On Health for Women
On Health for Women is hosted by Yale-trained physician and midwife Aviva Romm, who explores the science and wisdom behind women's bodies and wellbeing. Each episode features conversations with expert guests on topics ranging from periods and menopause to sexual health, reproductive politics, motherhood and mental health. The show aims to bridge conventional medicine and wellness, breaking down taboos and de-stigmatizing how women understand their own bodies. Alongside the interviews, Dr. Romm shares her own reflections, tips and guidance drawn from more than 35 years of clinical practice.
Episodes
Microplastics and Nanoplastics: How Alarmed Should We Be?
Have you ever had a moment where someone doubted your instincts—only for science to prove you right years later?When I was applying to my medical residency, a doctor scoffed at my concern for BPA and endocrine disruptors. “You don’t believe in that BPA crap, do you?” he said. Well, here we are, decades later, with research linking BPA to miscarriage and endocrine disruption—even from something as
The High Cost of 'I'm Fine': The Truth About High-Functioning Anxiety and Invisible Depression
Most women don’t look like they’re falling apart—even when they’re struggling to stay afloat. We keep it all going: raising kids, showing up for work, taking care of everyone else—while silently carrying stress, grief, trauma, and anxiety. And all that holding it together? It comes at a cost.In this heart-opening episode of On Health, Aviva sits down with UK-based psychotherapist and author Helen
Reclaiming Postpartum: A New (Old) Model of Mama + Baby Care
What if the way we care for new mothers is all wrong?Not just lacking. Not just outdated. But built on a model that misses the heart and soul of what postpartum truly is — and what it could be.When I was a home birth midwife, postpartum care was the care. I'd visit mamas and babies at home five or six times in the first few weeks. We’d talk about everything — from latch to lochia, sleep deprivatio
[Replay] The Hidden Motherhood Struggle with Catherine Birndorf and Paige Bellenbaum
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. T
Normalize It: From Miscarriage to Midlife—Owning Our Stories Without Shame with Jessica Zucker
There are the stories we tell out loud, and then there are the ones we keep tucked away—the ones that ache the most, because we’ve carried them in silence.On this episode of On Health, we’re breaking the silence—and the stigma—around some of the most vulnerable, hidden experiences women carry: miscarriage, illness, identity loss, perfectionism, aging, and the loneliness so many of us feel but rare
Breastfeeding Challenges, Tongue Tie, & Trusting Your Instincts
What if you already have what it takes to breastfeed your baby—and just need the right support to unlock it?This question is at the heart of my conversation with Lisa Paladino, Certified Nurse Midwife, IBCLC, and a fierce advocate for women and babies. Lisa has decades of experience helping families navigate the powerful, joyous, and sometimes confusing, emotional, and occasionally challengi
Have You Been Medically Hexed? The Power of Words to Heal and to Harm
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling more defeated than when you arrived? Perhaps a diagnosis felt like a life sentence, or a well-meaning comment planted a seed of fear that lingered for months. This isn’t just bad bedside manner; it’s a phenomenon I call “medical hexing.” It’s the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, way that language in medical settings can disempower us, shaping o
Holding On and Letting Go: Modern Friendship in Women’s Lives with Anna Goldfarb
What if friendships were just as vital to our health as sleep, nutrition, and exercise? Research suggests they might be. But in our fast-paced, modern world, nurturing deep and lasting friendships can feel overwhelming.In this episode, I sit down with journalist and author Anna Goldfarb to explore the evolving landscape of friendship—why it can be so challenging to maintain meaningful connections
Moving Beyond Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome to Find Happiness with Emma Seppälä
Have you ever felt torn between dreaming big and staying realistic? Between trusting your instincts and wondering if fear is holding you back? In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to reclaim your personal sovereignty—the ability to stand fully in your own power, free from self-doubt, external expectations, and the weight of comparison.My guest today, Dr. Emma Seppälä
Why You Can’t Spoil Your Baby: The Science of Nurture and The Truth About Sleep Training with Greer Kirshenbaum
“You’re holding your baby too much.” “Just let them cry it out.” “You’ll spoil them if you respond every time they cry.”If you’ve ever heard these words—or wondered yourself whether nurturing your baby too much could backfire—you’re not alone. But the science is clear: responding to and connecting with our babies doesn’t spoil them; it builds their brains for lifelong emotional resilience and ment
Ancestral Wisdom: Food, Herbs, and Healing Across Women’s Lifecycles with Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz
In this episode Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, known as the Kitchen Curandera, and I explore the profound role of ancestral wisdom in women’s health. Felicia shares her journey of carrying forward her great-grandmother’s curanderismo practices and how food, plants, and rituals can transform the way we heal and care for ourselves across life’s stages.From pregnancy to postpartum to the wisdom years of meno
Pelvic Floor Secrets Every Woman Should Know From Pregnancy to Menopause with Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer
Imagine living with the constant fear of leaking when you sneeze, jump, or can’t find a bathroom in time. Now add in the struggles of constipation, painful sex, or uterine, bladder, or rectal prolapse. These aren’t just occasional annoyances—they’re signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects millions of women every year.This episode of On Health is for every woman—whether you’re preparing fo
When Good Things Happen, Why Do We Brace for the Bad?
