best supplements for hormonal acne

The 10 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Hormonal Acne

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

If you deal with hormonal acne, you know how frustrating it can be. People assume that hormonal acne stops after puberty, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many women continue to deal with hormonal acne well into their 20s and 30s and even during perimenopause. There are several reasons people get breakouts, but primarily hormonal acne is related …

Endometriosis and Fertility

Getting Pregnant with Endometriosis

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Endometriosis, Fertility Leave a Comment

Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue that shares similarities with what lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. It’s hard for people who don’t live with endometriosis to understand just how debilitating and even isolating the condition can be. Yes, some people have more mild cases and less pain, but for many women with endometriosis, …

Can your Period Trigger IBS?

Can Menstrual Cycles Affect IBS? Yes. Here’s How to Feel Better

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Digestion, IBS & IBD, Menstrual Cycle Leave a Comment

If you’ve noticed your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms get worse around your period, you aren’t alone. Even women without IBS can experience gastrointestinal discomfort during their menstrual cycle.  So if you suffer from IBS, things can get even worse during your period. Bloating, cramping, diarrhea (hello period poops) are all symptoms of IBS in women that can be exacerbated …

Want to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally? Things to Try Before Birth Control

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Balancing Your Hormones, Post-Birth Control Acne Leave a Comment

If you make an appointment to see your doctor about hormonal acne, chances are you’ll leave with a prescription for birth control. Hormonal birth control is a go-to for hormonal acne, but the truth is that it comes with its own set of side effects and it doesn’t always work.. I often get requests from patients, readers and social media …

Gut Health and Your Menstrual Cycle: What Women Need to Know

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Digestion, Leaky Gut, Menstrual Cycle Leave a Comment

Your microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your body, mostly in your large intestine and skin. These guests (and their genes) play a huge role all throughout the body, including digestion, immunity, and even your mood. Your gut microbiome takes cues from your hormones and can even influence your menstrual cycles. What Does Your …

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 …

How to Address Hormonal Acne With Changes to Your Diet

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Sex Hormones Leave a Comment

Many women deal with hormonal acne caused by changes in the body’s hormonal balance. While common, I know it can be incredibly frustrating and impact your self-esteem and confidence. There are many treatments for acne, but I’ve found that a few diet changes can significantly improve symptoms. The food we eat directly impacts our hormones, including those that trigger acne. …

Toxic Shock Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle Leave a Comment

If you were taught never to leave your tampon in for too long, it’s because of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Toxic shock is a bacterial infection that can be life-threatening. It’s linked to period products, although it can happen for other reasons too. Even though it’s rare, understanding why TSS happens is important, and I think more education is needed. …