On Health for Women

Welcome to the second half of our alcohol miniseries! In part one, I focused on how alcohol metabolizes differently in women than men and how this increases women's alcohol-related health risks. I also talked about how alcohol can effect puberty, our hormones, and menstrual cycles. If you haven’t already listened, it's a perfect prequel to today's episode, where I talk about how alcohol may impact fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, and breast cancer, giving you food for thought on whether and if so how much drinking is okay for YOU, and also tools for smarter alcohol intake. You’ll walk away from series feeling empowered and equipped with the tools and information necessary to approach alcohol in a way that best matches your lifestyle.   In this episode, I dish on: How alcohol may impact fertility and how to approach drinking while trying to conceive How inflammation caused by alcohol consumption can enhance symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis The role of alcohol in menopause, hot flashes, and sleep struggles Alcohol and breast cancer: risks, susceptibility, genetics, and more How alcohol may impact methylation and DNA The top tips for drinking in a way that mitigates the risks of alcohol, while still being able to enjoy light intake should you want to Whether you're trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, going through menopause, struggling with PCOS or endometriosis, or simply want to learn more about the potential long-term effects of alcohol on your health, - even just light drinking - this series as a must-refer-back-to one for various cycles of your life. So listen, save and share it! 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. 

Alcohol. It's the kind of frenemy that many women have a love-hate relationship with. It may make us feel good in the moment—relaxed, more social, less anxious—but many women find that after a drink or several, they’re moody, irritable, don’t sleep as well, and feel overall kind of not-so-great. Are there reasons for this that are unique to women? And can alcohol have hidden effects on our estrogen? Progesterone? Menstrual cycles? What about your gut? Circadian rhythm? Thyroid?  That’s exactly what we’ll explore together in this two part series on women, alcohol, and our hormones. Whether you’re having a dry January or just hitting the brakes a little now that the holiday parties are behind us, what better time of year is there to do a little self-check-in on this anyway? It can be a perfect time to revaluate your relationship with alcohol altogether as you move into a healthier New Year.  We’ll be diving straight into the research and discussing the direct impact alcohol has on women’s hormonal and long-term health, so you can make the most informed decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption that best fit your lifestyle.   In the first of this two part series on women, alcohol, and our hormones, we'll deep dive into... Why we need to know how much a "drink" really is in terms of alcohol content The differences between how men and women metabolize alcohol and why this is so important The differences between light, moderate, heavy, and binge drinking and why it matters How your personal background can play a role in the way you react to alcohol The truth about red wine consumption and the French Paradox  The dynamic between alcohol, inflammation, leaky gut, blood sugar, and thyroid health How alcohol impacts estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and our menstrual cycles This episode will give you food for thought and some important information to consider as you intentionally reflect on whether and how much to include alcohol in your lifestyle with zero judgment.   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. 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/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. 

From a young age, we’re taught to be "good girls." We’re told to be polite, to be nice, not to interrupt, and to say thank you—even when we don't mean it. As little girls, we're best "seen", not heard and told that if you question authority or speak your mind, then you're bossy, too loud, or even a bitch.  And while we know this is all nonsense as adults, so many of us still hold onto these beliefs and habits, which cause us to remain silent at board meetings, apologize to the other person when they cut us off in the checkout line, and remain silent in the doctor's office when we know something is wrong.  It's "good girl syndrome", and it can seriously affect our health and even our safety, as you'll learn in this episode!  In the episode, I share:  An essential lesson in self-advocacy I learned in 3rd grade that has and continues to serve me powerfully in my life and work  The science behind the "fawning" stress response and how so many of us do it without even noticing  "Good Girl Syndrome": what is it, why we develop it, and how it can even be damaging to our health Why it's good for your health to be a "bad patient"  My experience being the "good girl" in medical school and how that led to a major shift  How channeling my inner "bad girl" saved my patient's life  The power of the Wonder Woman pose and the tools necessary for women who are struggling to advocate for themselves    And so much more!    This episode is a MUST for every woman who needs empowerment to finally get her doctors to listen, to speak up to her boss, or to embrace her own inner Wonder Woman, power, and confidence.  And remember to head over to my Instagram page to join in the convo on this episode.  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. 

This week, I'm sharing a replay of my interview with New York Times bestseller, Dr. Emily @Nagoski, author of Come as You Are, because she's so interesting and because as we shift through seasons of our lives (and through pandemic seasons!) our s*xual needs and s*x lives shift and evolve, too. There are certain themes that we hear differently in each phase of our own lives. One of my favorite quotes from this interview is: "The most important factor for women in creating and sustaining a fulfilling s*x life, is not what you do in bed or how you do it, but how you feel about it." It's just one of many pearls Emily drops in this episode! Join me in this episode of Natural MD Radio as I talk with Emily about what we can do to cultivate s*xual wellbeing in our lives and how we learn what's normal and fulfilling for each of us, not externally based norms.  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. 

The thyroid is such a complex part of our endocrine system, involved in hundreds of processes that affect nearly every aspect of our health, so naturally there’s plenty of ground to cover. I’m so thrilled to be picking up where we left off in Part 1 and diving back into all things thyroid. Whether you’re in the midst of thyroid struggles or seeking some general guidance for your overall thyroid wellbeing, I'll be tackling more of your thought provoking questions. I hope you walk away from the conclusion of this series feeling empowered, that much more thyroid literate, and all the wiser. Listen in to learn all about:  All things thyroid antibodies from what they are, what they mean, and whether, when, and what to do if they're elevated  All things about thyroid medications: The pros and cons, testing while taking them, and my go-to recommendations for a variety of situations  The truth about whether Hashimoto's and Grave's disease are 'curable"  How to wisely take an integrative approach to thyroid health: breaking down the pros and cons of multivitamins, iodine, inositol, healthy diet, and more   You'll also learn how to join me for a whole new and really exciting On Health feature: Let's Chat About That - where you can call me directly with the burning questions you’d like answered on the show related to women’s health, hormones, fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, menopause, lifestyle, mental health, or pediatrics. You now have the opportunity to leave me a voicemail and have it played on an upcoming episode - with an answer from me! Call me at 413-889-4549 and ask away. I can’t wait to hear what's on your mind!  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.  

How many times have you sat down to a meal already worried about the calories in the food you’re eating? Or plagued by feelings of guilt and feelings of loss of control instead of the pleasure and nourishment of eating? If you often have an inner food battle, as do so many of us, and if you want to pass a healthy food relationship onto your now or future daughters, today’s episode is for you. Around the holidays specifically, it can be hard to relax and enjoy ourselves when the society we live in is filled with images and ideals of unrealistic body standards.  So join me for a very special episode this week to learn about:The relationship between cortisol and stress eating, and why willpower isn't just about 'you'. The powerful influence of family history culture and society on body image and how this translates into our relationship with food, and what food 'introjects' are The benefits of mindful eating and how this can transform not only your relationship with food, but digestion and metabolism as well Where digestion actually begins, and why this is so important for carbohydrate digestion How to eat to satiety rather than overfullness and ways to let go of the food battle in your mind I'll also be leading you through a special visualization on mindful eating and providing you with tools to help you navigate food healthfully through this holiday season and beyond. I wish you a whole new and loving relationship with food and your body, with no resolutions, no battles, and no struggles needed, starting right now.  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. 

This year, staying well and preventing colds and flu is more important than ever. Not only is it expected to be a worse-than-average flu season, but we’re also entering another COVID winter. But what is it that you can do that really works to boost your immunity? Can you actually rely on herbs and supplements? What else can you do?  In this episode, I answer these questions and more. I share the top tips that really work to prevent colds and flu in adults and kids—from the practical to the pharmaceutical to the nutritional and herbal.   Have a listen to learn: The difference between colds and flu, and what all the fuss about flu is about The role of flu vaccines and Tamiflu in flu prevention Who might be at higher risk with the flu The roles of exercise, diet, and sleep in boosting immunity - and the surprising importance of not over-exercising The best supplements and herbs to boost immunity, including doses, and what you can safely try if you're pregnant or nursing.  I hope this episode brings you food for thought and support for a healthy autumn and winter!  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.  

Blood sugar balance. It's the starting place in my patient care, and it's the one core thread, other than eating 'whole foods,' that runs through how I personally think about what I eat.   Why? As your body’s preferred energy source, glucose is a substantial and essential piece of our biological puzzle. From your hormones, mood, energy, cravings, and overall health, your blood sugar levels can influence so much more than we might even be aware of. And when blood sugar spikes and crashes this rollercoaster creates some of the symptoms we experience daily like cravings, headaches, anxiety, and more. Enter the Glucose Goddess, biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, and my guest on today's episode, where we dive into blood sugar balance, from what it is, why it's important, and how to get it. Join us for a conversation that is pivotal to women’s health and packed full of information to dramatically improve your overall health and wellbeing - and remarkably quickly and easily.  Jessie and I discuss:   The tragic accident that influenced Jessie’s interest in studying glucose  What exactly is glucose, and what does it mean to have a glucose spike  The reality of using CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors)  Three main symptoms of a ""glucose rollercoaster"" Concerns surrounding glucose spikes and inflammation  Finding the balance between healthy eating, non-restriction, and pleasure  Jessie’s 9 core principles for achieving glucose balance Jessie Inchauspé is the founder of the Glucose Goddess movement with a community of over 1.2 million followers, and author of Glucose Revolution: The Life Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar. She is on a mission to help people understand their bodies and blood sugar in an accessible, actionable way!  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 Jessie glucosegoddess and find her new book Glucose Revolution: The Life Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar at www.glucosegoddess.com  

The thyroid is one of the most important and complex glands in our body. And as women, we need to know a thing or two about it because, statistically, 1 in 8 of us will suffer from thyroid issues during our lifetime, with significant impacts on our overall health and well-being. Naturally, we all have questions surrounding this precious anatomy, but the answers don’t always come as easily, leaving many in the dark with no clear direction.  In Part 1 of this episode, I'm going to be answering the real-life questions sent to me by women just like you, diving deep into thyroid health, dispelling some myths while providing guidance and a dose of empowerment that—you’ve got this—should you need it now or later down the road.    In this episode, I discuss:  How the thyroid functions and what role the thyroid plays in women's health  The differences between and the common symptoms of various forms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism  Best practices for lab testing, the types of tests available, and how to understand your results  The various factors that can lead to thyroid problems and affect thyroid health overall  Tips for approaching your doctor to get the answers and tests you need  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.