Book Report- Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten

Here we are!  As I promised you last week, this is my very first FRICKin Good Life book report. I made it especially for you. I hope you like it :)

Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten

When it comes to books like this in the health and wellness space, my general recommendation is to take everything with a grain of salt. The authors who write books like these are passionate about their topics, and often come across as preaching “one right way” to do things. As a wellness professional myself, I know that there is no one “right way” or “one size fits all.” Whether its nutrient workouts, supplements, or the birth control pill.

When I picked up the book, I quickly realized it wasn’t going to be the read I was expecting. First, her tone is very laid back and conversational. Not at all what you would expect from a health practitioner. However, the tone made the book much more readable, especially in places where it gets a bit “science-y.”

I also realized while Dr. Brighten says she’s not anti-pill but pro-informed consent (“doctors giving you all the information you need to consent to taking birth control”) that it’s not a surprise the original title to the book was “Ditch the Pill.” The stories and research she shares throughout the book are pretty anti-pill, and quite frankly can seem a bit scary if you either currently take or have previously taken hormonal birth control. On the other hand, she does give information throughout the book on how to support yourself if you are still on (or plan on staying on) the pill.

The best part about the book was that it really made me stop and think about the fact that we use the same hormonal birth control pill to solve so many women's health "issues." While I've always known that the pill is prescribed for everything from acne to heavy bleeding; monthly regulation to (well obviously) avoiding pregnancy, I never stopped to wonder why one drug is used for all of these things. 

I’d say the biggest critique of the book from many people probably will be that throughout the book Brighten talks a lot about supplementation. More than that, it’s the fact that she gently (and not so gently) pushes her supplement line, which I have mixed feelings about. 

 First, supplements aren't regulated in any way, and if good supplementation is important to you, it can be difficult to figure out which supplement is good, and which is not so good. (Side note- I use labdoor.com as one of my go-to resources anytime I'm buying a new supplement).  Many functional doctors have their preferred brand of supplements, and yes, some offer their own lines like Dr. Brighten does. 

 Second, yes, she wrote the book. It was her work and research and years of medical study that has gone into what she has just shared for whatever kickback she gets from book sales (which, while I'm not an author, I'm guessing isn't enough to pay for a medical degree). I like supporting people who give their hard-earned knowledge away for free or close to free. Which is also why I like supporting my favorite podcasters by buying through their affiliate links (but now I'm straying from topic). Needless to say, she's presenting a problem and a potential solution, so I see no reason to be upset about that. 

On the other hand, sometimes it seems like her supplements are the only option, which of course, they are not. 

My recommendation? If you're planning on supplementing, do your own research. Check with functional doctors in your area, and do what's best for you. 

While I say that the supplementation issue will probably be many people’s biggest complaint, I personally am not jumping up and down about the quizzes or the protocol. I don’t love how generic the quizzes are as you can easily end up in multiple different categories, which can make things even more confusing. That being said, I realize that a book cannot give you a diagnosis. As for the protocol, same thing. It’s not a bad place to start, but it’s also not going to work for absolutely everyone. As I've mentioned before, I'm not a fan of one-size fits all. However, I will totally be making some of the recipes ;) 

Moral of the story: It’s easy to read, and has lots of really great information. However, don’t let it freak you out. Apply what feels good and right for you, and don’t feel like there is only one “right” way to be healthy and have balanced hormones.

So there you have it! Your (my) first FRICKin Book Report. Next month you’ll get a report on The Five Love Languages, with a special story about how I read it with my husband. Get excited! :)