I used to believe that for every good thing that happened to me, something bad had to happen as well to even it out, like a universal balancing system. Every time something good was going to happen, I always thought to myself, “What will the payback be?” In my years of experience working with and talking to women, I have learned that lots of women live with this fear, often for a long time.Listen
Are We Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success? The High Cost of Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace
Why does it feel like no matter how much we do, it’s never enough—Including—and especially—in our mothering? It’s no wonder we feel this way! Societal changes have created a culture that ties worth to performance, often at the expense of our health and happiness, while macroeconomic trends that have shifted the way we think about work, education, and success, making it entirely focussed on ex
Becoming a Cycle Breaker: Healing Intergenerational Trauma with Compassion and Resilience (Replay)
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 active
Do You Have a Hostile Uterus? The Hidden Harms of Medical Language on Women’s Health
Imagine being told you had a “hostile uterus” and sent home, only to discover later you were on the brink of a life-threatening pregnancy complication.This isn’t fiction. Terms like “hostile uterus” and “irritable uterus” are still in use, and they’re dangerous. In conventional medicine, language like this often subtly blames women’s bodies for medical events, creating a culture where women who ad
Loving Better Every Day with Dr. Alexandra Solomon
Could your love relationship use a bit of boost? Some calm in the storm? Or are you looking for love that’s been hard to find? In this On Health for Women episode I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a wonderful couples therapist, professor, author of Love Every Day and the host of the Reimagining Love podcast. Together we explore the real meaning of love and how it can be cultivated through
Must-Have Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu Season
Feeling the first tickle of a sore throat? Or maybe you’re dealing with a full-blown cold or flu? In this episode, I’m sharing my top natural remedies to help you get through cold and flu season. From immune-boosting herbs to soothing teas, these are the must-haves I trust to keep my family healthy.I’ll walk you through how to use each one, with practical tips on safety, including what’s safe for
How Toxic Fashion is Making Women Sick & What We Can Do About It with Alden Wicker
Many of us are aware of the ethical minefield of fast fashion—from the labor issues to the environmental damage. But did you know that the clothes in your closet could be making you sick? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning investigative journalist Alden Wicker, author of To Die For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick and How We Can Fight Back. Alden’s deep dive into the world of fashion
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes with Aviva Romm and Lily Nichols
I remember when I first started practicing as a midwife—way back in the '80s—there was barely a whisper about how nutrition could impact pregnancy. I taught my first prenatal nutrition class in 1990, and the hunger for information was almost palpable. It’s amazing to me that, fast forward to today, we’re still facing a gap in understanding just how much food and lifestyle choices affect both mom a
This is So Awkward: Supporting Teens through the ‘New Puberty’
Of all the stages in life, most women tell me they’d least want to revisit—it's puberty. If you're reading this, you survived it too. And while you likely have some fond memories, you also remember the awkward body changes, the anxiety of getting your mom to buy pads or tampons to avoid the dreaded checkout counter, the stress around your emerging—or non-emerging—breasts, acne, and the confusing w
At Least You Have a Healthy Baby: The Hidden Epidemic of Birth Trauma in the US
Despite advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of maternal health, the emotional and psychological experiences of birthing mothers in the US often go unnoticed. In this eye-opening episode, Aviva Romm, an experienced midwife and MD, delves into a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood—birth trauma. Aviva shares her personal birth story, other birth stories, and draws
Unplugging from the Attention Economy and Reclaiming Your Time with Jenny Odell
If you find yourself feeling chronically overwhelmed, with a to-do list you can’t ever get to the bottom of, and a nagging feeling that you’re never quite doing enough, this episode is for you. Joining me is Jenny Odell, the acclaimed author of zthe books How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy and Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture. An artist and educator based
On Alcohol and Women's Health: From Fertility thru Menopause
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
On Women, Alcohol, Our Hormones and Menstrual Cycles
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 estroge
Rediscovering Intimacy and Pleasure with Emily Nagoski
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 fox
Seeing Life Through an Herbalist’s Lens with Olivia Amitrano
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
Breaking the Taboo Around Pregnancy Loss with Chelsea Leyland
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 endometri
Ending Obstetric Fistula: A Journey of Hope and Resilience with Bonnie Ruder
