On Health for Women

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

Erica Djossa, a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, shares her experience with postpartum depression and the lack of support she initially received. Topics discussed include the emotions and challenges of motherhood, negotiating division of household responsibilities, the intense focus on trauma in parenting, the impact of social media on mothers, managing anxieties and fears, and unpacking societal ideals and prioritizing self-care in motherhood.

Dr. Shilpa Ravella, MD, a medical professional specializing in hidden inflammation, discusses the impact of hidden inflammation on chronic diseases and the role of diet in reducing inflammation. They delve into the concept of hidden inflammation and its long-term effects on health, as well as the importance of measuring inflammation markers. Additionally, they touch on the benefits of exercise and proper diet beyond weight loss and reflect on childhood eating habits and their health impact.

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

Explore the shadow side of perfectionism and the impact it has on well-being. Learn about the human need for belonging and how perfectionism can lead to anxiety and unhealthy habits. Discover how to heal from perfectionism by embracing self-acceptance and recognizing the negative effects on mental and physical well-being.

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