Maria Katrina Paras

WATCH: 5 Real Women Speak Up About Health Issues They Were Once Scared of Talking About

Article (news)

<p>Ladies, have you ever found yourself Googling &quot;why are my periods shorter?&quot; or &quot;how can I tell if I have PCOS?&quot; a little too often? Consulting Dr. ChatGPT is not the answer to our health problems, that&#x27;s for sure. It only usually adds to the anxiety and adds even more questions that remain unanswered. </p><p>Now that we live in an age where taboo topics are no longer considered such, we have more than enough ways to express our personal experiences and have the right people hear them. Recently, METRO joined the women&#x27;s talk at <strong>ELUVO Health</strong> in Parqal Mall, Paranaque, and walked away enlightened, educated, and heard. Joining the panel were women from all walks of life, each one going through their unique journeys—from missed periods, post-partum depression, perimenopause, and menopause. At the helm of ELUVO Health is Dr. Carol Joanna Violago-Olivarez, board-certified OB-GYN, who has now made women&#x27;s health her passion in both her personal and professional life. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770893567444Banner Eluvo Women&#x27;s Health Issues Talk.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The ladies who shared their invaluable insights at the ELUVO Women&#x27;s talk. L-R: Gretchen Gatan-Fragada, Jenni Epperson, Dr. Carol Joanne Violago-Olivarez, Jackie Go, and Joella Lauron</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Read on to find out about their stories and how you, too, can benefit from a listening ear that truly cares. </p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div><strong></strong><strong>20s: Joella Lauron, Content Creator</strong></div><p><strong></strong>Joella, known as Joie on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joellalauron/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and for her &quot;Wife Life Diaries&quot; content online, shared with us her struggle when she had irregular periods back when she was still in college. Nobody talked about it, so she thought it was normal to miss periods. It made her insecure to have been diagnosed with PCOS, and gave her bouts of depression, resulting in low energy and lots of doubts. But what she realizes now is that the earlier you get checked, the more you can be freed from the stigma that surrounds issues with periods and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). That&#x27;s how you can also alleviate mental health stress—by getting professional, sound advice to treat your concerns. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770886644875Joella Lauron.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Joella Lauron (@joellalauron on Instagram)</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>30s: Gretchen Gatan-Fragada, Online Magazine Editor</strong></div><p>Gretchen had it all together. She was well prepared for pregnancy. That was until her baby was delivered. &quot;I did everything I needed to do to prepare. On top of having an OB, I had a doula, I took up pre-natal classes&quot;, Gretchen shared. She even studied how to properly swaddle the baby. Admitting that she has a type A personality, she knew she needed to prepare. But she also admitted that &quot;nothing prepares you for after the baby arrives. You can&#x27;t control what the baby wants or when the baby needs it, so it was all so overwhelming.&quot; What she thought was normal &quot;baby blues&quot; snowballed into a year of the same sentiments, not feeling like herself, and still being mentally bogged down. When she came to the point that she felt like she just wanted to disappear, she knew it was time to get professional help. To top it all off, her eyesight started getting bad again after giving birth, despite getting Lasik surgery before. For new moms like Gretchen, finding a place and a doctor she could trust was key to eventually finding herself again and being able to share her story boldly.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770887050341Gretchen Gatan Fragada.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Gretchen Gatan-Fragada (@gretchengatan on Instagram)</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>40s: Jackie Go, Host/Content Creator/Fitness Enthusiast</strong></div><p>Moving cities. Managing a family. Making an effort to stay fit. These could take a huge toll on a woman like Jackie, a 40-something content creator who opened up to Eluvo about what she went through in recent years. There&#x27;s also that topic about <a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/wellness/2025/5/6/what-is-perimenopause-and-why-are-women-getting-it-earlier-1711" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perimenopause</a>, something Jackie is going through at the moment. During the pandemic, Jackie and her family moved to Dubai, and that&#x27;s where it all started. She felt her energy levels start to dip drastically to the point that she couldn&#x27;t function. She didn&#x27;t know if it was pandemic anxiety or the desert heat, but she knew something was definitely off. Her periods also started to get shorter—as short as one day, once she turned 40. It also got to the point that her eyes got really dry, and it was not safe to drive. She pushed through the struggle, as the tough mom that she is, mostly because back in that city, no