"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 RuderObstetric 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 l
[Replay] The Hidden Motherhood Struggle with Catherine Birndorf and Paige Bellenbaum
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. T
[Replay] Adaptogens & Burnout
I've been wanting to share this episode with you for awhile, so I finally dusted off the archives and here it is. The sound quality is not as sharp as our more recent episodes - our production values have definitely improved - but I'm certain you'll find it timely and useful.Despite increased attention on the dangers of burnout, recent surveys report that a majority of the population across many
Demystifying Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Menopause with Sharon Malone
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 un
The Wisdom of the Menopause Brain with Lisa Mosconi
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 impo
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour
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 neur
Stress in Pregnancy: How Much Should You Stress About It
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
Beyond Gaslighting and Narcissism: Finding Yourself to Find Love with Jillian Turecki
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 transfo
Why Women Have More Autoimmune Diseases Than Men
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 t
The Power of Growing Older and the Problem with Ageism
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 ‘symp
Why Creating & Setting Boundaries is Essential for Our Health
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
Becoming a Cycle Breaker: Healing Intergenerational Trauma with Compassion and Resilience
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 active
Beyond Crystals and Bubble Baths: Talking About Real Self-Care
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
Parent Wounds: Healing Our Hearts Even in Crisis
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
Unpacking the Invisible Load of Motherhood with Erica Djossa
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
A Silent Fire: Understanding Hidden Inflammation with Shilpa Ravella, MD
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 h
Medical Gaslighting: What It Is, Why It’s So Dangerous, and What You Can Do to Advocate for Yourself
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
Moving Through Grief and Its Big Messy Feelings with Kris Carr
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
Should I Freeze My Eggs? Let’s Chat About That!
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 my
Hot Flashes Gone Public with Tamsen Fadal
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 miss
Perfectionism: Healing the Shadow Side
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 k
Centering Mothers with Support, Community, and Wisdom (with Chanel Porchia-Albert, Ancient Song)
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 b
Vaginal Ecology - What You Need to Know
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 mor
How This Mama Is Transforming the Supplements Industry
As of 2022, the supplement industry was estimated to be worth $35.6 billion. But all that glitters is not gold. Supplement companies have a history of stepping into murky waters with health claims and products that don’t provide what they say is on the bottle—or sometimes include unlisted ingredients.Further, women are grossly underrepresented in ownership and leadership roles in the supplement in
The Lowdown on Pap Tests, HPV and Pelvic Exams
As if hopping onto an (almost always freezing cold) exam table butt-naked wasn't stressful enough, knowing what to do when it comes to Pap tests and pelvic examinations can be super confusing at any age.This week, I’m resharing a timeless episode from the On Health archives that will fill you in on everything you need to know about the Pap test, HPV, and pelvic exams. I cover why we can finally sa
The Power of Hypnobirthing with Kerry Tuschhoff
When the word "hypnosis" comes to mind, we often associate it with stage performances and peculiar antics, but there’s a deeper and more powerful side to this practice, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. This is where hypnobirthing comes in—a powerful therapeutic approach that taps into the transformative power of the subconscious during the birthing process. On today’s e
Optimizing and Protecting Your XX Brain With Dr. Lisa Mosconi
Did you know researchers estimate that nearly two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer’s in the United States are women?As this data continues to emerge, conversations surrounding brain health are as important as ever before, which is why I’ve decided to share a beloved episode from the archives where I’m joined by a leading voice in Neuroscience, bestselling author, and one of the most influenti
Reclaiming Birth with Allison Yarrow
According to a recent survey of over 1300 women, 56% experienced dissatisfaction with their births. Unfortunately, this statistic reveals only a glimpse into a very broken system and the reality for birthing women in our country, where 30% report some form of trauma in their birth experience. So, where do we go from here?On today’s episode of On Health, I'm joined by award-winning journalist
Birth Control Myths and Realities: Part 2
