What do women really want for Valentine’s Day? Forget about the box of chocolates. This year, we want to get real about women’s health, have stigma-shattering conversations with our loved ones and care providers, and navigate the menopause journey with style and research-backed solutions. (Ok, we’ll take the chocolate too.)
Alyssa Dweck, M.S., M.D., FACOG, MSCP
Chief Medical Officer, Bonafide
If that all seems like a tall order, fret not because Dr. Alyssa Dweck, practicing gynecologist and certified menopause provider, and the Bonafide team are here to deliver.
Menopause 101
Bonafide’s 4th annual State of Menopause Survey, which reaches more than 2,000 women ages 40-64 who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms, surfaced progress around menopause awareness and treatment in 2024 — as well as unfortunate and persistent knowledge gaps. While more women than ever are openly discussing menopause with friends and family, and talking to their healthcare providers about menopause symptoms, 7 out of 10 survey takers still don’t know the technical definition of “menopause.”
Dr. Dweck, Bonafide’s chief medical officer, defines menopause as 12 consecutive months without menstruation, for no other obvious reason, after age 40. Menopause happens in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
“The biggest disconnect for my patients and for women all over is that the menopause journey doesn’t just happen from one night to the next,” Dr. Dweck said. “Perimenopause is a lead up that can last 4 to 10 years, give or take. Sometimes it’s not until hindsight that people realize what was going on.”
It can take a while for women to understand they are entering menopause, in part because, while common symptoms exist (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes), everyone’s experience is unique and influenced by their personal health history, risk factors and genetic factors. (This is a sign to talk to your female family members about your health history!)
Scientifically sound solutions backed by naturally powerful ingredients
No matter the severity, women largely agree that their menopause symptoms take a toll: Nearly half of the women surveyed for the 2024 State of Menopause say that menopause has disrupted their daily lives. Yet, far too many — up to 80% of those experiencing hot flashes and night sweats — don’t seek treatment.
“Suffering is not necessary or acceptable,” Dr. Dweck stressed. When menopause hits, she points out, “so many women are at the top of their professional games or their personal aspirations. This is no time to let symptoms go unmanaged and interfere.”
Dr. Dweck was drawn to Bonafide’s mission of supporting non-drug management options for menopause that utilize naturally derived ingredients — without compromising on safety or science — because she noticed a trend in patients asking for hormone-free and prescription-free approaches to symptom management.
“When we talk about natural, we mean using ingredients that are found in nature — and are also well studied,” Dr. Dweck explained. “We know we need facts and data to have faith in the safety and efficacy of the products we are recommending.”
Better sex, better sleep
Aside from their unique commitment to using ingredients found in nature, Bonafide’s rigorous process to bring menopause relief to market closely resembles the type of scientific model used for pharmaceutical drug development, from research and design to clinical testing.
Revaree® was Bonafide’s first product to combat vaginal dryness, a common menopause symptom that can cause all-around discomfort and interfere with intimacy, day-to-day comfort, and self-esteem. The newest offering in this line, Revaree Plus, includes twice as much hyaluronic acid as the original formula and soothing sweet almond oil for extra-strength relief from vaginal dryness, everyday comfort, and pain-free intimacy.
Looking to get better sleep as March (AKA Sleep Awareness Month) approaches? Bonafide’s Thermella® is a hormone-free, over-the-counter oral supplement scientifically studied to be effective at managing moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats, which can lead to a more comfortable, restful sleep.*
During this Valentine’s Day season, whether you’re the one picking out presents or the one hoping for a sweet surprise, consider a (virtual) stop by Bonafide for conversation starters, doctor-vetted blogs, and innovative hormone-free products. Symptom relief, education, communication, and empowerment — what could be sexier than that?
Learn more and shop all Bonafide products online at hellobonafide.com
| *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
