On Health

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Should you use it for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Does it prevent dementia? Heart disease? Is it safe? Who should and who shou;dn’t take it? Join me for this powerful conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB-GYN with 30 years of clinical experience - and an advocate for menopause awareness, and I explore these questions. In this episode we unpack: Rethinking aging and embracing the power of menopause - and why Dr. Malone has found this to be the most freeing and joyful phase of her lifeThe controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy, and the research that led to all of the confusion about its use.The "window of opportunity" for starting HRT, who gets the most benefits, and what symptoms and conditions it’s truly useful for. Navigating the potential risks of HRT, including the comparable risks of drinking two glasses of wine - so you can make the most informed decisions about your options The difference between being pro-hormone and anti-suffering for women in menopauseWhy it’s important to be wary when it comes to ‘celebrity endorsed’  information on menopausal therapiesDr. Malone offers invaluable advice on navigating the symptoms of menopause with grace, while empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best health decisions for during the menopause transition.Mentioned in this episode:The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn moreLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

In this must-listen episode I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist and author of The Menopause Brain,  and my friend, back to On Health to demystify the profound impact of menopause on the female brain. Dr. Mosconi offers invaluable insights into how menopause is more than a hormonal shift - it's a significant neuroendocrine change, and a potentially very important and powerful time in our lives. We dive deep into:How perimenopause and menopause really impacts the female brain - including the role of estrogen during this timeCommon cognitive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause including brain fog, sleep problems, and memory lapsesWhy it might be that women in cultures that see menopause more positively have fewer symptomsThe powerful role 'older women' can play as leaders, providers, and guides in families, communities, and societyThe pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including it’s role in Alzheimer’s preventionThe supportive role of nutrients, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids for women's brain healthThe importance of access to a wide variety of options so that we can pick what's best for us in feeling our best in menopause.Knowledge is power. Understanding menopause's impact on the brain allows us to make informed choices, turning a phase often approached with dread into an opportunity for empowerment and well-being. Join us to transform how you think about menopause and prioritize your brain health through this pivotal time - whatever age you are - because it’s never too early to start protecting your beautiful brain! Mentioned in this episode:The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn moreLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsThe Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

The teen years are a trope and a meme in our culture. We’re inevitably warned the minute we have a baby and admire her cute little face at a family gathering, in a restaurant, waiting in the checkout at the grocery: Just wait until she’s - or he’s -  a teen. And it’s no wonder - the teen years - which we all remember too - are fraught with big changes: big hormonal shifts, changes in our neurobiology, changes in how we see our place in the world, changes in how we see our parents. It’s complicated. And it’s become more complicated - for both teens and their parents- in recent years. If you read the news, and certainly if you’re a parent, you can’t have missed the many headlines that have come out in recent years, from the impact of social media on our daughters,  the impact of lockdown during COVID on our teen's mental health, and complicated issues around gender and identity. My guest, Dr. Lisa Damour, is here to help us unpack the mystery of teenagers and to support parents of teens. This is a must listen even if you still just have a babe in arms, or if you’re a grandparent, auntie, or healthcare provider. Mentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsThe Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

Welcome to On Health where today I talk about understanding stress during pregnancy, bust myths, and share real tips to take care of yourself before and when the stress hits the fan.In this episode I explore: The impact of how we talk about stress in pregnancy and its effects on moms-to-be onWhy it's important to understand stress during pregnancyThe pressure to always feel happy when you're pregnant and the guilt unrealistic expectations cause pregnant women to feelWhat stress really is, including the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ kindsWhy some stress is normal during pregnancy - and why you're not doing anything wrongWhat studies say about stress and how it can affect your pregnancy and your babyThe most common causes of stress in pregnancySpotting stress signs and trying out stress-busters like meditation or yogaThe importance of sleep, staying active, eating well, and finding folks to talk toHow talking to your midwife, doctor, or a mental health pro can be a big help- and what they need to know, tooWhy you’re taking care of you is taking care of your baby tooThank you for listening to the On Health Podcast. And please remember to treat yourself with kindness and love through your pregnancy journey - and beyond, and share this with a mama who you think would appreciate hearing this today.Mentioned in this episode:The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn moreLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Jillian Turecki, my guest for this On Health episode, is a beacon of light and a font of love and wisdom. A certified relationship coach, teacher, and writer with over 20 years of experience, she's fueled by an insatiable curiosity about what makes a relationship thrive, and she's helped thousands through her teaching and writing revolutionize their relationship with themselves so they can transform their relationships with others.In this episode Jillian and I get real about what it takes to have a thriving relationship, how this starts with loving ourselves, and also how important is that we normalize being single.- because that's a path many women are on, at least at some point in their live and love journey.We dive deep into so many areas of our love lives including:Trusting yourself and listen to your inner voice in relationships.Normalizing being single and focus on other areas of your life.Self-acceptance and self-worth as foundations of healthy relationships.How to be discerning and recognize relationship red flags.Mindfulness, tolerance, and appreciation in relationships.Avoiding overanalyzing our partners.How to get intentional in relationships - including having regular relationship meetings to improve the partnership.Creating breathing room to allow for individual growthHow breakups and divorces can be transformative experiences that lead to personal growth and new opportunities.Following your own dreams and prioritizing your own growth as essential in relationships.Wherever you are on your self-love and love relationship journey, I know you'll find gems of wisdom and practical information to connect more profoundly with yourself and your partner. And you'll find more tools for practicing self-worth.Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. You can follow Jillian on Instagram and visit her at jillianturecki.com Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Fatigue, achy muscles, painful joints, brain fog, strange skin rashes… Could it be the flu? It’s possible. In fact, that’s what women are sometimes told! But these can be symptoms of an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Hashimoto’s, to name just a few, have a definite gender bias. Women account for an astonishing 80% of all those who suffer from an autoimmune disease. Yet these are some of the most commonly dismissed, overlooked, and misdiagnosed symptoms and conditions, leaving far too many women to struggle to find answers, for sometimes years.So what is autoimmune disease and why do women experience them so much more often than men? That’s exactly what we’ll explore together in today’s episode. Join me as I tell you all about: What autoimmune disease really isWhy women’s symptoms of autoimmune disease are missed - and dismissedThe root causes of autoimmune disease that disproportionately impact womenThe role of estrogen and other hormones in autoimmune diseasesHow our immune system is impacted by hormonal shifts premenstrually, in pregnancy, postpartum, and menopauseThe wildly interesting role that microchimerism plays in autoimmune disease Listen and learn so you know how to protect your health from these conditions and so that you know how to get the tests, answers, and respect you need from your healthcare provider.Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I’m not going to lie. I was much more prepared for puberty, pregnancy, motherhood, and even menopause than I was for aging. And you all know that’s a big deal to say because we’re largely unprepared for all the other phases of our lives, too. But the reality is, we’re aging from the day we’re born, and much of what we’ve internalized about aging - the fears, judgments, stereotypes - and even ‘symptoms’ if you will - have much more to do with the culture of ageism we’re steeped in from the time we’re little - whether that’s the ‘old hag witch’ in the woods who eats children in fairy tales and movies, to the anti-aging creams that women are already now using in their 20s (and younger) thanks to an industry that instills in us that aging is ugly. My guest, Karen Walrond, is the author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy & Raise a Little Hell, an investigation in how we can resist ageism and live a light-filled life along the way. And - I don’t say this often or lightly - this book has blown my mind. It was exactly the dose of vitality and fire I needed right now - a mind-shift on my own journey - of aging proudly and powerfully while I also navigate all that means in our culture, and in work that puts me front and center on video, in media. I truly believe every women over 20 in our culture should read this book, gift it, share it, talk about it, and then read it again. In this episode Karen and I discuss:The cultural beliefs, stereotypes, and fears that contribute to ageismHow internalized ageism can affect women's self-perception and confidence as they ageHow to challenge ageist language and attitudesEmbracing aging and reclaiming vitality can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life.The role of the global anti-aging market in perpetuating ageism and sexismVariation in cultures on the perception of elderhoodThe importance of community and intergenerational relationships for well-being and a sense of purpose in the later yearsListening to your body's cravings and embracing guilt-free eatingThe impact of alcohol on health and weight managementHow important it is to appreciate the wisdom and beauty of body changesLet’s listen to the interview. And then, as my guest says, raise a little hell. Or as I’m saying, raise a lot of it! You’ll see what I mean.Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. You can follow Karen on Instagram and visit her at chookooloonks.comLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