Welcome back to the second half of this two-part series, 10 Birth Control Myths and Realities You Should Really Know!In part one, I explored the Pill's connection to blood clots, cancer, depression, and cognitive changes. Through rigorous research and analysis, I shed light on the myths and truths behind these assertions and explored whether there is any validity to them.Today, we continue our mis
Birth Control Myths and Realities: Part 1
For almost sixty years, the birth control pill has been a symbol of sexual liberation for women, offering relief from symptoms and granting newfound control. For some women, it can be practically miraculous. But the Pill also has side effects and risks that are often dismissed by medical doctors yet exaggerated by the wellness world.So, is the Pill a friend or a foe? It’s time to separate myt
Vagina Obscura and the Sexist History of Female Anatomy With Rachel E. Gross
Female anatomy is shrouded in misconceptions and limited knowledge. Yet within us lies potential for transformation, healing, and pleasure. On today's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by distinguished journalist and author of the acclaimed book "Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage." Rachel E. Gross. Rachel's groundbreaking book sheds light on untold stories and silenced narratives, sh
On Our Best Behavior: The Price Women Pay to Be Good Enough with Elise Loehnen
Perfectionism, that nagging feeling of never doing enough, of never being good enough, guilt any time you practice a little self-care. Do you ever wonder where these feelings and inner voices that dog us come from? It's a question I've given a lot of thought to and deep-dived into in today's Oh Health podcast with Elise Loehnen, author of her newest release, the NYT Bestseller, "On Our Best B
On BETR Ways to Close the Healthcare Gap with Ellen Pompeo
It’s a startling and unfortunate reality that too many Americans are unable to access the medications they need for their basic healthcare, and that on top of this, billions of dollars' worth of pharmaceuticals go to waste annually, causing environmental pollution as well. Joining me today is none other than a trailblazer who needs no introduction as she embarks on a transformative mission to crea
Let's Chat About That - Did the Pill Ruin My Fertility?
Are you concerned about the impact of birth control pills on your fertility? It's only natural to prioritize the well-being of your body and future fertility. And rest assured, you're not alone. A recent study of over 2,000 women who used oral contraceptives (OCs) found that most women had some worries. Fortunately, there's enough reassuring data that should allow you to breathe a major sigh of re
Toward a New Model of Maternal Health in the US with Neel Shah, MD
In a recent development, the US Preventive Services Task Force sounded the alarm about the increasing prevalence of hypertensive disorders among pregnant women. They have advised monitoring blood pressure throughout pregnancy since these disorders have doubled in the last three decades, impacting one in ten pregnancies. Unfortunately, the United States lags in maternal health, bearing a troublingl
Intermittent Fasting and Time-Based Eating: Is There Evidence for Women’s Health and Weight Loss?
In the ever-changing landscape of trends and choices, it's important to separate the fleeting fads from the timeless practices. Today, we embark on an insightful journey, shining a light on two prominent trends that have taken center stage: Intermittent Fasting (IMF) and Time-Based Eating (TBE) and their profound impact on women's bodies.Join me as I peel back the layers, shedding light on the uni
Re-Owning Yourself: A 360 Approach to Menopause with Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
Over the course of her twenty-year medical career, my guest today, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, noticed a shocking dearth of information and support for women beginning and experiencing menopause. For too long, this crucial stage in women’s lives has been given perfunctory notice in medical schools and is often either a hidden secret or the punchline to a joke—denying women the information and suppor
How to Choose the Best Birth Control for You
Are you overwhelmed by the number of birth control options available and wondering which one is right for you? Are you confused about the safety of various contraceptives? Confused about whether to use the Pill or another contraceptive method for PCOS, endometriosis, acne, or another hormonal condition? There’s no denying that it can be daunting. With so much confusing and contradictory
What's a Normal Period, Really? with Kate Clancy, PhD
In this episode of On Health, I dive deep into the science and culture of our menstrual cycles with Kate Clancy, PhD, period researcher and expert in the field of reproductive biology who has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for menstrual health and wellbeing.We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, as well as the social stigma that often accompany it. Kate sheds li
How Social Media Censorship is Impacting Women's Sexual Health
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual assault Did you know that it takes only 3.5 years to sail around the world but up to 10 years to get an endometriosis diagnosis? That three out of four women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives? Or that nearly half of all women aged 18 to 35 have trouble reaching orgasm with a partner, and most women don't score their sexual satisfaction as
Hormonal Hot Housing: On Why We Need to Understand and Prevent Early Puberty in Our Daughters
