Hormones are central to health. They can either act like the conductors of an orchestra, leading to a harmony of health and well-being, or they can create a cacophony of chaos. Women’s health experts primarily focus on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, but they aren’t the only hormones at play. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a hormone that sits in the …
It’s often said that a strong libido is a sign of health and vitality—yet one-third of women report low sexual desire. But what does “strong” mean anyways? In this article, we’re going to talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and just what might be the cause of your disinterest in getting down with your partner. Like many women’s health issues, …
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 …
Many women deal with hormonal acne caused by changes in the body’s hormonal balance. While common, I know it can be incredibly frustrating and impact your self-esteem and confidence. There are many treatments for acne, but I’ve found that a few diet changes can significantly improve symptoms. The food we eat directly impacts our hormones, including those that trigger acne. …
Breast cancer isn’t exactly a topic any of us wants to discuss, but we need to. It’s so common that about 1 out of every 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. With these numbers, it’s no surprise that many of us have been directly impacted by the diagnosis. It also means we have …
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 …
Anyone looking to balance hormones has tried a diet (or maybe 5) to help them get their hormones back on track. However, balancing your hormones with diet alone might not be getting you the results you really need. That’s where a holistic detox comes in! Different to a normal detox, holistic detoxes incorporate more than just your diet and nutritional …
Maca is an herb that has long been used in women’s health to increase energy, boost libido, and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes. Adaptogens are gaining steam in the health and wellness realm, as more and more people are learning how these herbs (many of which have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years) can bring balance …
Looking for better hair, skin, and nails? Biotin is hands down one of the best nutrients to help with strong nails, healthy skin, and luscious locks. But there is a whole lot more to biotin than just looks. Biotin (vitamin B7) is one of the eight B vitamins. It is an essential nutrient with myriad functions in the body. Today, …