Beyond the Hype: A Grounded Approach to Perimenopause with Aviva Romm, MD

Perimenopause is finally part of the conversation, but not always with the clarity it deserves.In this episode, we sit down with Aviva Romm, MD, physician, herbalist, and midwife, to explore what is really happening in the body during this transition and how to navigate it without getting swept up in confusion, fear, or overconsumption.This is a grounded and honest conversation that moves beyond quick fixes and trending advice. Instead, it looks at perimenopause through a whole-person lens that includes physiology, lifestyle, environment, and the broader cultural context shaping women’s health today.Aviva shares insight into the wide range of symptoms that can arise in the years leading up to menopause, why hormonal changes are far more dynamic than a simple decline, and how this phase can be understood as a meaningful transition rather than a problem to solve.We also explore the growing menopause industry, how to stay discerning in the face of overwhelming information, and where herbal medicine and conventional care can thoughtfully come together.This conversation is a reminder that perimenopause is not something to fix, but something to understand, support, and move through with awareness.In this episode, we explore:• What perimenopause is and why it can begin years before menopause• The many symptoms that often go unrecognized or misattributed • Why hormones fluctuate rather than simply decline • The role of lifestyle, stress, and environment in shaping this transition • Herbal approaches to supporting sleep, mood, and hormonal shifts • The commercialization of menopause and how to stay grounded within it • How to navigate conversations with healthcare providers • Reframing perimenopause as a meaningful life transitionThe Wild Rose College Podcast is hosted by Megan Kendrick, Clinical Herbalist and Herbal Village Coordinator at Wild Rose College of Herbal Medicine.Wild Rose College has been a leader in herbal education for over 50 years, offering in-depth training that bridges traditional wisdom with modern clinical practice. Through courses, workshops, and community learning inside the Wild Rose Herbal Village, we support herbalists at every stage of their path.If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of plant medicine, join a vibrant herbal community, or explore upcoming programs, visit wildrosecollege.com.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and consider sharing it with someone who would benefit from this conversation.