medical doctor could diagnose what was happening to her, despite the many tests done and Jackie&#x27;s persistence to get to the bottom of things. She was only able to find out that she still had PCOS when she and her family went back home to Manila, and she was able to get a consult with her OB-GYN. Her doctor also confirmed that she was, indeed, going through perimenopause, hence the unexplainable symptoms. </p><div><strong></strong></div><p>Jackie encourages women not to just seek trusted professional advice, but to keep moving their bodies. The gym is her happy place for a reason. Even if it&#x27;s just carrying heavy groceries or going for a walk, Jackie advocates for it. She also shared that asking for help and having a support system is a huge key in lifting the burden of being a superwoman who&#x27;s pressured by society to balance it all.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770887726430Jackie Go.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Jackie Go (@gojackiego on Instagram)</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>50s: Jenni Epperson, Stylist/Entrepreneur/Society Personality</strong></div><p>&quot;Menopause becomes less of a distant idea and more of a real, everyday experience. It&#x27;s a conversation that deserves more openness, clarity, and support&quot;, Jenni opens her segment. &quot;The thing about menopause is it did not have a grand entrance. It was a slow intro, very slow&quot;, Jenni shared. She started having hot flashes, but then she would think to herself, she would be cool again, literally. Jenni also let the audience in on one wish she has: for her periods to get shorter, because, surprisingly, she still has them, and they last quite long. She went on to say, &quot;It&#x27;s very uncomfortable. You get to a point in your life where you&#x27;re like, &#x27;I am so over this, right?&#x27;&quot; Just like the rest of us, Jenni even resorted to consulting ChatGPT for her symptoms, but she couldn&#x27;t be more relieved that ELUVO has been introduced to her. Instead of a clinical, sterile setting, ELUVO is warm and inviting, like a spa you&#x27;d want to frequent. She wants peace of mind and empowerment, and with this new haven, she gets it. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770888087059Jenni Epperson.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Jenni Epperson (@jenniepperson)</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://metro.style/wellness/2026/1/26/gen-prime-fertility-clinic-is-now-in-manila-1955" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: You Don&#x27;t Need To Go Abroad To Book An Appointment at This In-Demand Fertility Clinic</a></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>Meet ELUVO—A Woman&#x27;s New Best Friend</strong></div><p>Women are used to powering through. They balance careers, care for their families, and meet expectations, often at the expense of their own health. Because of this, check-ups get postponed, symptoms get dismissed, and wellness becomes something to “get to” when life slows down. But women’s health isn’t a side task. It shapes how women live, feel, and move through every stage of life.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770891425681Banner ELUVO.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">ELUVO Women&#x27;s Clinic, Parqal</span></span></span>This belief is at the heart of Eluvo Health, the Philippines’ first hybrid women’s healthcare provider designed for the modern woman, offering care that is proactive, continuous, and built to fit into real life, rather than interrupt it. “Women deserve care that listens and evolves with them,” says <strong>Dr. Carol Joanna Violago-Olivarez</strong>, Founder and Medical Director of Eluvo Health. A board-certified OB-GYN with advanced training at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Violago-Olivarez brings together medical expertise and a deeply human approach to care—shaping Eluvo’s commitment to education, inclusivity, and lifelong wellness.</div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770892747482Dr Jaycee ELUVO.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Dr. Carol Joanna Violago-Olivarez, board-certified OB-GYN</span></span></span></div><p>Walking into the Eluvo Health clinic at Parqal feels intentionally different from a traditional medical setting. Designed by acclaimed interior designer JJ Acuña, the space is warm, calming, and thoughtfully curated, making it feel more like a sanctuary than a clinic. Here, women are welcomed not just as patients, but as partners in their own care.”</p><p>Eluvo Health supports women through the moments that shape their lives—from <strong>reproductive health </strong>and<strong> family planning to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, </strong>and the transitions of<strong> perimenopause and menopause</strong>. Rather than treating each concern as a one-time issue, Eluvo Health takes a long-term view of women’s wellbeing, helping patients better understand their bodies, plan ahead, and make informed choices with confidence. “So much of healthcare is reactive. We wait until something becomes unbearable before we seek help. But we deserve a model that’s proactive and preventive. At Eluvo Health, we focus on early conversations, evidence-based testing, and treatment plans that are realistic for real life. It’s not just about fixing what’s wrong. It’s about helping women stay well, long-term,” Dr. Violago-Olivarez adds. </p><p>By combining in-clinic care with telehealth support, Eluvo Health makes it easier for women to get the guidance they need, when they need it. Education is built into every step of the experience, creating a space where women feel empowered to ask questions, explore their options, and take an active role in their health decisions without fear or hesitation.