adrenal pcos

Adrenal PCOS: Holistic Strategies to Manage Stress and PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, PCOS, Stress Reduction, Wellbeing

As many as 30% of those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have elevated levels of DHEA-S due to adrenal androgen excess. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women, with some estimates stating up to 70% of women remain undiagnosed1.  Adrenal PCOS Symptoms include: In addition, upwards of 70% of those with PCOS struggle with insulin …

HPA axis dysfunction

What is HPA Axis Dysfunction + 7 Steps to Heal HPA-D

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal

If you haven’t heard the term “adrenal fatigue,”it is a common way people describe the symptoms that are a result of something called HPA axis dysfunction. While it can feel like an accurate way to describe how you’re feeling, “adrenal fatigue” isn’t a true medical diagnosis. Instead, what you’ll find in the research is the term HPA axis dysfunction, and …

Holy Basil Benefits

Holy Basil Benefits & Hormonal Balance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Sleep

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 …

Benefits of Passionflower for Anxiety

Benefits of Passionflower: How to Calm Anxiety

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Brain Health, Wellbeing

Passionflower is an herb that has been used for centuries to support a calm state in the nervous system. It is well tolerated by most and has a low side effect profile, making it an ideal gentle herb to create a sense of peace in the body.    Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herbal medicine used to support a healthy emotional …

What Does DHEA do in the Body

What Does DHEA Do And When Should You Take It?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Balancing Your Hormones, Sex Hormones, Sex Hormones, Side Effects

When talking about cyclical hormones, estrogen is the star of the show, but did you know you need DHEA to make estrogen? DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body and is required for both estrogen and testosterone production.  If DHEA levels are low, you might notice low libido, fatigue, and other symptoms of low sex hormones. Low …

Balancing Hormones for Weight Loss - hypothyroidism

Why Eat Less and Exercise More is Bad Advice for Women

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

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 …

Low Testosterone in Women

Low Testosterone in Women and How to Increase T Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Balancing Your Hormones, Sex Hormones

Does the word testosterone make you think about bulging muscles, mega competitiveness, and aggressiveness? If so, you’re not alone. Testosterone is often considered a “male” hormone, but in fact, it is critical for women’s health. Testosterone is an androgen involved in sexual desire, arousal, bone density, immunity, and muscle mass. This hormone also affects mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. …

Adrenal Glands Holiday Stress

How Women Can Reduce Holiday Stress and Burnout

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Balancing Your Hormones, Sleep, Stress Reduction

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 …

Difference between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism

Adrenal Fatigue vs. Low Thyroid: How to Tell the Difference

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, Thyroid

Hands up if this sounds familiar: You feel exhausted, but you can’t sleep. Your weight is creeping up, but you don’t have the energy to work out or cook. You’re irritable and anxious, and you’re noticing more hair on the bathroom floor. It could be adrenal fatigue or low thyroid or… both. But how can you tell the difference? Adrenal …