At some point, too many of us internalized the belief that being a woman means complete self-sacrifice, not setting healthy boundaries for our well-being, and not taking care of our fundamental needs – even for sleep, quality food, and relaxation. Further, as moms, we often take on the lioness's share of the household. As partners, we plan the dates and stay in touch with old friends. At work, we pick up the slack of others without so much as a peep of protest. But here's the thing- often, others don't even notice that we are doing all of this extra work because we haven't set healthy boundaries - with ourselves or with them. We've been taught to be the "good girl" (definitely listen to last week's podcast episode ALL about this topic if you haven't yet) and with this, we also believe that boundaries are rude or selfish.  So we give and give and give - at the expense of our well-being and sometimes at the expense of our own passions and fulfillment. Time for a reframe! Not only is having boundaries not selfish - but we are better givers when we practice conscious boundaries.And that's exactly what I'm talking about in this latest On Health episode. Tune in as I dish out my top tips to get you on your way to a boundary-setting queen! And learn all about why it's truly so important, just in time for the new year ahead and beyond.   In this episode I share: What boundaries are, including the types we may overlook  Why we have trouble setting boundaries How to know whether you need better boundaries in your life Exercises to support you in discovering your highest priorities and how to stick to them The boundary-setting practices to get you started and that really work And more - including my weird style tip that relates to boundaries  I KNOW that many of you will have at least a few "aha" moments and maybe even have some tears of understanding. Listen and become your own boundaries badass!  Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of unresolved trauma and its psychological, emotional, or even physical effects from one generation to another. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals' mental health, coping mechanisms, and relational patterns. The cycle of intergenerational trauma underscores the importance of acknowledging, understanding, and actively addressing inherited wounds to break free from its influence on future generations.On today’s On Health episode, I’m joined by the incredible Mariel Buque, PhD, author of Break the Cycle: who wants us all to learn to unravel the threads of family trauma, and becoming cycle breakers so we can heal the burdens of suffering carried forward by so many families across generations. In this powerful episode, we explore: What intergenerational trauma is and how it can affect our physiology, mental health, relationships, economics, and more. The profound connections between our individual experiences and the echoes of our ancestors' pain.Resilience and stress tolerance as essential tools for breaking the intergenerational trauma cycle.How to expand your window of resilience and respond to life's challenges with greater awareness and purpose."How compassion becomes a powerful ally, fostering understanding and acceptance of our shared human struggles."How mothers can be preemptive cycle breakers, initiating the healing journey even before conceiving.The landscape of family estrangement and tools for reconciliation before resorting to estrangement.Mariel's approach centers around the concept of an upward spiral, emphasizing small, consistent mindful actions for reshaping the nervous system.Resources for those seeking guidance, including Mariel's book, "Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma."Join us in this episode's transformative conversation on health, healing, and well-being, as we become architects of a future unburdened by the weight of generational pain.Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Self-care - it’s both a profoundly important concept for our physical and mental well-being - a radical step in a culture that demands ever more of us, and it’s a phenomenon that has been trivialized by the wellness world - and any number of influencers and companies that suggest a bubble bath and a candle is enough for what stresses us. But real self care is so much more - it’s an inside job, as my guest  Pooja Lakshmin, MD, shares with us. A-psychiatrist, author, and the founder of Gemma Pooja shares her journey from disillusionment in mainstream medicine to a unique commune experience, leading to her mission of redefining self-care in her new book, "Real Self-Care.”In today’s episode we discuss: The turning point that led Pooja to drop out her medical residency training program and nd explore alternative paths.Pooja’s surprising decision to join an orgasmic meditation commune in San Francisco, the eventual decision to leave, and the lessons she learned.Her personal mental health struggles, including depression and thoughts of suicide. The pivotal moment that motivated her to return to residency and pursue her calling.The nuances between genuine self-care and the commodified wellness industry, clarifying that the book does not dismiss common self-care practices but challenges their commodification.The three common reasons people turn to self-care and how these dynamics manifest in her life and the lives of her patients.The principles of real self-care and the importance of internal processes, emphasizing the role of boundaries and their significance in fostering genuine well-being.The intersection of privilege and self-care, especially for mothers juggling multiple responsibilities.The systemic issues causing stress, reframing the conversation from burnout to betrayal and the societal pressures for perfection The importance of embracing "good enough., balancing excellence with realistic expectations.How positive psychology methods contribute to individual change and reshape the wellness narrativeThe challenges of balancing motherhood, professional responsibilities, and real self care.Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