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770892938263Eluvo 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The ELUVO Health team</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Talk, Test, Treat: A New Model of Care</strong></div><p>At the core of Eluvo Health’s approach is its “<strong>Talk, Test, Treat</strong>” model designed to reflect how women actually experience healthcare. Care begins with open, stigma-free conversations, where women feel heard and supported. This is followed by clear, evidence-based diagnostics, helping remove confusion and uncertainty.</p><p>Treatment then extends beyond prescriptions alone, integrating medical guidance with lifestyle support and education—recognizing that wellbeing is both physical and personal. By prioritizing understanding at every step, Eluvo Health empowers women to make confident, informed decisions throughout every stage of life.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Powered by Partnerships and Innovation</strong></div><p>Care provided by Eluvo Health is backed by a close network of board-certified specialists across reproductive endocrinology, gynecology, obstetrics, and women’s health who’ve spent decades focused on women’s care and help ensure patients are supported at every step, whether they’re asking early questions or navigating more complex concerns.</p><p>The clinic also works with GenPrime, a global fertility network, giving women access to advanced fertility testing and diagnostics guided by international best practices without needing to travel abroad.</p><p>Eluvo Health also collaborates with both national agencies and leading medical institutions such as the Department of Health, DOH–Tourism, The Medical City, St. Luke’s BGC, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital, Ayala Health Cancer Institute, and partners like DNA Life. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770893100044Eluvo 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Get the care you deserve.</span></span></span></div><div><strong>Care Across Every Chapter of Life</strong></div><p>Eluvo Health was built around the real questions women face at different moments in life. Some arrive seeking guidance on fertility options such as IVF or egg freezing. Others look for support through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, or mental well-being. Young women often seek clarity around family planning, contraception, or hormonal concerns, while others come for care related to sexual wellness and intimate health.</p><p>As women move into midlife, Eluvo provides dedicated support through perimenopause and menopause, helping them navigate changes in energy, mood, and hormones with clarity and reassurance. Preventive screenings and wellness assessments are available at every stage, offering peace of mind and the ability to plan ahead.</p><p>By meeting women where they are physically, emotionally, and practically, Eluvo Health ensures every chapter of life is supported with balance, confidence, and care.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770893225864Eluvo 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">We&#x27;re partial to a spa-like environment as opposed to a sterile, white, nerve-wracking one.</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers</strong></div><p>For too long, women’s health has been fragmented or dismissed. Eluvo Health exists to change by giving women not just access to care, but the knowledge and confidence to take control of it.</p><p> At Eluvo Health, care feels personal from the very first conversation. Questions are welcomed, concerns are taken seriously, and women are met with understanding rather than judgment—so they feel supported, informed, and confident at every stage of life.</p><p> “This is healthcare as it should be,” says Dr. Violago-Olivarez. “Transformative, empowering, and centered entirely around women.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Book your appointment <a href="https://www.eluvohealth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Follow ELUVO on Instagram at<a href="https://www.instagram.com/eluvohealth/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @eluvohealth</a>.</p>

<p>PCOS? Heavy periods? Post-partum depression? These women encourage us to be open about it all—because they've been there, too.</p>

PCOS? Heavy periods? Post-partum depression? These women encourage us to be open about it all—because they've been there, too.

Real Women Speak Up About Health Issues They Were Once Scared to Open Up About

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Real Women Speak Up About Health Issues They Were Once Scared to Open Up About

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published Feb 12, 2026 07:00 PM PHT

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2026

Wellness

ELUVO Women's Health Clinic

ELUVO Parqal

Jenni Epperson

Gretchen Gatan

Jackie Go

Joella Lauron

Dr. Jaycee Olivarez

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