When to Take Progesterone for Perimenopause

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feeling like your body and mood are shifting, you’re not imagining things. Perimenopause can be a confusing time—one that causes a lot of shifts in how you feel, even when your labs seem “normal.” And the question of when to take progesterone for perimenopause is a common one many women are …

shbg hormone levels

SHBG Hormone Levels: How Diet, Lifestyle, and Supplements Influence This Overlooked Hormone Marker

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones

If you’ve ever felt like your hormone lab results were “normal,” yet your symptoms—fatigue, acne, low libido, mood swings— screamed otherwise, then you’re not imagining things. One key piece that’s often missing from the reproductive health conversation is SHBG, or sex hormone-binding globulin. This under-the-radar protein has a powerful impact on how your hormones behave, and it’s time we start …

What Is the Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones

As women reach their 50s and beyond, their nutritional needs shift1. Hormonal changes, a slower metabolism, and a greater focus on bone health, cardiovascular support, and cognitive function all mean that choosing the right multivitamin for women over 50 is more important than ever.  With so many supplement options on the market, how do you know what is the best …

Does Endometriosis Go Away After Menopause? Here’s the Truth

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Endometriosis, Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause/ Menopause

There’s a common belief that menopause “cures” endometriosis. No more periods = no more pain, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While some women do experience symptom relief after menopause, others continue to struggle with endometriosis after menopause-related pain. In some cases, endo symptoms can even get worse during the menopausal transition. In this article, we’ll unpack what really …

Vitamin B Complex Vitamins

How to Choose the Best Vitamin B Complex Vitamins

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Thyroid & Hormone Balance, Wellbeing

B vitamins are such an important part of keeping your body functioning at its best. These essential vitamins (of which there are eight) help turn the food you eat into energy, support your brain health, and even contribute to glowing skin and healthy hair. They’re also essential for producing red blood cells, which keep you feeling strong and energized.  Let’s …

Perimenopause sleep issues

Why Can’t I Sleep? The Real Reasons for Perimenopause Sleep Issues (and What Actually Helps)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Sleep

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 …

Chromium for Weight Loss

Chromium for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Balance: Benefits, Dosage, and Best Pairings

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Weight Loss

When it comes to supporting your metabolism, stabilizing your blood sugar, and managing cravings, chromium may be one of the most underrated minerals in the conversation.  Most people don’t realize how important this trace mineral is for balancing insulin, curbing sugar cravings, and promoting healthy weight management. Chromium can be especially helpful for women navigating hormonal shifts—including perimenopause, menopause, or …

histamine intolerance

Histamine Intolerance: What It Is & What to Do About It

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Digestion, Gut-Hormone Connection

Have you ever experienced headaches, skin rashes, or digestive issues after eating certain foods? Or maybe you’ve noticed that some days you feel more flushed or anxious than usual, especially after consuming alcohol, spicy foods, or other common “triggers” like cured meats and cheeses. If so, you could be dealing with histamine intolerance, a common condition that affects women’s health …

best iodine supplements

Best Iodine Supplement: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Iodine is one of those essential nutrients that doesn’t get enough attention—but it should. This trace mineral is critical for thyroid function, hormone balance, and overall metabolic and reproductive health.  Without enough iodine in your diet or supplement routine, you can struggle with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and even hormone imbalances. For women in particular, iodine is needed to …