Author and women's health naturopathic doctor Dr. Jolene Brighten is an expert in hormonal birth control. She completes her 2-part series by revealing the effects that the pill can have on your brain, mood, and energy levels, plus how you can take back your health! Listen as Dr. Brighten explains how hormonal birth control can deplete certain nutrients and wreak havoc on your body, including the impact it can have on your gut microbiome, thyroid, and cortisol levels. Dr. Brighten also shares the lab tests you should be asking for if you're struggling with brain fog and fatigue, as well as the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. And be sure to grab Dr. Brighten's free guide on what to eat to optimize your hormones so you can get back on track and feel like yourself again!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Jolene Brighten’s free “What to Eat to Optimize Your Hormones” guide by going to JJVirgin.com/pbcs.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Hormonal birth control can deplete certain nutrients, including CoQ10. If you don’t have enough CoQ10, your body can’t make energy. If you’re struggling with brain fog and fatigue, certain lab tests can be helpful. These include a comprehensive thyroid panel, including thyroid antibodies, as well as testing cortisol, DHEA-sulfate, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels. A recent study done on 1 million women found that women were more likely to be diagnosed with depression after being on hormonal birth control. Results showed that women who used combination birth control pills were 23% more likely to be prescribed antidepressants.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:56] Introduction to today’s topic [2:40] Dr. Jolene Brighten’s career briefing [4:35] Listener shout-out [7:00] Is brain fog a new thing? [7:42] Hormonal birth control depletes CoQ10. [8:00] The impact of hormonal birth control on thyroid and cortisol levels. [8:30] The connection between hormonal birth control, insulin resistance, and dementia [9:55] There are steps you can take to banish brain fog and feel like yourself again.  [11:37] Hormonal birth control can disrupt your gut microbiome and trigger leaky gut. [12:50] If you're struggling with fatigue and brain fog, it's important to get your thyroid function tested. [14:30] The different types of cortisol testing [15:40] Other lab tests that Dr. Brighten recommends: DHEA-sulfate, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels [17:05] Direct-to-consumer lab testing [17:30] Why it’s key to take your health into your own hands [22:56] The effects that hormonal birth control can have on your mood [21:03] Hormonal birth control has been shown to raise levels of C-reactive protein. [25:07] What’s the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones? [27:17] Bioidentical hormones act with your body. [28:45] The role of testosterone in women [29:46] DHEA is an anti-aging hormone. [32:02] What’s included in Dr. Brighten’s free guide [34:01] Want a better quality of sleep while also calming your brain? Try JJ’s Sleep Candy! [34:25] Listener’s question: I feel like I eat healthy, but I still have higher blood sugar levels. What can I do? [36:50] The trifecta for blood sugar balance is protein, fiber, and healthy fats. [37:50] How stress can affect your blood sugar levels   Mentioned in this episode: Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body, and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill, by Jolene Brighten Institute for Functional Medicine - Find a Practitioner Julva Cream by Dr. Anna Cabeca Lab testing through Dr. Alan and Amy Beth Hopkins JJ Virgin Sleep Candy You Are Stronger Than You Think Blood Sugar 101: JJ’s podcast with Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube