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.

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

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 July 4th or just hitting the brakes a little now, 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.

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.

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

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

I’m so excited to share an encore interview with the brilliant, hilarious, and incredibly insightful Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, Come Together, and Burnout (co-written with her sister). Emily is a renowned sex educator who brings a blend of scientific rigor and relatable storytelling to the conversation about women's sexual health and pleasure. Get ready for a foxy (you’ll have to listen to hear why this is literally true!)conversation full of laughter, wisdom, and relatable experiences. Today we talk about her latest book: Come Together (she does come up the most perfect titles!). Note we talk about SEX and get real. So perhaps not an episode with littles in the car unless you want to do a lot of explaining while you listen.

In this episode we dive deep into:

• High Expectations and Reality Checks: Emily shares the unexpected challenges of writing Come As You Are and the personal journey that inspired Come Together. Discover how stress and exhaustion can impact desire, even for a sex educator.
• The Emotional Floor Plan: Learn about the emotional floor plan concept that Emily developed to understand her journey from stress to pleasure. This framework is a game-changer for navigating intimacy in long-term relationships.
• Say the Words: Emily and Aviva discuss the importance of desensitizing yourself to sexual language. Get ready to laugh and learn as they share exercises for getting comfortable talking about sex - starting with getting comfortable talking about body parts.
• The Patriarchy and Pleasure: Emily dives into the complex impact of the patriarchy on sexual relationships. Discover how societal norms and expectations shape our desires and how to break free from them.
• Unleashing Your Inner Wild: Aviva and Emily explore how women can reconnect with their deep feminine energy and inner wise woman. Learn about the power of rewilding and embracing your authentic self.
• Navigating Change: Practical tips for couples on how to navigate change and maintain a strong sexual connection. From creating safe conversations to understanding each other’s needs, this segment is packed with actionable advice.
• The Four Questions: Emily shares four essential questions to help couples understand and improve their sexual relationship. These questions are a roadmap to deeper connection and pleasure.
• The Power of Love: Emily’s profound realization about the impermanence of life and the importance of kindness, compassion, and play in relationships. Aviva reflects on her own 40-year marriage and the lessons she’s learned.

We hope this episode helps you feel seen, heard, and empowered. If you enjoy it - and On Health in general - please share this with a friend and leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes on the regular.

Resources Mentioned:

• Emily Nagoski’s books: Come As You Are, Come Together, and Burnout (co-written with her sister).
• Aviva Romm’s courses and blog: AvivaRomm.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

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in...

In this fresh and delightful episode I sit down with Olivia Amitrano, herbalist, host of the popular What’s the Juice podcast and founder of Organic Olivia, a successful botanical medicines company. Olivia opens up about her transformative journey through herbalism, personal growth, and the essential practice of honest self-reflection on the relationships in our lives and our relationship to ourselves.

We dive deep into Olivia’s:

• First encounters with plants and how this sparked her enduring passion for herbal medicine.
• Insights on the art of noticing and the power of forming deep, meaningful relationships with the natural world.
• Exploration of how our health is intricately influenced by our relationships and environments.
• Personal experiences with codependency, the importance of establishing boundaries, and the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to face uncomfortable truths.
• Revelation that deeper personal changes were needed beyond herbs and foods to heal not just her insulin resistance, but her resistance to making changes in her habits.
• Realizations about the effects of substances like caffeine and cannabis on her health and well-being.
• Unique practice of hosting internal funerals to release habits and relationships that no longer serve her.
• Engagement with "parts" work and internal family systems therapy to understand and heal different facets of herself.

Olivia and I share insights about:

• The use of herbs in dreamwork and their subtle, yet profound, influence on the psyche.
• How slowing down and allowing plants to guide us can lead to profound personal growth.
• The intersection of mindfulness and self-compassion in achieving true well-being beyond herbs and foods.

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

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

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics related to pregnancy loss and fertility challenges. Listener discretion is advised.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of "On Health," I sit down with Chelsea Leyland, a globetrotting DJ, mother, epilepsy and endometriosis activist, documentary filmmaker, and menstrual health entrepreneur. Chelsea shares her journey through endometriosis, pregnancy loss, and becoming a mother and the importance of breaking the silence around these common issues so we can get the support we need - and so we can support each other with compassion and understanding.

We dive deep into Chelsea’s…

• Long struggle with endometriosis – and her path to finally receiving a correct diagnosis.
• Challenges finding effective treatments - and what finally helped relieve both seizure and endometriosis symptoms.
• Pregnancy losses and the importance of open dialogue rather than taboo and silence.
• Emotional journey following her miscarriages, the steps she took to honor her losses, and how she found the courage to try again.
• Decision to speak publicly about her experiences with endometriosis and pregnancy loss and why she believes it's crucial to reduce stigma.Heartfelt words of wisdom for women currently grieving a pregnancy loss or struggling with infertility.
• Daily wellness routines that are essential for managing her chronic conditions while also balancing motherhood - and how she deals with ‘s#it days.’
• The power of community and shared experiences in healing and empowerment.
• Chelsea's advice to her younger self and thoughts on resilience and hope.

Thank you for tuning into On Health for Women. Remember, you are not alone on your journey, and a supportive community is here for you. Please connect with me on social media. Your stories matter and can provide comfort and support to others, too.And don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "On Health" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Follow Dr. Aviva on Instagram.

