What we're talking about it this episode! The phenomenon of women's symptoms being dismissed in medicine Tips on how to get off of birth control in the least painful way Ways to protect and optimize the hormonal integrity of your body Tests and nutrients you want to be discussing with your doctor Why menopause can be more of a stress issue than a hormone issue   Episode Summary: Most women get on hormonal birth control for symptom resolution, yet many doctors view birth control as a ‘one pill fits all’ that is used as a band-aid to cover up the root cause of your symptoms. Dr. Jolene Brighten realized this and took her hormonal expertise to set out and create Beyond the Pill, a book aimed at helping control understand post birth control syndrome and the long term effects associated with hormonal birth control. Today Dr. Brighten is here to shed some light on a topic many women know little about, but which impacts almost all of us. We are diving into everything you need to know about perimenopause, menopause and birth control, plus what symptoms you should be looking for, and more. Learn what post birth control syndrome is, how birth control could be impacting everything from your digestion to liver function, and the best ways to support your blood sugar, and everything in between. If you are currently taking the pill, are suffering from post control backlash or dealing with perimenopause or menopausal symptoms, Dr. Brighten is here to help you create a powerful game plan and get your body back on track. Whether you decide to remain on birth control or not, Dr. Brighten is all about helping you create a safe and optimal health plan. Together we can focus on feeling better right away, learn what our hormones can do for us right now, and how you can change your symptoms for good. Were you aware of the impact that hormonal birth control plays in the function and health of your body? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   Quotes: “Most women don't understand how their menstrual cycle works until much later in life, its something that we really need to start changing in all these conversations” (11:37) “I don't have 20 years to wait around for science to come out with a study to validate what I’m feeling and what I am going through, and I don't think any other woman does either” (15:24) “The secret sauce to transitioning through peri-menopause and into menopause? Love your liver, love your adrenals, and make sure you care for your gut.” (33:25) “All of that information is true, but is it true for you? And that is really the way we need to start framing these conversations.” (34:46)   Resources Mentioned: Download Dr. Brighten’s Free Hormone Balancing Starter Kit Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Brighten’s Website Follow Dr. Brighten on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube EY 004: Dr. Jolene Brighten Register for your Hormone Masterclass Here Pre-Order the Essential Oil Hormone Solution   Other Resources: Check out the full show notes page Keep up with everything Dr. Mariza Follow Dr. Mariza on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube