Today’s guest is the highly-requested hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine – Dr. Jolene Brighten. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and a certified sex counselor. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgemental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. She also wrote Beyond The Pill, which was the first book that introduced me to her work. Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones. On this episode, we discuss the short and long term effects of hormonal birth control, natural birth control alternatives, why women can feel ignored or gaslit by western doctors, how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office, periods – what is normal and what isn’t, tangible lifestyle changes we can make to improve our hormones, suggestions for creating a less harmful environment, fertility for both men and women, seed cycling and how women can benefit during their menstrual phase, and so much more. This conversation brings to light so many important topics that both women AND men can utilize to improve their hormonal health, fertility, and overall quality of life.