Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, and the risk rises sharply during and after menopause. In fact, within about 10 years of menopause, a woman’s risk approaches that of men of the same age, making heart health a major concern in midlife. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) has been proposed by some researchers and health commentators as protective for the heart. It’s an appealing idea, but the best available evidence does not support it. If MHT t

Perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause—is often called a “transition,” but for many women, it feels more like a roller coaster of unpredictable symptoms. Hormone levels rise and fall unevenly, affecting not just periods but the brain, blood vessels, bones, mood, and more. On average, perimenopause begins in a woman’s 40s and lasts 4 to 8 years, though for some women it may be shorter or extend up to 10 years. It ends when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months withou

Not All Estrogen Is the Same Many people think of estrogen as a single hormone, but the body actually produces several types, each with its own role and potency. During reproductive years, the main form is estradiol (E2) . This is the strongest and most biologically active estrogen. It drives reproductive health, maintains muscle and bone, regulates metabolism, and supports brain and cardiovascular function.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has taken the health world by storm. Everywhere you look, someone claims that skipping breakfast, compressing your eating window, or pushing dinner later will “boost metabolism,” “clean your cells,” or “reverse aging.” If you’re a woman going through menopause, it’s natural to wonder: does IF really work, and is it safe for me?

It’s 7 a.m., and the coffee is brewing. Already, you feel tense: the kids are arguing over who's turn it is to take the recycling, the dog is barking at his mortal enemy—the same squirrel he’s been chasing all summer—and your never-ending to-do list is swirling in your mind. Normally, mornings didn’t feel this stressful, but lately, even mundane tasks seem overwhelming. You’ve always handled stress reasonably well, yet now it feels like every little thing sets you off. What’s

Many menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) —hot flashes and night sweats—that can disrupt sleep, mood, and daily life. For decades, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)  has been the gold standard, offering the most effective relief. But not every woman can or wants to take hormones. Recent years have brought new non-hormonal options  that expand choices for symptom management. The Gold Standard: Menopausal Hormone Therapy MHT remains the most effective treatment f

Menopause is a deeply personal experience, and each woman’s journey is unique. For many, the earliest signs—hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, and vaginal dryness—are what prompt the first conversations about care. Although hormone tests may seem like a natural next step, the truth is that your symptoms, not your lab results, are the most reliable guide to effective treatment. In recent years, there’s been a cultural shift. Menopause is no longer whisp

Midlife often brings more than one big transition. For many women, menopause overlaps with another life shift: children moving out and a home that suddenly feels quieter. The first few weeks can feel strange. The house is emptier, routines have shifted, and it’s natural to notice a pang of sadness or even grief. Many women report feeling a loss of purpose as their focus on parenting shifts. Research suggests that around 30% of women experience symptoms similar to grief when t

There’s a lot to love about summer: longer days, sunshine, time outdoors. But if you’re in midlife, you may have noticed that your skin and hair aren’t handling summer as well as when you were younger. Maybe your skin feels more reactive or drier than normal. Maybe your hair gets brittle after a swim, or your usual sunscreen suddenly stings.

Curated by Purely Menopause Why Consider Alcohol-Free? Many women in midlife find alcohol impacts their hot flashes, sleep, mood, and energy more than before. Choosing alcohol-free options—even a few days a week—can help reduce symptoms while keeping your social and relaxing moments flavorful and fun.

Summer often includes patio dinners, weddings, beach getaways, and casual evenings with friends under the string lights. And for many, these moments come with a glass in hand. Maybe it’s a cold beer after a hike or bike ride, a glass of wine at book club, or a margarita on a hot Friday night. It’s familiar. It’s social. It’s part of the rhythm of summer. But if you're in the midst of perimenopause or menopause, you might have started to notice something different: maybe that

I can’t tell you how many times I hear from patients, “I feel like I’m on my own with menopause. There’s so much information out there, but I don’t know who or what to trust.” You’re not imagining it—menopause has been treated like a taboo subject for generations. Many of us grew up never hearing about it, so when symptoms begin, it can feel like we’re suddenly dropped into uncharted territory. And although the recent surge in celebrity conversations and new drug approvals ha

🔁 Weekly Training Goals 2–3 days/week of strength training  (≤8 reps per set, lift heavy) 2 short HIIT sessions/week 150+ minutes/week...

For midlife women, consistent movement remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term health. This week’s post explores how to adapt your fitness routine for summer while continuing to support strength, mobility, and overall well-being in menopause and beyond. Fitting in workouts during summer can feel harder than ever with shifting routines, travel, and a full family calendar. But those same seasonal changes can actually work in your favor—offering different options fo

As summer arrives, so do the ads, challenges, and well-meaning advice about getting your “summer body” back. For many women in midlife, this messaging can stir up old insecurities and new frustrations. And it’s not just about bathing suits or beach vacations—it’s about the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations at a time when your body is evolving in ways you didn’t choose. In this week's post, we break down where these cultural messages come from, what really happens to b

This week’s blog dives into something many midlife women have noticed—but haven’t always had explained: why the heat suddenly feels so much more intense. Whether you’re working out, gardening, or simply trying to stay cool on a summer day, the physiological shifts that happen during and after menopause make heat harder to handle. We’ll break down the science, explore what your body is doing differently now, and share strategies you can actually use. Topics include hydration t

One of the most common questions women ask as they enter menopause is: Will I ever feel like myself again? It’s a valid concern—especially when the early stages of the menopausal transition bring unpredictable symptoms, emotional ups and downs, and changes in everything from sleep quality to libido. The good news? For many women, the answer is yes. You can  feel good again—but it may take time, support, and some trial and error to get there. Life After the Transition Although

Menopause is not just a biological milestone—it’s a new phase of life that can bring both challenges and opportunities for growth. While symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disruption are common, this transition also offers a powerful moment to reassess priorities and invest in long-term health. This post provides evidence-informed strategies for managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall well-being, helping you move through this phase with confidence,

If you're going through menopause and finding it hard to get a good night's sleep, you're not alone. Although sleep problems are common during this stage of life, they aren’t something to ignore because the consequences of poor sleep can ripple through every part of your health.

For many women, managing menopause can feel like balancing bothersome symptoms with concerns about long-term health risks—especially breast cancer. One of the most misunderstood areas is the relationship between menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and breast cancer. Much of the fear surrounding hormone therapy stems from early misinterpretations of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. Although the WHI raised valid concerns, later analysis has shown that risks were often ove