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Purely Menopause Blog


Getting Comfortable Again: Understanding and Treating Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
If you’ve noticed vaginal dryness, irritation, pain with sex, or urinary discomfort since menopause, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. These are common, treatable symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) , a condition that affects the vagina, vulva, and urinary tract as estrogen levels decline.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Jun 93 min read


Your Bones During Menopause
When we talk about menopause, symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness often take center stage. But there's one major health concern that deserves just as much attention: your bones .

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
May 263 min read


Menopause Isn’t the End—It’s a New Beginning
If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling dismissed, confused, or unheard when talking about menopause, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. A 2019 study found that of 177 resident physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, and even obstetrics/gynecology, 20% received no formal education on menopause during their training. Even more striking: fewer than 7% felt prepared to care for women through this important stage of life.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
May 193 min read


What to Know About Postmenopausal Bleeding
Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) can feel alarming—and it should never be ignored. If you’ve gone 12 months or more without a period, any spotting, staining, or bleeding is considered postmenopausal bleeding , even if it’s just one episode.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
May 124 min read


Back to Basics: Understanding the Phases and Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. Understanding the phases of menopause and its symptoms is crucial for managing this significant life change. In this blog post, we will explore the different stages of menopause, common symptoms, and ways to navigate this journey smoothly.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
May 53 min read


The Surprising Shifts in Sexual Health During Menopause—and How to Regain Pleasure
For many women, menopause marks the end of one chapter, but for others, it’s the start of a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their bodies. Among the many changes we face—hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings—one of the most surprising and often disheartening shifts is in our sexual health. What was once natural can suddenly feel like a distant memory. Orgasm, a deeply satisfying experience, may feel elusive, leaving us wondering, What happened?

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Apr 284 min read


Menopause and Oral Health: Understanding the Changes and How to Manage Them
Menopause brings a host of physiological changes, many of which are well-known, such as hot flashes and mood swings. However, one area that often goes overlooked is oral health. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can significantly impact the mouth, leading to various dental issues. This article delves into the dental changes associated with menopause and offers guidance on maintaining optimal oral health during this transition.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Apr 214 min read


“You’re Fine.” How One Woman Spent Two Years Searching for a Diagnosis That Was Right in Front of Everyone
It started with a flutter in her chest.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Apr 143 min read


Managing Midlife Weight Gain: Strategies & Solutions
One of the most frustrating shifts for many menopausal women is weight gain, especially around the midsection. If you’ve noticed the scale creeping up despite your best efforts, you’re not alone. Understanding why this happens and what you can do about it is key to maintaining your health and well-being during menopause and beyond.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Mar 314 min read


Sexual Health in Menopause: What’s Changing & How to Take Control
Menopause is not the end of your vitality; it’s a new chapter, a time to embrace change and take charge of your well-being. Yet, for many women, the topic of sexual health after menopause remains shrouded in silence. The truth is, changes in desire, body image, and physical comfort are common—but they don’t have to mean the end of a fulfilling sex life. Understanding what’s happening and learning how to adapt can make all the difference.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Mar 243 min read


How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Can Support You Through Menopause
Menopause brings a host of changes—some expected, others less so. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and anxiety are common, but the good news is that effective treatments exist. In addition to hormonal and non-hormonal medical options, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) might be an ideal choice for symptom management for some women.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Mar 173 min read


Measles Outbreak: What Menopausal Women Need to Know
A measles outbreak in West Texas and neighboring counties in New Mexico has grown into the largest in 30 years , with cases now identified in multiple other states. Although measles is often considered a childhood disease, adults, including peri-menopausal and menopausal women, should take this outbreak seriously—especially if they are unsure of their vaccination status.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Mar 103 min read


Midlife Weight Gain: Understanding the Biology and Finding Solutions
Midlife is a time of profound change, especially for women. Between the ages of 40 and 65, hormonal shifts, aging, and lifestyle factors converge, making weight gain a common challenge. Although aging is the primary driver, menopause plays a critical role in redistributing fat, often increasing abdominal fat. This shift not only affects appearance but also raises the risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Understanding the b

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Mar 54 min read


Brain Fog and Menopause: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there, struggled to find the right words, or felt like your memory just isn’t as sharp as it used to be, you’re not alone. Many women in midlife experience what’s commonly referred to as “brain fog”—a frustrating but often temporary set of cognitive difficulties associated with menopause. Although brain fog can feel unsettling, understanding its causes and what you can do about it can help you take control of your cog

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Feb 243 min read


Taking Charge of Your Health and Advocacy in Uncertain Times
Last week’s blog post, “ Why Doctors Can’t Stay Out of Politics—Especially Now ,” prompted many insightful questions from you about what steps individuals can take considering the ongoing changes in U.S. healthcare policies. With the current uncertainty surrounding healthcare funding, access to services, drugs, and vaccines, due to the shift in priorities under the new administration, I wanted to provide some concrete steps you can take over the next 6-12 months to ensure you

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Feb 173 min read


Why Doctors Can’t Stay Out of Politics—Especially Now
Whenever I write about healthcare policies or public health concerns, I hear the same refrain: “Doctors should stay out of politics.” But here’s the truth: it’s simply not possible. Politics shapes nearly every aspect of healthcare—from the funding that drives groundbreaking research to the regulations that ensure medications are safe, to the access patients have to essential services. Decisions made in government affect whether patients can afford their prescriptions, if cli

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Feb 34 min read


Understanding Bone Health During Menopause
As women age, changes in bone health become increasingly important to understand and manage. Two conditions that often arise during menopause are osteopenia and osteoporosis. Although they may sound similar, they have distinct differences that every menopausal woman should understand.

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Jan 13 min read


Understanding and Managing Eye Changes During Menopause
Dry eye disease (DED) disproportionately affects menopausal women compared to younger women or age-matched men. This condition arises when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. DED can significantly impact visual function, disrupting comfort, daily activities, and overall quality of life. The multifaceted nature of DED complicates pinpointing a singular cause; however, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva—the thin layer of cells linin

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Jan 12 min read


Our Most Read Blog Post of 2024 - #1
Sprint Interval Training (SIT): A Game-Changer for Menopausal Women

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Dec 28, 20243 min read


Our Most Read Blogs from 2024 - #2
Menopause Hormone Therapy: What Women Need to Know in 2024

Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
Dec 28, 20243 min read
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