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 …

low-dose naltrexone

Low-Dose Naltrexone for Women’s Health: Benefits for Hormones, Autoimmunity, and Chronic Pain

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

When we talk about game-changing therapies for women’s health, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is one you need to know about. But what exactly is low-dose naltrexone, and how can it support your hormones and immunity and also potentially ease chronic pain management?  In my practice, we seek to use the least invasive and most effective strategies for healing. You’ll find me …

Thyroid medications

Thyroid Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Levothyroxine is the most common thyroid medication to treat hypothyroidism, but as you’ll learn in this article, there are several other thyroid medication options. As a board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, I have found that patients can respond differently to thyroid medication, which means what works for one person, may not work for another. Thyroid function is critical to overall health. …

Selenium Benefits for Hormones and Thyroid

Selenium Benefits For Hormones and Thyroid Health

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Herbs & Supplements, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

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 …

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 …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

High Prolactin Level Symptoms & Solutions

Causes of Elevated Prolactin Levels in Women

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

Prolactin is one of the less talked about hormones, but it’s critical for both men and women. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and helps with sexual function, fertility, and lactation. While prolactin levels can fluctuate, they should generally be lower in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Elevated prolactin levels can cause several issues, including problems with …

Inositol Supplements for PCOS

Why Inositol Should be Part of Your Plan for PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Millions of women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—up to 20 percent worldwide1. And often I hear from patients and readers looking for options in managing their PCOS. This is one reason why supplements like inositol are growing in popularity. Inositol, often called vitamin B8 (although it’s actually not a vitamin because the body can make it), is found …

Best nutrients thyroid

The Best Supplements and Nutrients for Thyroid Support

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Thyroid disorders affect an estimated 20 million Americans1, and women are up to eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. Many of you know that I have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism myself. I’ve tried just about every natural remedy and supplement to help my thyroid function better. I have seen first-hand how vital nutrition and specific nutrients are …