Marla Ahlgrimm | Period Myths

A woman’s menstrual cycle is often misunderstood, even by women in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Here, women’s health expert and author Marla Ahlgrimm dispels a few common myths surrounding this monthly occurrence. 

 

Myth: All Women Get PMS 

 

While virtually all women experience some physical or emotional signs that their period is about to begin, not all are considered PMS. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, premenstrual syndrome refers to extreme symptoms, such as headaches, depression, anxiety, and fluid retention. Even among women who do report premenstrual syndrome symptoms, severity of symptoms can vary woman to woman. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Vaccine For COVID-19 Gains FDA Approval

In December, the United States government approved Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine. This emergency approval makes the vaccine available for healthcare workers and people residing in a senior community, such as assisted-living. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the coronavirus has taken nearly 300,000 lives in the United States, and this vaccine represents just one of many tools we have to reduce transmission. 

 

Q: What is the coronavirus vaccine? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: The coronavirus vaccine is like all other vaccines. It is an inactive version of the virus that is meant to allow the body to gain a better recognition of it so that it can fight it more effectively. Also like other vaccines, the coronavirus vaccine takes time to be effective. Currently, two doses are required, and it can take several weeks for immunity to kick in. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Explains Why Your Underwear Choice Matters

One of the first things we put on each morning after our shower is a pair of underwear. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, however, not all panties are created equally. And, they may not even be necessary all the time. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that underwear is meant to protect the vagina, specifically the vulva, from irritation while wearing clothing. Women who wear tight jeans, for example, can prevent chafing by wearing underwear with a cotton liner. In this capacity, panties are an invaluable asset to a woman’s wardrobe. But, are they always necessary? And what’s the best kind of underwear for a woman’s health? 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Headaches and Hormones Q&A

While men also get headaches, women report them at a far more frequent rate. And, often, hormones are to blame, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Keep reading for a quick Q&A on headaches and hormones. 

 

Q: Why are women more prone to headaches than men? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: It has a lot to do with the way that our hormones fluctuate each month. Women still in their childbearing years see their estrogen and progesterone levels wane and rise throughout their menstrual cycle. This can trigger headaches, fatigue, and other side-effects associated with PMS. 

Q: Are migraines common in menstruating women? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes, and hormones are to blame here as well. A sharp drop in estrogen in the days leading up to a woman’s period can trigger migraines. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Explains Peptides

Women’s healthcare expert Marla Ahlgrimm explains that peptides are like tiny proteins. These mini miracles offer many health benefits, including muscle building. They are also potent beauty aids, and may help our anti-aging efforts. 

 

Q: Where are peptides found? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Peptides, which are strings of approximately 2 to 50 amino acids, are naturally found in food. The most common sources include hemp seed, beans, eggs, milk, meat, and wheat. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm on The Menstrual Cycle

Most healthy, childbearing-aged women have a menstrual cycle, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Unfortunately, many don’t understand this important rhythm. Read on for a few questions and answers from the retired pharmacist, author, and women’s healthcare entrepreneur. 

 

Q: What is the menstrual cycle? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: The menstrual cycle is part of a woman’s reproductive balance. It typically is a monthly cycle but can last anywhere between three and five weeks as the body prepares for pregnancy. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Mammogram Q&A

According to retired women’s healthcare advocate, author, and pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, a mammogram remains a woman’s first and best line of defense against breast cancer. Keep reading for a quick Q&A session about this often misunderstood process.

Q: What is a mammogram?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A mammogram is a test that doctors use to find breast cancer. Although it cannot treat the condition if found, it is the best way for a woman to find out if she has breast cancer. And the sooner the cancer is detected, the more effectively it may be treated.