In the midst of the chaos that seems to be almost a constant in the world, it's easy to forget that individual lives and losses are still happening every day and can be deeply affecting us or those around us, as can family mental health issues.Sometimes those bigger global issues give us perspective, take us out of our own worries, and that can feel actually broadening and helpful and can put our lives into a perspective that brings some ease or inner peace even. Not that we're taking comfort in someone else's misery or suffering, but that there's a reminder that suffering is bigger than us and we're not alone, and that there are also major trials happening that sometimes may be even scarier in the moment than our own. But often it's a compounding weight, and then we might also feel embarrassed for having our own feelings when there are these very big things happening. So much so that we turn inward, ashamed to share our more personal troubles for fear of seeming small or selfish, and that can create cognitive dissonance or a retreat into self that can be part of depression or create social anxiety.In this episode I explore, through my own recent loss, a specific kind of despair and trauma that affects the lives of so many: the loss of a parent through one or another form of abandonment due to our parents going through a difficult and permanently dividing divorce, though illness, including mental health challenges, or for other reasons. I explore:What my own experience of recent loss was and what it brought up for meThe impact of an abandonment on a young person, including potentially leading to complex attachment issues at various stages in our livesHow paternal abandonment can put pressures on the remaining parent, usually the mother, possibly leading to mother-daughter woundsThe impact of an abandoning parent on one’s self-concept, economic beliefs, and sense of belonging in the worldHow we are really always still children at whatever age a parent abandons oneHow I’ve been processing my loss through somatic work, meditation, and journalingAnd morePlease join me for a very personal journey today, that may have specific meaning for you as we enter the holiday season. I do talk about loss, grief, and trauma, so I invite you to listen when you have the space to feel anything that might come up for you. And thank you for honoring my vulnerability in what I share. It’s a gift to have you on this journey with me. Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Like so many moms, Erica Djossa, a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, entered motherhood assuming her “maternal instinct” would guide her through any challenges she faced. Yet, like so many mothers she'd counseled, she too, found herself struggling with identity loss, the mental load of motherhood, and the pressure to be perfect. Eventually, she had a breakdown that turned out to be a breakthrough – a moment where she realized that she was suffering from postpartum depression.When she sought help, she was dismissed by doctors who assured her that she just needed more rest. Frustrated, Erica pushed to be taken seriously, and finally got the care she needed. Through that experience, Erica realized that moms deserved more.Realizing how difficult it is to find mental health services, the now mother of 3 founded Happy as a Mother, which has evolved into Momwell, to provide mom-centered virtual therapy services and mental health literacy for moms at every stage of their motherhood journey. She has also taken to social media to make a difference. Her graphics have been shared by celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Ashley Graham, Nia Long, Hilaria Baldwin, Christy Turlington and Adrienne Bosh. Erica is passionate about maternal mental healthcare and putting moms back on the priority list.In this episode we dive deep into:Erica's own experience of postpartum and how this was a catalyst for the work she does to support mother's mental healthHow traditional gender roles can keep mothers - and couples - from thriving as we parentUnderstanding mom rage and resentmentThe importance of learning that as mothers, we can release Perfectionism and share the mother loadHealing and preventing trauma and the power of honoring our children's resilienceThe potential risks of intensive parenting and Perfect Mother Syndrome on our mental health and couple's relationshipHow to identify your personal parenting and self-care values rather than internalizing those from our culture, community, friends, or family.Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.You can follow Erica and Momwell on Instagram @momwell and visit momwell.com.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Here's a little secret: hidden inflammation, not genetics, is the most common underlying cause of chronic illness.Hidden inflammation is a root cause of:Premenstrual syndromePeriod painChronic aches and painsDigestive problemsAllergies and eczemaTrouble losing weightTrouble sleepingDepressionAlzheimer’sAutoimmune diseasesHeart disease, Cancer, DiabetesThe problem is most doctors are not aware of hidden inflammation let alone how to identify or address it. Western medicine leads us to believe that we have no control over our health destiny. It’s just assumed that chronic disease is an inevitable fact of life.But it’s not.So how can we get ahead of chronic inflammation?In this week's episode of the On Health podcast, I sat down with Shilpa Ravella, MD, the author of A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet and Disease. gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center.Tune in as we discuss:What hidden inflammation is and how to test for itHow inflammation is both a cause and a risk indicator for diseases such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and depressionThe most common myths about anti-inflammatory diets and why food restriction is not the answerThe two most important factors in an anti-inflammatory dietThe truth about the healthiest protein sourcesThe connection between gut health, food intolerances, and inflammation Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. Follow Shilpa on Instagram @shilpa.ravella and visit her website at www.shilparavella.com.Please share this important topic by sending the link to the show to someone you love.Plus get your copy of my book Hormone Intelligence which offers up a full plan on reducing inflammation!