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

"I think one of the most important things about fistula is that it is completely preventable and treatable. So this is a solvable problem. We used to have this problem here in the US and now we don't." – Bonnie Ruder

Obstetric fistula affects around 2 million women globally, with 50,000 to 100,000 new cases each year. This devastating, yet entirely preventable condition profoundly impacts women's lives, causing chronic infections, incontinence, and severe social ostracism and isolation.

In this powerful new episode, I’m joined by Bonnie Ruder, midwife, medical anthropologist, and co-founder of Terrewode Women's Fund. Together, we explore the:

• The definition and causes of obstetric fistula - and why this should never happen to any woman, anywhere in the world
• The nefarious history of obstetric fistula surgery on enslaved women in the United States
• The medical, personal, and social impacts of fistula on women's lives — and their incredible resilience
• Bonnie's journey from home birth midwife to fistula activist
• Holistic treatment approaches: medical care, social reintegration, and economic empowerment
• Efforts to prevent fistula through better access to maternal healthcare and the role of traditional birth attendants in fistula prevention

Tune into this heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode to learn more about the impact of obstetric fistula and the incredible work being done to confront it.

Terrewode Women’s Fund's mission to end obstetric fistula in Uganda are truly inspiring. 🌍 To learn more and support the work of Terrewode:

🔗 Website: terrewodewomensfund.org

📸 Instagram: @terrewodewomensfund

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

"What if your body had a greater ability to heal than you were ever led to believe?" - This question not only challenges conventional health beliefs but also underpins the empowering message that infuse today's discussion.

Welcome to this - literally - energy packed new episode of "On Health," where I’m joined by Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician and the author of "Good Energy." Once on the path to becoming an ENT surgeon, Dr. Means experienced a personal health revelation that steered her towards a deep dive into metabolic health, ultimately leading to her leaving conventional medicine. Today, she’s a leading voice in proactive health practices and metabolic optimization, sharing her expertise to help others ignite their best health.

About Dr. Casey Means:

Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and a pioneer in the field of metabolic health. After leaving her surgical residency, she co-founded a health technology company focused on personalized nutrition and lifestyle optimization. She's an advocate for a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the role of diet, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices in improving metabolic function and overall well-being. Her upcoming book, "Good Energy," explores these themes in detail. Connect with Dr. Means through her website and on Instagram.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Life Shift: Discover why Dr. Means transitioned from a surgical career to focusing on metabolic health.
• Metabolism 2.0: Why metabolism is the mother of root causes - and why it's crucial to your health.
• The Powerhouses of Your Cells: Learn how environmental exposures and a SAD diet are harming our mitochondrial health - and how you can boost your mitochondrial function. (And learn a fun fact about the matrilineal nature of mitochondria).
• Lab Tests for Metabolism: Casey and I share the essential lab tests we recommend for monitoring metabolic health.
• Nutritional Guidance: Get practical tips on what to eat and what to avoid — to optimize your metabolic health every day - and how it’s easier than you might think.
• Nature and Health: Explore how reconnecting with nature - and our innate feminine bu tuning into your body's natural rhythms— can enhance your metabolic health.
• The Sickness Industry of Medicine: We discuss the backend healthcare incentives to keep us sick rather than help us be well!
• Casey’s top meal picks for protein rich, nutrient dense breakfasts, lunches, and dinners - that you can prepare in 5 to 30 minutes!

Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights that could redefine what you thought was possible for your health. Tune in to learn how you can harness your "Good Energy" for a life of vitality and optimal health.

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

In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month I am re-sharing this 2023 conversation with the founders of The Motherhood Center in NYC. With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) being the #1 complication associated with birth in the US and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this remains a critical conversation.

________________

It’s not just you. You're not crazy. You're not a bad mom. You're not alone. These are words and deep beliefs that resonate through and form the backbone of today’s guests, Catherine Birndorf, MD, and Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW. Catherine and Paige are dedicated to changing the perinatal mental health terrain, and they do it through The Motherhood Center, a place of radical acceptance, nurturance, and individual and group support. On today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on motherhood and redefine what is considered "normal" and "typical". With PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) being the #1 complication associated with birth and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this is a critical conversation. On today’s episode, we unpack why it’s so important that we talk more about these conditions, how to do your best to prevent PMADs, and what to do if you or someone you love has symptoms.

Aviva, Paige, and Catherine discuss:

• The definition of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) and the different diagnoses that fall under the PMAD umbrella
• What PMAD taboos still exist today, why this needs to change, and how Roe v. Wade affects these taboos
• Paige and Catherine’s personal stories with perinatal mood disorders and what brought them to the point of specializing in PMADS and opening the motherhood center
• The kinds of physical and psychological feelings and symptoms associated with PMADs and signs birthing people and their providers should watch out for
• Why we need to move in the direction of making it mandatory for OB-GYNs, midwives, pediatricians, and any providers who come in contact with newer expecting mothers to begin educating their patients about PMADS and screening for symptoms
• The effects of the pandemic, social isolation, and potential cultural contributors on PMADS
• The role of medication and psychotherapy in treating conditions

For more information or to reach out visit themotherhoodcenter.com or call (212) 335-0034.

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