As parents, it’s instinctual that our number one priority is to ensure that our daughters grow up as happy and healthy as possible. So with the very real phenomenon of early puberty on the rise, it's understandable that many of us have growing concerns about it.On today’s episode of On Health, we'll be exploring early puberty, including the various environmental and social factors that could be co
Dismissed: On the Way Bias May Be Affecting Your Healthcare with Dr. Angela Marshall
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, body size, and other factors have a significant bearing on whether you will be diagnosed and treated correctly. And health-care bias can mean the difference not just between suffering and relief but between life and death. On today’s episode of On Health, my guest, Angela Marshall MD, a board-certified internist, foun
On What We All Need to Know About Living with Long COVID
Have you wondered if you or someone you know has Long COVID? It's VERY possible!As of 2023, the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people, as many as 1 in 3 college students, and a preponderance of menopausal women who have had COVID still experience symptoms more than 3 months—or more—after being infected. Long COVID continues to impact the everyday lives of countless "long haulers" globally. On toda
On Period Pain in Teens - A 6th Vital Sign That You Don’t Want to Miss
If your teen daughter is struggling with period pain and you're looking for answers - or you're a teen here for yourself - this episode is for you.Period pain, or what’s medically known as dysmenorrhea, has become such a normalized part of the menstrual experience, so much so that regularly taking ibuprofen to numb the discomfort and skipping out on important life obligations is something we’ve co
On Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro
Imagine opening an email that contains a revelation that rocks your world to the core, forcing you to completely rethink your origin and your identity- this is exactly what happened to my guest on today's On Health Podcast episode, Dani Shapiro.Every family has secrets. Some are buried and never spoken about, some are maturely disclosed, and others are inconveniently discovered. These discoveries
On How to Have a Safe, Empowered Miscarriage at Home: What Every Woman Needs to Know
TRIGGER WARNING: Miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Both physically and emotionally, there is very little that can prepare a woman for something 1 in 4 of us will experience in our lifetime: miscarriage. Early pregnancy loss is a complex topic that has consistently been high on the list of what many healthcare providers, journalists, and female podcasters consider to be taboo to dive deeply into
On Invisible Illness: Living at the Edge of Medical Knowledge with Meghan O’Rourke
From chronic fatigue to Lyme’s disease to COVID to autoimmune conditions, "invisible" illnesses and those who suffer from them are often disbelieved. It's often a struggle to receive a diagnosis, and more often than not, sufferers do not receive the adequate care they need. Lack of knowledge and understanding from medical providers may lead women to remain silent and hide their suffering, live wit
On Vaginal Dryness and Painful Sex in Menopause
An estimated 6,000 women in the U.S. reach menopause every single day—that’s over 2 million each year! And an average of 27 million women between the ages of 45 and 64 experience menopausal symptoms. All this to say, you are not alone if you experience vaginal dryness and/or pain during sex. My goal today is to help you feel comfortable in your body and in your life by sharing what you need to kno
Thinx Again: On What We Need to Know about PFAS in Our Period Products
As thoughtful consumers, we try to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. And the bottom line is that we shouldn't have to twice about the possibility that the everyday products we use, from the cookware in our homes to our cosmetics, could pose any level of danger to our health and wellbeing. We should be able to have confidence in the brands that make these products, as well as
On the History of the Migraine Personality with Joanna Kempner
Sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes hours spent in darkened rooms. If you suffer from migraines, then you're all too familiar with these symptoms, which may affect you infrequently or as often as several times each week. Migraines are three times more common among women than men, and are worse prematurely and in menopause when women may experience th
Let’s Chat About That: On Supporting Optimal Immunity In Pregnancy
Motherhood is a lifelong role, during which there will be no shortage of opportunities to worry. Even before you give birth, your mama-bear radar is engaged, and you’re suddenly motivated to do all you can to protect this precious being growing inside of you. So as hard as it is to manage these worries while we're pregnant, it's also an ideal time to start developing inner practices to help us cop
On the Big Letdown: A Radical Conversation on Birth and Breastfeeding with Kimberly Seals Allers
Content Warning: In this episode, we will be talking about maternal mortality, infant mortality, and the impact of racism on maternal health.60% of all maternal deaths are fully preventable, and the complications women experience are not inherent to black or brown bodies. Yet Black and Brown women have been blamed for their "bad outcomes" instead of recognizing that these deaths all too often have
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