In recent years, the term "medical gaslighting" has come to represent the phenomenon and disproportionate impact of medical dismissal of women and other marginalized groups. All too often, women leave the doctor’s office questioning themselves and their symptoms and are too often pressed into silently endure their suffering, sometimes until it's tragically too late.How can we identify when medical gaslighting is happening and protect ourselves or those we love?Join me on today's episode of On Health as I explore the roots of medical gaslighting, how to recognize it, the power of self-advocacy, and the critical need for systemic reform. Tune in as I get into:Where the term gaslighting actually comes fromHow gaslighting shows up in women's healthcare, and who is at greatest riskThe dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences of medical gaslightingThe problem with the word "hysterical"—and how it was a medical diagnosis until the 1980s!How to reduce your risk of having your medical symptoms dismissed as psychologicalMy personal experience with medical dismissal—and why nobody is immune from it7 signs that could indicate that you’re experiencing medical gaslightingHow to be an advocate for yourself and avoid being medically gaslitThe urgent need for systemic change and what we need to do as a society to ensure that this happensMy hope is that you walk away from this episode with greater awareness of the very real issues with gaslighting in medical care and greater confidence in speaking up for yourself and your ability to demand the respect you deserve when it comes to your healthcare.Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements 

Grief and loss touch us all in ways both small and big throughout our lives, yet our culture often struggles to embrace the messy emotions that grief brings.On today’s On Health episode, I'm joined by author and cancer thriver Kris Carr to discuss her latest book, "I'm Not a Mourning Person,” which dives deep into the complexities of grief and healing. We explore how life's ruptures turn our world upside down and reshape us, the importance of acknowledging grief, and the difference between 'getting over it' and 'getting through it'. We also explore the importance of radical self-compassion along the way.Kris and I get into:The many ways we face grief from the loss of a loved one, the loss of a pregnancy, the loss of a marriage, or the loss of how we thought life would beThe 'messy mascara moment’ that led to her emotional epiphanyOvercoming the belief that emotions are 'unbecoming' and how they are actually part of becoming our whole selvesThe moments of rupture in her life and how she’s moved through themAnticipatory grief and how it can be a gift but also keep us from being presentThe power of accepting helpHow to be more 'grief literate' when talking with someone going through lossThe 5 pillars of wellness Kris practices during times of distressHow to approach work when you just can’t show up the same way during griefThank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Follow Kris @crazysexykris and grab a copy of her new book “I’m Not a Mourning Person” at www.kriscarr.com Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements 

Considering whether to embark on the journey of freezing your eggs? Naturally, this comes with a myriad of questions and considerations. If you're pondering this path and wondering if it's the right move for you, you're not alone.Join me in today's "Let's Chat About That," where I address a vulnerable question from a listener who's navigating the idea of freezing her eggs and unpack some of the myths and mysteries of this fertility option.Tune in as I explain the ins and outs of egg freezing, tackling common questions like how effective it actually is, the role of age, costs, possible health considerations including PCOS and endometriosis, and more!In this episode, we’ll explore:The history of egg freezing and its original usesThe myth about ferility dropping off a cliff after age 35The effectiveness of egg freezingA realistic look at the financial costs and determining if it’s "worth it"A look at the potential health costs of the procedure for women and the babyThe importance of carefully choosing a clinic and provider to avoid false claims prior to egg freezingSpecial considerations and possible risks with PCOS and endometriosisI hope this episode empowers you to make an informed decision on your own unique fertility journey, wherever you may be and whatever that looks like for you!Want to be part of the next “Let’s Chat About That”? Do it! Just ring me at (413) 889- 4549 and leave a voicemail for a chance to have your question featured in the next one! Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation.   To learn more about the Women's Integrative Medicine Training Program go to avivaromm.com/wimi  To register for the free webinar The Optimal PCOS Diet: The Science Behind the Nutrition Connection go to https://avivaromm.com/courses/pcos-nutrition-webinar-optin/ Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements 

