Is This Normal?: Judgment Free Straight Talk about Women's Health and Hormones

I think every woman should read this book. Men too- if they want to understand women better. Dr Jolene Brighton is one of my favorite female doctors to follow. This books explains so much that we weren’t told as women. Makes you feel less alone, more understood, and “normal” with what you go through as a woman. I’m a fitness coach and have also gotten a lot of valuable info for my clients.

Where was this book when I was growing up? I could have used it in high school. Not only did it answer all the questions I have, it also answered the questions I didn’t know I had. The information is far from basic, without being overly clinical/sterile. It is a wonder none of this is taught in basic health classes. I appreciate the author’s charts, tables, checklists, quizzes, and all the visual aids she provided to make this easy to understand and relevant to me, rather than just a bunch of interesting facts. And yes, it has a ton of interesting facts. But what I found most helpful was the guidance on my hormones. I appreciate it isn’t just a medication or supplement only book and instead, the author gives many easily accessible food and lifestyle tools to balance hormones. I also think the libido information is a must know by everyone. I found myself saying yes out loud numerous times because it felt like she was speaking just to me. I’ll be telling everyone about this book and will definitely be re-reading sections of it, maybe even out loud to my partner.

This is one of those great books that break the taboo and talk freely about the female body, and it is a fun read to boost! I found the 2nd chapter particularly unique as it deep dives into a woman’s cycle and hormones. The cool quizzes allow you to pinpoint your own issues or imbalances, which the next chapter then gives very specific instructions on how to fix them by walking you through the lifestyle, nutrition and supplement (and dosage) adjustments you need to make. So whether you experience acne, high stress, migraines, perimenopause, etc., it gives you specific ways to address that particular issue, which I found very useful… And I also loved the recipes I tried so far. Can't wait to try the rest! Definitely recommend the book!

This book lives up to its promise in providing non-judgmental and medically accurate information. Unlike most of the information you’ll find out there, the author presents unbiased, helpful, and scientifically backed answers to almost any question you could have. There’s easily hundreds of studies cited. The author is board certified, a sex counselor, and a nutrition scientist. I believe it’s this trifecta of education that makes the book accessible to just about anyone with solutions that actually work to help create balanced hormones or more pleasure, as the author claims. I did find some information lacking, which I’ll share, but overall I would still recommend it. Pros: Charts that provide exact guidance on what to do about hormone symptoms. Supplement dosages are clearly explained and she cites the research on many of them. Lots of quizzes for various conditions so you can check your own symptoms and get help. Very thorough discussion of libido that includes hormones (many popular books haven’t discussed hormones this in depth). Images to help you digest complex information. Journal exercises during the program that give you a clear picture of what is normal for you and how to make improvements. Loads of information on orgasm, including the orgasm gap. I was equal parts blushing and fascinated by this chapter. Cons: There is very little information about hormone replacement therapy. I would have liked to see a protocol on ideal medication dosing. There aren't any recipes in the book, although the author does provide a digital cookbook that does include 4 weeks of recipes and guidance on how to eat for your cycle. I’ve never seen this done before and imagine it is because if they included the recipes the book would be far too big to hold. This may not be a con overall, but it is something I’m not used to. Recommendation: I would recommend this and have told many of my friends about it already. I could see this being part of a college curriculum or a course about women’s health. And at the same time, it’s a really easy and enjoyable read. The author has struck a balance between engaging writing and the scientific facts, which is not an easy feat.

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a leading hormone expert who passionately advocates for women to have the knowledge and tools to feel their best. While many doctors dismiss women’s concerns as normal, Dr. Brighten provides insight on the root cause of the most common (and sometimes least talked about) hormone issues women face. In this book she offers comprehensive guidance on how to restore a healthy cycle, optimize your hormones, and get the pleasure you deserve. If you are struggling with your libido, hormones or periods, or simply have questions about what's normal, this book is for you! I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book and am delighted to endorse and recommend it!

I pre-ordered Dr. Brighten’s book and it was delivered on the day of my hysteroscopy and laparoscopy surgery when I found out I had endometriosis, a fibroid, adhesions, and uterine polyps. Everything was removed. This is the book that I’ve always wanted and needed. Dr. Jolene Brighten is very thorough in everything and offers suggestions as well. The book has checklists or quizzes to help you determine what is going on and then you can bring it to your doctor. I love the 28 day plan as well. Thank you so much for writing this book, Dr. Brighten. You need to order this book.

I wish I had a hundred lives so I could recommend this book enough!!!!! Every single woman should read this! It has some medical terminology but Dr. Brighten is the best at explaining them so everyone can understand. This book is the best to understand our bodies the best way possible. Absolutely a must read for anyone!

ganz gutes buch, aber wenn man sich mit dem thema schon etwas auseinandergesetzt hat, dann steht wenig neues drinnen.

The program is accessible, easy to implement, and really works. I’ve only been at it for 3 weeks and for the first time in my life, my period cramps were manageable, and I didn’t have the extreme moods that I usually do. I couldn’t believe how effective the protocol was and how quickly it worked. I used the cycle symptom relief protocols (these are all the way in the back) for PMS and cramps. They were really effective. I also downloaded the free cookbook the author gave in the program. I followed it about 70% of the time. The recipes are not complicated and they are really delicious. And I love that she included chocolate desserts too, because not only are they some of my favorite, it made this feel like a practical and enjoyable plan. If you’re on the fence about this book, I’d say, it is definitely worth getting. I’ve learned more about my body in this one book than in all my internet searches. Here’s some of what I found helpful. Pros: - Very clear hormone balancing guidelines. - It works! The program works and this is the first time I’ve been able to be successful with a health book. - The author breaks down the menstrual cycle to help you understand why you have symptoms and then tells you exactly how to correct them. - Lots of thyroid and adrenal info. - You can skip around and not have to read the whole thing. Cons: - The Cycle Symptom Relief chart I mentioned is way too valuable to be all the way in the back. She should move it to earlier in the book. - I would have liked to have seen one for the meal plate she describes in the program. That being said, there are a lot of diagrams in the book that I think were incredibly well thought out and really helped me understand things even better. - PMDD isn’t listed in the index, but instead, it is listed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Not everyone knows what PMDD means, so I think it would be helpful to have it listed both ways.

I loved this book!! Everything in this book is written in such accessible language and makes navigating health so much easier. I really appreciate the way Dr. Jolene has organized the book as she provides "need to know" information, while providing guides and protocols to support you in areas of concern in your own life. I find that I am going always going back to this book as a reference day to day.

Product exactly as described.