Marla Ahlgrimm: Health Changes Largely Triggered By Hormones

Around the age of 40, most women begin to feel a bit “different” than they did in their 20s and 30s. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is partly psychological, but there is a bigger picture that many women don’t think about at first. A woman’s hormones begin to change with age, and this can trigger anything from a low libido to weight gain to irritability and fatigue. 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the primary culprit for most of these changes is estrogen. Estrogen is also responsible for the major changes that pubescent girls experience, including pubic hair, breasts, and the beginning of her menstrual cycle. In addition to estrogen’s known necessity to childbearing, it also protects the bone, affects mood, and works to keep cholesterol controlled. Estrogen is also found in tissues throughout the body, including the skin and heart. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the primary source of estrogen is the ovaries. This is where eggs are made. Estrogen is also produced by the adrenal gland, a small gland located at the top of each kidney. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that estrogen moves to the bloodstream and impacts every cell in the body. Although estrogen levels change throughout the month, they are highest mid-menstrual cycle and lowest once a woman’s period begins. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses A Common Brain Cancer In Today’s Q&A

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, brain cancer is actually quite rare. However, when a woman or man does get cancer of the brain, there is around a 20% chance that it will be glioblastoma. Unfortunately, although science does know quite a bit about this condition, it’s highly aggressive, and there is no cure. 

 

Q: Where does glioblastoma form? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Typically, a glioblastoma cancer will begin around the cerebrum. This is the largest part of the brain. As an astrocytoma, glioblastoma grows in star-shaped cells that turn into tumors that do not require an outside blood supply; they make their own. This contributes to the aggressiveness and mortality rates. 

What Is A Nickel Allergy?

Nickel allergies are common among men and women alike. However, some women experience nickel allergies after undergoing routine medical treatments, says Marla Ahlgrimm. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, contact dermatitis is a common condition that affects millions of people. And nickel is one of the most common allergens. Although usually a harmless substance, some people’s bodies simply reject contact with nickel and nickel alloys. Nickel can be found in everything from cosmetics to costume jewelry to your laptop and eyeglasses. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some people have an idiopathic allergy – idiopathic means there is no known cause. However, women who have undergone certain implanted birth control procedures may develop a nickel allergy over time. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Tips To Help You Curb Eating Your Emotions

We all get hungry. That’s a natural, biological function. However, self-help author Marla Ahlgrimm explains that many of us also eat during times of high stress. Emotional eating can cause bloating, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. Fortunately, there are ways to step aside and walk right past the stress snacks. 

 

Today, Marla Ahlgrimm shares tips. 

 

Pay attention. 

 

Awareness in the moment is crucial to curb emotional eating, says Marla Ahlgrimm. As you reach for that bag of chips, ask yourself if you are eating for hunger or if you are simply looking for a distraction. Pay attention to the days and times you reach for empty calories, and keep a journal to help you pay attention to the pattern so that you can make lifestyle changes to help overcome all that ails you. 

 

Determine if your cravings are linked to your menstrual cycle. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some women experience an increased appetite in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. For women with PMS, their levels may be elevated, and they might think their added hunger is due to their emotions. Pay attention to patterns here as well. If you notice that you're hungry and eating more often in the days leading up to your period, then it may be hormonal and not stress. 

 

Plan your snacks. 

 

One of the most effective techniques to avoid stress eating is to plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Marla Ahlgrimm says that you don’t necessarily have to follow conventional eating times. You may want breakfast closer to 10 AM and then choose to have a light lunch a few hours later. Plan your eating times around when you’re hungry and you need the most energy, not just based on the clock. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Safe And Smart Ways To Improve Your Energy Levels

While there’s nothing wrong with taking a supplement to improve your nutrition, the chances that these can live up to their promises of boosting your energy and stamina are slim. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, those that do work are likely just caffeine disguised as a healthy product. The retired pharmacist and self-help author says there are better ways to grow your energy levels. 

 

These include: 

• Address chronic inflammation. If you have a condition that causes your body to stay in a state of low-grade inflammation, it’s time to address these concerns. Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions can leave your body out of whack. Marla Ahlgrimm says that one sure way to help reduce inflammation is to eat foods that have a calming effect on the body. These include almonds, collard greens, and salmon. 
   
• Eliminate unnecessary “to-do” tasks. There’s no way around it, we all take on too much. Unfortunately, being the “yes” man (or woman) for everyone else can leave our bodies depleted of the energy we need to take care of ourselves. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends lightening your load. Start by making a list of your priorities each day. Time to rest should be in your top five. Everything below that might be considered optional, and it’s time to evaluate whether these duties are essential or not. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Health Concerns Every Woman Should Be Aware Of

While men and women are equally at risk of becoming sick or injured, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should pay attention to signs of any of the following: 

 

Heart Disease. 

 

Heart disease is easily the top cause of death for females. And, unlike men, women may not experience the typical symptoms. Women are more likely to notice vomiting, shortness of breath, or nausea. Although chest pain is also common in women, it is often chalked up to heartburn, especially when accompanied by nausea. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, lower estrogen, higher blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol put women at a higher risk of heart disease after menopause. 

Why Is “That Time Of The Month” So Painful?

We’ve all had cramps, but some women have them worse than others. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, science is not 100% sure what causes excruciating pain in some women. However, there are several things that we can all do to ease discomfort. 

 

Is Cramping Caused By Hormones? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the most likely cause of most menstrual cramps is in excess of certain hormones released from the endometrium (the uterine lining). Some cramping may be caused by secondary conditions, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.