can be no pregnancy, …

sulforaphane supplement benefits

Sulforaphane Benefits for Hormone Balance and Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Herbs & Supplements, What to Eat Leave a Comment

Every time I speak to patients about nutrition for hormone balance, I remind them how important it is to include a variety of nutrients in their diet for optimal health. So many factors contribute to hormone balance and overall health, and no one food or supplement will be a “magic bullet.” But one nutrient has so many health benefits for …

Is Low-Carb Good for Women’s Hormones?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Food, What to Eat Leave a Comment

There’s a lot of debate surrounding low-carb diets and whether they are helpful or harmful. As low-carb diets have become increasingly popular, it’s an important question to ask.  Low-carb diets are often touted as a tool to kick start weight loss or balance blood sugar. It’s true that some people benefit from restricting carbs, but low-carb diets aren’t always the …

Inositol Supplements for PCOS

Why Inositol Should be Part of Your Plan for PCOS

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

Millions of women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—up to 20 percent worldwide. And often I hear from patients and readers looking for options in managing their PCOS. This is one reason why supplements like inositol are growing in popularity. Inositol, often called vitamin B8 (although it’s actually not a vitamin because the body can make it), is found …

Choosing Best Inositol Supplement

How to Choose The Best Inositol Supplements for Fertility, PCOS, Thyroid & More

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

Inositol is a vitamin-like compound found throughout the body, where it plays a significant role in cellular signaling. It’s also used as a supplement to improve fertility, help with PCOS symptoms, support thyroid health, and more. I’ve seen inositol work wonders for my patients when used in combination with other lifestyle changes. The problem is that not all supplements are …

Androgen and Hirsutism in Women

Hirsutism in Women: Causes and Natural Solutions

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

We all have varying amounts of hair on our bodies. What’s considered so-called normal or acceptable can depend on ethnicity, where you live, your own individual genes, and even your own personal preference. But there are cases where extra hair growth indicates something could be out of balance with your hormones and should be investigated by your provider. Hirsutism is …

best supplements for hormonal acne

The 10 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Hormonal Acne

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Herbs & Supplements Leave a Comment

If you deal with hormonal acne, you know how frustrating it can be. People assume that hormonal acne stops after puberty, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many women continue to deal with hormonal acne well into their 20s and 30s and even during perimenopause. There are several reasons people get breakouts, but primarily hormonal acne is related …