Beyond the Pill

Out of the 100 million women—almost 11 million in the United States alone—who are on the pill, roughly 60 percent take it for non-contraceptive reasons like painful periods, endometriosis, PCOS, and acne. While the birth control pill is widely prescribed as a quick-fix solution to a variety of women’s health conditions, taking it can also result in other more serious and dangerous health consequences. Did you know that women on the pill are more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant? That they are at significantly increased risk for autoimmune disease, heart attack, thyroid and adrenal disorders, and even breast and cervical cancer? That the pill can even cause vaginal dryness, unexplained hair loss, flagging libido, extreme fatigue, and chronic infection. As if women didn’t have enough to worry about, that little pill we’re taking to manage our symptoms is only making things worse.

Jolene Brighten, ND, author of the groundbreaking new book BEYOND THE PILL, specializes in treating women’s hormone imbalances caused by the pill and shares her proven 30-day program designed to reverse the myriad of symptoms women experience every day—whether you choose to stay on the pill or not. The first book of its kind to target the birth control pill and the scientifically-proven symptoms associated with taking it, BEYOND THE PILL is an actionable plan for taking control, and will help readers:

• Locate the root cause of their hormonal issues, like estrogen dominance, low testosterone, and low progesterone

• Discover a pain-free, manageable period free of cramps, acne, stress, or PMS without the harmful side effects that come with the pill

• Detox the liver, support the adrenals and thyroid, heal the gut, reverse metabolic mayhem, boost fertility, and enhance mood

• Transition into a nutrition and supplement program, with more than 30 hormone-balancing recipes

Featuring simple diet and lifestyle interventions, BEYOND THE PILL is the first step to reversing the risky side effects of the pill, finally finding hormonal health, and getting your badass self back.

Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is one of the leading experts in women’s medicine and is a pioneer in her exploration of the far-reaching impact of oral contraceptives and the little known side effects that impact health in a large way. After many years of clinical practice, she has developed a unique protocol to support women in preventing and treating Post-Birth Control Pill Syndrome, as well as lowering the risks that the pill has created.

A trained nutritional biochemist and Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Brighten is the founder and Clinic Director at Rubus Health, an integrative women’s medicine clinic with locations in California and Oregon. Dr. Brighten currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her family. She is a certified yoga instructor, daily meditator, urban homesteader, and a mother to one beautiful boy.

“Hormonal birth control is harmful to women’s brains, mitochondria, fertility and health! Dr. Jolene Brighten’s groundbreaking protocol guides you in understanding natural ways to address your hormone symptoms and how to safely transition off of birth control.” — DAVE ASPREY

“Dr. Jolene Brighten is my go to expert for anything related to women’s hormones! Beyond the Pill provides insight and much needed solutions to common issues women on hormonal birth control face. I highly recommend reading this book if you’re on birth control or considering starting.” — IZABELLA WENTZ, PharmD, FASCP, Pharmacist and author of Hashimoto’s Protocol 

Life after birth control does not need to be complete hormonal hell of feeling exhausted, breaking out, gaining weight uncontrollably, or losing your libido for good. Dr. Brighten gives you the exact, easy to follow steps to recover your body, reclaim your hormones and get back to your normal. — JJ VIRGIN

“Whether you’re on the pill, recently off of it, or off of it for many years, the tools and information in this book will guide you through transforming your health, step by step. This is now the go-to resource that women will use to take back their hormonal health.” — DIANE SANFILIPPO, Certified Nutrition Consultant and New York Times bestselling author of Practical Paleo, The 21-Day Sugar Detox, and Keto Quick Start

“Dr. Brighten’s comprehensive patient guide details the long term side effects and consequences that come with popping that daily pill. I highly recommend you read Beyond the Pill if you’re considering starting birth control or have already been prescribed it.” — KELLY BROGAN, MD

“Groundbreaking solutions for the common hormonal struggles women face both on and off birth control. [Dr. Brighten’s] words are uplifting, inspiring and empower women to honor their body...a must read book to help take control of your hormones naturally.”   — AMY MEDLING, Founder of PCOS Diva and author of Healing PCOS

“This is the book I wish I had 5 years ago when I was contemplating coming off birth control. Dr. Brighten’s signature blend of smart, savvy advice plus a dash of sass is the answer to your question, ‘What is there for me beyond the pill?’” — STEPH GAUDREAU

“This detailed work unpacks the problems with hormonal birth control and gives women real and actionable ways to help their bodies recover and thrive!” — KATIE WELLS, Founder of WellnessMama.com

“Beyond the Pill is an extraordinary 30 day program for your period, mood, fertility and missing libido. Dr. Jolene Brighten is leading the way in women’s medicine with her innovative approach to hormones and getting off of birth control. This is a must read for every woman!” — DANA TRENTINI, MA, EdM

“Beyond the Pill is THE book to detail the impact of hormonal birth control on women. Every woman must read this if and when she uses birth control. The consequences are too great if not read. Protect your future child - and your own health. Read this book!” — DR. BEN LYNCH, bestselling author of Dirty Genes

“If you or a loved one has taken oral contraceptives, please read Beyond the Pill immediately. Dr. Brighten has singlehandedly created awareness of the profound effects contraceptives can have on your health.” — DR. ALAN CHRISTIANSON, New York Times bestselling author of The Adrenal Reset Diet and The Metabolism Reset Diet

“Beyond the Pill is a book every mother should gift her daughter, for every daughter to read and pass it on to another woman. Even though the unravelling side effects of birth control are troubling, the book empowers with protocols to naturally regain our womanhood, and periods.” — MAGDALENA WSZELAKI, Author of Cooking for Hormone Balance and founder of www.HormonesBalance.com

“As a PCOS advocate, I highly recommend Beyond the Pill if you’re considering taking birth control or transitioning off. Dr. Brighten has provided the most comprehensive patient guide regarding birth control. Before you start, continue, or stop birth control you need to read this book.” — DR. FIONA MCCULLOCH, Bestselling author of 8 Steps to Reverse PCOS

“Dr. Brighten’s book Beyond the Pill is a beacon of hope for every woman searching for a way off hormonal birth control. Written by a doctor who really knows her stuff, it’s a must-read in this important time of change for women’s health.” — DR. LARA BRIDEN, Bestselling author of Period Repair Manual

“An innovative approach to women’s hormone health! You do not need to depend on hormonal birth control to optimize your hormones. You can begin to transform your hormones and live a better life with the protocols in Beyond the Pill.” — AMY MYERS MD, Author of the New York Times bestsellers The Autoimmune Solution and The Thyroid Connection

“As a functional medicine practitioner, I have seen the havoc birth control pills can wreak on a women’s health. Dr. Brighten steps up with this stellar, practical guide and takes the guesswork out by delivering an easy to follow 30 day protocol to start reclaiming your health.” — DR. WILL COLE, Leading functional medicine expert and author of Ketotarian

-