What Causes Rosacea on Face

What Causes Rosacea on Face: Treating Rosacea Naturally

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Acne, Balancing Your Hormones, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Sex Hormones, The Pill Leave a Comment

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects the face and sometimes the eyes, as well. While not a debilitating condition, it can impact an individual’s confidence and mental health when struggling with persistent red, irritated skin. It’s common for rosacea on face, chest, neck, and ears to be associated with anxiety and depression, as we’ll discuss. We’ve known …

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 Leave a Comment

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 …

Symptoms of High or Low SHBG Levels

Symptoms of High or Low SHBG Levels, and How to Change It

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Sex Hormones, Sex Hormones Leave a Comment

Hormones are central to health. They can either act like the conductors of an orchestra, leading to a harmony of health and well-being, or they can create a cacophony of chaos. Women’s health experts primarily focus on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, but they aren’t the only hormones at play. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a hormone that sits in the …

Testosterone, HRT, and Low Libido in Women

Does Testosterone Hormonal Replacement Improve Libido

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Libido, Sex Hormones, Sexual Health Leave a Comment

It’s often said that a strong libido is a sign of health and vitality—yet one-third of women report low sexual desire. But what does “strong” mean anyways? In this article, we’re going to talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and just what might be the cause of your disinterest in getting down with your partner. Like many women’s health issues, …

Androgen and Hirsutism in Women

Hirsutism in Women: Causes and Natural Solutions

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Adrenal, PCOS, Sex Hormones Leave a Comment

We all have varying amounts of hair on our bodies. What’s considered so-called normal or acceptable can depend on ethnicity, where you live, your own individual genes, and even your own personal preference. But there are cases where extra hair growth indicates something could be out of balance with your hormones and should be investigated by your provider. Hirsutism is …

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. …

hungry before period

Why Am I So Hungry On My Period?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Exercise, Menstrual Cycle, Period, Sex Hormones, Sleep, Stress Reduction Leave a Comment

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 …

How to Balance Hormones with a Holistic Detox

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Sex Hormones Leave a Comment

Anyone looking to balance hormones has tried a diet (or maybe 5) to help them get their hormones back on track. However, balancing your hormones with diet alone might not be getting you the results you really need. That’s where a holistic detox comes in! Different to a normal detox, holistic detoxes incorporate more than just your diet and nutritional …