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 …
Do you find it hard to drift off to sleep, frequently grapple with PMS symptoms, or regularly face headaches and constipation? These concerns could all be signaling that your magnesium levels are lower than ideal. Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, from regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure to supporting muscle …
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 …
Insomnia and sleep problems are pervasive in our culture, but did you know that women are more likely to experience poor sleep than men? The changes in female hormones through the menstrual cycle influence sleep patterns and may explain why sleep becomes more challenging for many women before or during their period. Moreover, those with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual …
Poor sleep affects all aspects of life and health. You’ve likely noticed how even one night of poor sleep affects your mood, energy, and hunger the following day. When poor sleep becomes chronic, the days can feel impossible to get through. Sleep is critical for learning, memory, metabolic health, healthy aging, hormone balance, and overall health. When you’re snoozing, it …
Time with family, holiday lights, special food, and fun drinks are some of the many things we love about the holidays. But let’s be honest: The holidays can be more than stressful. The pressure to make everything “perfect,” plus extra get-togethers, travel, and gift-giving, can all add up. For women, who tend to do it all, the holidays can be …
Most people know melatonin as a supplement to help you sleep with bonus antioxidant benefits. It has a reputation for being safe and effective. But is it bad to take melatonin every night? In this article, we’ll look at naturally occurring melatonin, the safety of melatonin supplements, and alternative non-drug sleep enhancing options. What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally occurring …
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 …
