You’ve seen her on your feed—maybe she’s reviewing a $5 drugstore mascara or telling it like it is about a luxury hotel—but lately, the conversation around Bethenny Frankel health has taken a much more serious turn.
It hasn't been just one thing. It's been a domino effect.
In early January 2026, Bethenny posted a series of photos from what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway to St. Barts with her daughter, Bryn. Instead, it looked like a scene from a medical drama. She came home with a aggressive bacterial infection that literally took over her face. Red spots, bumps, and a rash that would make anyone want to hide under the covers.
But if you know Bethenny, she doesn't hide. She posts.
The St. Barts "Super" Rumor vs. Reality
Social media went into a full-blown tailspin. People started connecting her facial rash to rumors of a "super chlamydia" outbreak on the island. TikTok was rife with "patient zero" theories.
Honestly, it was a mess.
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Bethenny eventually clarified that while the infection was real and nasty, it wasn't some scandalous mystery disease. It was a bacterial infection she caught while navigating what she called the "Hunger Games of holiday socialization."
The timing was brutal, too. Right as her skin was flaring up, she received "heartbreaking news" about the death of her close friend, celebrity makeup artist Jasen Kaplan. Stress and physical illness are a wicked pairing. When your nervous system is shot, your immune system usually follows.
Living with POTS: The Invisible Battle
While the facial rash was a temporary scare, the most persistent part of the Bethenny Frankel health journey is her battle with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
If you aren't familiar, POTS is a form of dysautonomia. Basically, your autonomic nervous system—the thing that controls "autopilot" functions like heart rate and blood pressure—is out of whack.
For Bethenny, this isn't just "feeling tired." It’s much weirder:
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- Extreme Dehydration: She’s described waking up every two hours "dying of thirst."
- The "Face Bloat": Fans often comment on her face looking "different" or swollen. She’s been blunt about it—her body clings to every drop of water it can get, leading to 4-pound weight fluctuations in just days.
- Heart Racing: Simply standing up can send her heart rate into the stratosphere.
She’s mentioned that COVID-19 made these symptoms "exponentially worse." It’s a common story in the POTS community—viral triggers turning a manageable condition into a daily struggle.
Skin Cancer and the 12-Stitch Wake-Up Call
We can't talk about her health without looking back at 2017. That was the year she had a basal cell carcinoma removed from under her eye.
Basal cell is the "best" kind of cancer to have, if you have to have it, because it rarely spreads. But on your face? It’s terrifying. She ended up with 12 stitches and a permanent reminder to wear those massive hats she’s always seen in.
She didn't sugarcoat the recovery. She showed the bandages. She joked about getting a "t-- job" at the same time to cope with the anxiety. It was classic Bethenny: deflection through humor, but with a side of "go get your moles checked."
Why She Stopped Drinking Hard Liquor
You might remember her as the face of Skinnygirl margaritas, but the reality of her health has changed her relationship with alcohol.
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She’s largely moved away from hard liquor. These days, it's mostly wine, and even then, sparingly. Why? Because alcohol is a massive trigger for POTS. It dehydrates you and messes with your heart rate. When your body is already struggling to regulate its "thermostat," pouring fuel on the fire isn't an option.
Her Current "Non-Negotiable" Routine
At 55, she’s shifted her focus from high-intensity workouts to what she calls a "no-frills" routine.
- Militant Sleep: We’re talking 7 to 9 hours, dark room, eye mask, the whole deal.
- The 10,000 Step Rule: No trainers. No heavy weights. Just walking.
- Aggressive Hydration: Electrolytes are her best friend. Pedialyte, coconut water, and IV drips are part of the maintenance now.
Managing the Menopause Transition
Recently, Bethenny has also been vocal about the "torture" of perimenopause and menopause. She’s joined the ranks of celebrities like Oprah and Drew Barrymore in trying to de-stigmatize the brain fog and hormonal chaos.
She previously dealt with uterine fibroids so severe she lost 10% of her blood and had to explore a "living will" before surgery. That history makes her current transition even more complex. She isn't just dealing with hot flashes; she's managing a body that has already been through the ringer.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Health
If you're following the Bethenny Frankel health updates because you relate to her symptoms, here are the most practical takeaways:
- Audit Your Hydration: If you feel "riddled with aches" and water seems to go right through you, plain water might not be enough. Look into medical-grade electrolytes.
- The "Poor Man’s Tilt Table": If your heart races when you stand up, talk to a cardiologist about POTS. It’s often misdiagnosed as anxiety.
- Skin Checks are Mandatory: Basal cell can look like a simple pimple that won't heal. If a spot stays for more than three weeks, get it lanced.
- Simplify Movement: You don't need a HIIT class to be healthy. Bethenny’s reliance on walking shows that low-impact movement is often better for chronic conditions and hormonal balance.
Bethenny’s health journey is a reminder that even with all the money and resources in the world, the human body is unpredictable. She’s navigated "super" infection rumors, chronic dysautonomia, and cancer with a transparency that—while sometimes chaotic—is undeniably human.