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, shaping our understanding of female anatomy. Through her detailed research and heartfelt storytelling, we explore the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social aspects of women's health, fostering empowerment and self-discovery. 

Rachel and I discuss: 

How bacterial vaginosis inspired Rachel to write this book

The history of lack of female orgasm in a marriage being grounds for divorce in the US 

How shame has historically been baked into the language of female anatomy 

What the 'career women's disease is and how attitudes about women impact our ability to get the care we need 

The truth about female orgasms and the G spot 

Radical women who have paved the way for better scientific understanding of the ovaries, uterus, fertility, and more! 


Join us on a journey as we unravel the mysteries of female anatomy, challenge societal norms, and celebrate our resilience and beauty. We dismantle the barriers of shame and misinformation, embracing and celebrating the magic and intricacies of the female body. 
 
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 Rachel Gross on Instagram @gross_out, check out her noteworthy New York Times article here, and grab a copy of her book here!

Vagina Obscura and the Sexist History of Female Anatomy With Rachel E. Gross

From the stuff your mother never told you, to the stuff your doctor never learned, On Health features taboo-busting conversations that demystify and de-stigmatize our bodies, all while bridging the gap between conventional medicine and wellness. Join Yale-trained MD & midwife Aviva Romm and her line-up of expert guests as they discuss everything from periods to menopause, sex to reproductive health politics, and motherhood to mental health. Each week, Dr. Romm will be exploring the science and wisdom of how our bodies work, what makes us well, what gets in the way, and how we can live our best lives on our terms, authentically and bravely. You can expect to learn more about topics such as women's brain health, cesareans, microbiome seeding, women’s sexual health, and much more. Plus, you'll get Aviva’s musings, tips, and guidance from 35+ years of helping women take back their health—and their lives. The new medicine for women is here!

Alternative Health

Health

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Health & Fitness

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 countries report feeling burned out. This epidemic of overwhelm has a profound impact, especially on women. In this episode, we dive into the world of adaptogens, remarkable herbs that help prevent and reverse the effects of stress and burnout. Discover how they work and which ones are best suited if you’re feeling overwhelmed. What you will learn:The physical and mental symptoms of burnoutHistorical background of adaptogensThe role of adaptogens in regulating stress responses and supporting adrenal healthHow adaptogens can be used to enhance physical health and mental well-being.Choosing the right adaptogens Detailed profiles of calming and nourishing adaptogensUnderstanding dosages and potential interactions of adaptogens
Adaptogens offer a powerful way to manage stress and recover from burnout, but they should be part of an integrative approach to health that includes proper self-care, nutrition, and rest. Tune in to learn how to harness the healing power of adaptogens to refill your energy reserves and enhance your life. For the accompanying article go to https://avivaromm.com/adaptogens-burnout/ If you'd like to receive a copy of my free ebook, Adaptogens: Herbs for 21st Century Stress, go here. Mentioned in this episode: The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more 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

[Replay] Adaptogens & Burnout

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Should you use it for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Does it prevent dementia? Heart disease? Is it safe? Who should and who shou;dn’t take it? Join me for this powerful conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB-GYN with 30 years of clinical experience - and an advocate for menopause awareness, and I explore these questions.  In this episode we unpack: Rethinking aging and embracing the power of menopause - and why Dr. Malone has found this to be the most freeing and joyful phase of her lifeThe controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy, and the research that led to all of the confusion about its use.The "window of opportunity" for starting HRT, who gets the most benefits, and what symptoms and conditions it’s truly useful for. Navigating the potential risks of HRT, including the comparable risks of drinking two glasses of wine - so you can make the most informed decisions about your options The difference between being pro-hormone and anti-suffering for women in menopauseWhy it’s important to be wary when it comes to ‘celebrity endorsed’  information on menopausal therapies
Dr. Malone offers invaluable advice on navigating the symptoms of menopause with grace, while empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best health decisions for during the menopause transition. 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

Demystifying Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Menopause with Sharon Malone

In this must-listen episode I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist and author of The Menopause Brain,  and my friend, back to On Health to demystify the profound impact of menopause on the female brain. Dr. Mosconi offers invaluable insights into how menopause is more than a hormonal shift - it's a significant neuroendocrine change, and a potentially very important and powerful time in our lives.  We dive deep into:How perimenopause and menopause really impacts the female brain - including the role of estrogen during this timeCommon cognitive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause including brain fog, sleep problems, and memory lapsesWhy it might be that women in cultures that see menopause more positively have fewer symptomsThe powerful role 'older women' can play as leaders, providers, and guides in families, communities, and societyThe pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including it’s role in Alzheimer’s preventionThe supportive role of nutrients, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids for women's brain healthThe importance of access to a wide variety of options so that we can pick what's best for us in feeling our best in menopause.
Knowledge is power. Understanding menopause's impact on the brain allows us to make informed choices, turning a phase often approached with dread into an opportunity for empowerment and well-being. Join us to transform how you think about menopause and prioritize your brain health through this pivotal time - whatever age you are - because it’s never too early to start protecting your beautiful brain!  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

The Wisdom of the Menopause Brain with Lisa Mosconi

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

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour

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

Vagina Obscura and the Sexist History of Female Anatomy With Rachel E. Gross

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