Thyroid Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Levothyroxine is the most common thyroid medication to treat hypothyroidism, but as you’ll learn in this article, there are several other thyroid medication options. As a board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, I have found that patients can respond differently to thyroid medication, which means what works for one person, may not work for another. Thyroid function is critical to overall health. …

Selenium Benefits for Hormones and Thyroid

Selenium Benefits For Hormones and Thyroid Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Herbs & Supplements, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Selenium is a trace mineral essential for fertility, thyroid health, and pregnancy. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your heart and mental health. While it’s found in food, not everyone gets enough selenium from diet alone. It’s incredibly important for women’s health, but not everyone knows about it. Here’s what to know about selenium and why it’s vital …

Balancing Hormones for Weight Loss

Why Eat Less and Exercise More is Bad Advice for Women

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, PCOS, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance, Weight Loss Leave a Comment

You’re not alone if you feel like your weight loss journey comes with an extra burden of guilt—from every angle, someone is telling you you’re doing something wrong. You’re eating too much. You’re not eating enough of the right foods. You’re not exercising enough. You must not be motivated enough.  The list goes on.  And while there are a million …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

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

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

High Prolactin Level Symptoms & Solutions

Causes of Elevated Prolactin Levels in Women

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

Prolactin is one of the less talked about hormones, but it’s critical for both men and women. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and helps with sexual function, fertility, and lactation. While prolactin levels can fluctuate, they should generally be lower in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Elevated prolactin levels can cause several issues, including problems with …

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 …

The Best Supplements and Nutrients for Thyroid Support

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

Thyroid disorders affect an estimated 20 million Americans, and women are up to eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. Many of you know that I have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism myself. I’ve tried just about every natural remedy and supplement to help my thyroid function better. I have seen first-hand how vital nutrition and specific nutrients are …

Keto for Women: The Risks, Benefits, and How It Impacts Hormones

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

Questions about the keto diet fill my inbox and DMs daily, so it’s time to get the facts straight. The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, very-low-carb diet that shifts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body uses fat instead of carbs for energy. If you follow the research, the health benefits of keto are pretty …