Nettle Root for PCOS

Benefits of Nettle Root for PCOS Symptoms

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Herbs & Supplements, PCOS Leave a Comment

Nettle root is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it’s one of my favorite potent botanicals for hormone balance. Let’s dig into how nettle root can help with PCOS symptoms by managing androgens (and a few other supplements to try that only add to its effectiveness). Public awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) continues …

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 …

Brain Health and Hormone Balance

Connection Between Brain Health and Hormone Balance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Brain Health, Mood & Emotions Leave a Comment

The brain produces hormones and responds to hormones in the blood. When there is a hormone imbalance, it affects the brain. And, conversely, when brain health is compromised, it affects hormone levels. A healthy brain and hormone balance go hand in hand. We might only think about brain health when we get older and experience changes in memory or cognition. …

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 …

High Cortisol Levels and Cognitive Function

The Connection Between High Cortisol Levels and Cognitive Function

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Brain Health, Mood & Emotions, Stress Reduction Leave a Comment

Cortisol, the primary stress hormone released when your body perceives a threat, is essential for survival. In small doses, cortisol has beneficial effects, like waking you up in the morning, supporting energy, and helping the body deal with stress. The problem is that high cortisol levels over a prolonged period can lead to adverse health consequences, both physically and mentally. …

Sleep problems and your period

Sleep Problems Before and During Your Period

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, Sleep Leave a Comment

Insomnia and sleep problems are pervasive in our culture, but did you know that women are more likely to experience poor sleep than men? The changes in female hormones through the menstrual cycle influence sleep patterns and may explain why sleep becomes more challenging for many women before or during their period.   Moreover, those with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual …

what is vaginal steaming

What is Vaginal Steaming? Steaming Benefits Vs. Safety

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Cycle Self Care™, Mind-Body, Wellbeing Leave a Comment

Are you curious about vaginal steaming? With deep cultural roots, vaginal steaming is an ancient practice that has recently become popular. Proponents of vaginal steaming claim it’s a “cure” for PMS, infertility, hormone imbalances, and more, but are these claims valid? And is it safe?  We all know the importance of self-care. This article will dive into vaginal steaming as …

Best Sleep Supplements

10 Best Sleep Supplements Besides Melatonin

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Herbs & Supplements, Sleep, Wellbeing Leave a Comment

Poor sleep affects all aspects of life and health. You’ve likely noticed how even one night of poor sleep affects your mood, energy, and hunger the following day. When poor sleep becomes chronic, the days can feel impossible to get through.  Sleep is critical for learning, memory, metabolic health, healthy aging, hormone balance, and overall health. When you’re snoozing, it …

How Women Can Reduce Holiday Stress and Burnout

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

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 …