Have you ever shopped for a personal lubricant before? The choices can be confusing and overwhelming. There are so many different types and different advantages of each kind of lube. How are you supposed to choose? And what to avoid in a lube can feel confusing too. I’ve decided to do a breakdown of personal lubricants to cut through all …
Before you throw on a swimsuit and grab your sunglasses for a day of sunbathing, there’s an important step you should not skip: applying sunscreen. I see an eye roll coming and maybe even the common excuse I hear from my patients, “there’s no hormone safe sunscreen,” so let me explain. While sunscreen can be an annoying part of the …
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 …
Estrogen is probably the most talked-about hormone in the female health world. It takes the blame for everything from acne to mood swings, but it also has an important job to do, especially during pregnancy. Throughout one pregnancy, a woman can produce more estrogen than she will over the rest of her life. This powerhouse hormone is essential in preparing …
Serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is one of the most talked-about neurotransmitters– molecules that help your nervous system communicate. You may know it as “the happy molecule” because of its role in regulating happiness, anxiety, and mood. The best-known indicators of low serotonin include depression and anxiety, but it plays a larger role in the body1 as well. …
Let’s face it, everyone has trouble on their periods. Even if you tell yourself your periods aren’t as bad as other peoples, it still doesn’t mean they are an enjoyable experience. Cramps, mood swings and the general flow of blood just aren’t pleasant. Period. Sure, there are ways you can combat period problems, but until you’ve figured out the key …
Rhodiola rosea is an herb known for increasing energy, improving mental and physical stamina, and for building resilience to stress. While Rhodiola may be one of those herbs that you may not have heard of — yet. But it is a versatile and powerful tool and rhodiola benefits in improving hormonal health. From helping the body adapt to stress via …
Hormones. It’s easy to blame them for everything, from mood swings to food cravings to those extra pounds that don’t quite make sense. While weight fluctuation can be totally normal and healthy, truly unexplained weight gain can point to a hormone imbalance and might be your body’s way of asking for extra help. If weight loss is a goal, it’s …