EMBRACING CHANGE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN’S HEALTH: AN INTERVIEW WITH Dr. ILARIA DELLACASA
We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Ilaria Dellacasa, a renowned gynaecologist and women's health specialist, who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our Villa Wellness Retreats. With a focus on menopause, adolescent health, and holistic well-being, Ilaria is dedicated to empowering women at every stage of life. Her approach combines deep empathy with professional expertise, offering her patients and retreat guests invaluable insights into navigating life's pivotal transitions with confidence and grace.
In this exclusive interview, Ilaria shares her journey into medicine, what inspired her to specialise in women's health, and her advice for managing the physical and emotional changes of menopause. She also discusses the importance of nutrition, mental well-being, and self-care, and how these elements are interwoven into her practice. As one of our featured wellness experts, Ilaria brings a unique perspective to our retreats, helping women embrace change and harness the power of knowledge to improve their health and well-being.
Join us as we delve into her insights on supporting women through life's most transformative phases and learn what makes her approach both personal and transformative.
Dr. Ilaria, could you share a bit about your journey into medicine and what inspired you to specialize in gynaecology and women’s health?
My journey into medicine was driven by a deep passion for understanding the complexities of the human body, especially the unique aspects of women's health. As a woman myself, who experiences the typical changes that come with being a woman, I was absolutely convinced that I could offer more personal and meaningful support as a gynaecologist, given my direct knowledge and empathy. Now that I am 44 years old, I have felt a strong need in recent years to prepare myself for the next phase of life, which led me to specialize in menopause and the various changes it brings. This personal connection and preparation enable me to provide my patients with not just professional expertise, but also a deeper, more personal understanding of what they are going through.
You have a particular focus on menopause and adolescent health. What do you find most rewarding about working with women during these pivotal life stages?
Working with women during menopause and adolescence is incredibly rewarding because these stages are often filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth. In adolescence, I have the chance to guide young women as they navigate the changes of puberty and early reproductive health, setting a foundation for their future well-being. During menopause, I help women understand and manage the profound physical and emotional changes, ensuring they feel supported and informed as they enter this new phase of life.
Menopause can be a challenging phase for many women. Can you share some advice on how women can navigate the physical and emotional changes during menopause more smoothly?
The key to navigating menopause is education and self-awareness. Women should seek out reliable information about what to expect and should not hesitate to ask for help—whether from healthcare providers, support groups, or trusted friends. It’s important to recognize that by the time they reach menopause, women have often gained a deeper awareness of their immense power. In my view, this is a time of great potential, where women have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. By embracing menopause with this mindset and understanding the vast possibilities this phase brings, they can fully harness and maximize its potential. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management practices, also plays a crucial role in making this transition smoother. Finally, being open about your experiences with loved ones can help mitigate feelings of isolation and emotional distress.
From a nutrition perspective, what foods or dietary changes do you recommend for women going through menopause to help manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances?
A balanced diet rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy, flaxseeds, and certain legumes, can help manage menopausal symptoms. I also recommend increasing the intake of calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, as well as incorporating omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts to help stabilize mood. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also reduce the frequency of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.
Your work also involves supporting adolescent girls through puberty and their early reproductive years. What are some key pieces of advice you give to young women and their parents during this transitional phase?
I always emphasise the importance of open communication and education. Adolescence is a time of significant change, and it’s crucial that young women and their parents have accurate information about these changes. To encourage education, I’ve started using informative videos on my social media pages, where I address the most common questions and concerns that adolescent girls and their parents bring to me in my practice. I approach these topics in a very conversational manner, while still providing comprehensive information. I encourage parents to create a supportive environment where their daughters feel comfortable discussing their concerns. For young women, I advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, understanding their bodies, and seeking guidance whenever needed to navigate this complex phase with confidence.
Mental well-being is deeply connected to hormonal health. How do you approach the topic of mental health with your patients, and what strategies do you suggest to support emotional balance?
I approach mental health as an integral part of overall well-being, particularly during hormonal transitions like menopause or puberty. I always encourage women to focus on the importance of themselves—reclaiming their physical and mental space, and giving it the priority that may have been difficult to maintain in earlier years due to the demands of raising young children and building a career. I emphasize the value of seeking help from mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counselors, to better understand their priorities and achieve emotional balance. In addition to this, I suggest practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing sleep—all of which can positively impact mood and mental clarity.
At our Villa Wellness Retreats, we focus on holistic well-being. How do you see the role of retreats like these in supporting women's health and wellness?
I am extremely honoured to have been invited to participate in this retreat as a gynecologist. I believe it’s a fantastic opportunity that allows women to harmonize body and mind in a relaxing environment with a stunning view of the sea. For me, the sea represents the immensity and power of nature, and in this setting, it can help women connect with their own vastness and strength. Retreats like this provide a unique space where women can step away from their daily responsibilities and focus entirely on their well-being. The combination of physical health, mental clarity, and emotional support in such a serene environment is invaluable for supporting women’s health and wellness.
What role does lifestyle—such as exercise, stress management, and sleep—play in hormonal balance, and what are some simple practices women can incorporate into their daily lives?
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance, and I’ve personally experienced these changes by creating a different routine starting in my forties. Through my own experience and by recommending it to my patients, I’ve seen how regular exercise and quality sleep can positively impact daily life at any age, but especially during a time when hormones are in the spotlight. Incorporating these practices is an investment in the future, ensuring that the years ahead can be healthy and fully enjoyable. I encourage women to incorporate daily physical activity, practice relaxation techniques, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to support their hormonal health and overall well-being.
Can you talk about the importance of self-care and listening to your body, particularly for women who are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities?
Our body is our temple, and only when we are well both mentally and physically can we perform our tasks and fulfil our responsibilities to the best of our ability. This is especially important because women play a vital role in society, both in the workplace and within their families. When women prioritize their own well-being, it not only benefits them personally but also has a positive ripple effect on their families and society as a whole. I encourage women to regularly check in with themselves, prioritize self-care, and listen to their body’s signals. By doing so, they ensure they are in the best position to support those around them and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Looking forward to the retreat, what key takeaways or insights are you excited to share with the guests, and how can they apply these lessons to their daily lives for better health and well-being?
In my session, I want to emphasise that there is no need to fear change, but rather to face it with awareness and understanding. After all, every woman transitioning through menopause has already experienced adolescence—the mirror phase that marks the beginning of fertility—although it was likely navigated without the awareness and maturity that we can now bring to this stage of life. By understanding what to expect from the physical and hormonal changes, women can achieve a deeper awareness, free from the fear of the unknown. This knowledge empowers them to embrace this new phase with confidence and to fully harness the potential it offers for personal growth and well-being.
Dr. Ilaria Dellacasa’s expertise and compassionate approach to women’s health make her an invaluable part of our Villa Wellness Retreats. Her deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of well-being ensures a truly transformative experience for all our guests. This season, Dr. Ilaria will be leading several exclusive “Embrace the Change - Menopause Transition” retreats at Villa Porto Rapallo, specifically designed to support women navigating the complexities of menopause with confidence and care.
Upcoming Retreat Dates:
• 21 - 24 November 2024: Start your journey with like-minded women and learn to embrace the changes that come with menopause in a supportive, nurturing environment.
• 27 February - 2 March 2025: Discover evidence-based insights and practical tools to manage menopause symptoms and enhance well-being.
• 10 - 13 April 2025: Embrace this transformative phase of life with Dr. Ilaria’s guidance and take home valuable knowledge to continue thriving beyond the retreat.
Book your place now and be part of an unforgettable retreat that will empower you to thrive through every stage of life. Visit our Retreat Schedule or fill out the form below to secure your spot.