Menopause is a transition that is so hushed, misunderstood, and often considered "taboo” in our culture. But what many fail to notice is that menopause is a beautiful new chapter in life that deserves respect, recognition, and reverence.I'm on a mission to change the conversation around menopause to one of profound power and wisdom - because at this stage in life, we have ARRIVED!Also on this mission is my guest on today's episode of On Health, the multi-Emmy Award-winning midlife enthusiast and champion of women's stories, Tamsen Fadal.Tamsen is openly sharing her personal menopause journey, confronting a pervasive lack of knowledge about it, and challenging stigmas about getting older through her substantial following, her "Coming Up Next" podcast, and a forthcoming book and documentary on menopause and the power of midlife.In this episode, Tamsen and I discuss the world of menopause and pro-aging, exploring topics including:What it means to be a “midlife enthusiast”The freedom in telling it like it isTamsen's on-camera hot flash moment and how it contributed to a redirect in her life and workHer thoughts on and experience with hormone therapyTropes she would love to see dispelled when it comes to menopauseThe duality of embracing aging while doing what makes her feel her bestJoin us as we change the narrative about menopause and celebrate our wise selves! Whether you are transitioning through perimenopause, in menopause, or aren't even close, this episode is packed with wisdom that all women need to hear.Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Follow Tamsen @tamsenfadal and visit her website at www.tamsenfadal.com To learn more about the Women's Integrative Medicine Training Program go to avivaromm.com/wimiLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

As we transition into autumn, with to-do lists piling up and the pressure of getting back "on track," it's an important time to revisit an age-old and perenially resonant topic: Perfectionism. It's part of how we end up overwhelmed, doing it all, and never feel like we're doing enough. i know that feeling, too!Perfectionism, that relentless inner sense of 'not-enoughness; that far too many women know far too well, is a form of what's known as high-functioning anxiety, it's a sign that you might be stuck in the adrenal-stress response - survival mode, and it's also something that can have downstream impacts on your sleep, hormones, focus, immune system, digestion, mood, weight, cardiovascular health, and more.In this episode, I invite you to reframe perfectionism, along with being a "Good Girl" and other signs of survival mode that can be causing you more stress than you even realize, and welcome you to join me in taking a deep breath as we move into a new season together, with a deeper understanding of how we can calm and quiet Perfectionism by cultivating a quieter inner life, and how you can learn to recognize the difference between the Superpowers you have and when - and why - their Shadow Sides are showing you up and driving you too hard.Join me as I share:My personal journey with PerfectionismHow one of my patients shifted my perspective on Perfectionism foreverWhat I mean by hungry ghosts and how to stop feeding themThe potential health consequences of PerfectionismSymptoms suggesting that you may be struggling with PerfectionismSeven simple practices to help shift out of Perfectionism starting today!Also listen in for a special announcement about my Women's Integrative Medicine Training Program and a new Autumn podcast schedule!To learn more about the Women's Integrative Medicine Training Program go to avivaromm.com/wimiTo register for the free webinar The Optimal PCOS Diet: The Science Behind the Nutrition Connection go to https://avivaromm.com/courses/pcos-nutrition-webinar-optin/Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements  

The US, known for medical progress, is facing higher maternal mortality rates than almost any western country, and too many women don’t get the birth experience they hoped for.Enter my guest, the amazing Chanel Porchia-Albert, founder of Ancient Song Doula Services, who is here to chat with us about breaking barriers and bringing doula care to everyone. Get ready to learn about doulas' impact on birth, bridging gaps in healthcare, and making sure all birthing people have the support they deserve.In this episode, Chanel opens up about how becoming a mother boosted her confidence as a birth activist, motivating her to empower others. She shares some fun details about her meeting with the VEEP, and we talk all about:What inspired Chanel to become a doulaThe importance of emotional, physical, and info support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartumThe wide range of support offered by full-spectrum doulasHow doulas and midwives create a super support system for pregnant individuals, combining their strengths for a smoother birth journeyTips for finding affordable options for doula care and how to interview doulas to find the right fit for YOU.Chanel's take on universal policies for maternal healthcareThe importance of finding joy in birthThank you for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow along on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. Follow Chanel @chanel_porchia and check out her work at www.ancientsongdoulaservices.comLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I’m a vaginal ecologist. Say what? Yes, you heard that correctly, a vaginal ecologist.Ecology is the relationship of organisms to one another and to their environment – their ecosystem. And just like any ecosystem in nature, your vagina has its own special ecology. Your overall health affects the health of your vaginal ecology, and your vaginal ecology in turn, affects your overall health - in more ways than you might expect!Join me today as I walk you through all things related to the fascinating world of vaginal flora—the microorganisms that call your vagina home—and together we’ll explore the root causes behind recurrent vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis, I'll also break down my recommended methods for prevention, and so much more.At the end of the day, there’s no advocacy group out there that’s dedicated to keeping our vaginal ecology healthy! I hope this episode helps you to be an advocate for your own!Thank you for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow along on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.For the accompanying article head over to https://avivaromm.com/vaginal-ecology-down-there/Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements