Marla Ahlgrimm: What a CBC Might Reveal During Perimenopause

As a woman approaches her mid-40s, she may enter perimenopause, the transitional time of life when hormonal changes trigger the end of her reproductive years. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many symptoms associated with perimenopause, and a doctor may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) test. 

But why?  Simply put, this test offers a detailed look at the different components of a woman's blood and can provide valuable insights into her well-being during this transition.

What Is a CBC?

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a CBC test measures the quantity and characteristics of the three main types of cells in the blood: red, white, and platelets. Each of these components can tell a doctor a different story about what's happening inside a woman's body.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that during perimenopause, some women may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, which can potentially lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and dizziness—symptoms that can be mistaken for perimenopause itself.

A CBC test measures hemoglobin and other indicators of red blood cell health. Marla Ahlgrimm says this can help a doctor determine if a woman's fatigue is caused by anemia and whether iron supplements or dietary changes might help.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells are the body's primary defenders against infection and inflammation. Marla Ahlgrimm says that high white blood cell levels might indicate an underlying infection or an inflammatory condition, both of which can have symptoms similar to those of perimenopause. Therefore, a CBC test can help a woman and her healthcare team detect these issues. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that checking the white blood cell count can help ensure that a woman's body is ready to effectively fight off illnesses as she gets older.

Platelets

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, platelets are tiny cells that play a vital role in blood clotting. As a woman's hormones fluctuate during perimenopause, her platelet levels may change, which could affect her body's ability to clot blood properly. An unusual platelet count can indicate a woman's risk for excessive bleeding or clotting. For a woman with heavy menstrual periods, knowing her platelet count is important for managing her symptoms and ensuring her safety.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that a CBC test can also reveal other important health information. By looking at a woman's blood through this test, a doctor can help differentiate between symptoms that are a natural part of the perimenopause transition and those that might indicate an underlying health condition. As a diagnostic tool, a CBC is a relatively quick, inexpensive, and invaluable way of understanding a woman's health. This simple blood test may not be all that's needed to make informed decisions about perimenopause care, but it is a powerful tool that should not be overlooked.

Marla Ahlgrimm | The Not So Sweet Truth About Sugar And Menopause

Menopause is a natural event in the life of all women. Unfortunately, it comes with side effects that we don't always (or ever) enjoy. One of these is the craving for sweet treats. Aside from weight gain, overindulging in sugar can have a negative effect on menopause. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, you might want to think twice before dessert.

How Sugar Affects Menopause

High sugar intake is linked to numerous negative effects on women’s health. Specific to menopause, overindulging can worsen many of the most uncomfortable symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Marla Ahlgrimm further explains that blood sugar fluctuations caused by too much sugar can intensify or even trigger hot flashes.

Nurturing Your Health with Marla Ahlgrimm

From the vibrancy of youth to the wisdom of our senior years, our bodies undergo many transformations. Each stage of a woman's life brings about unique nutritional needs. Understanding these can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. According to women's health advocate and author Marla Ahlgrimm, it's helpful to tailor your diet to cater to these ever-evolving demands.

Early Adulthood

During a woman's early reproductive years, her body focuses on building bone density while she should be focused on establishing healthy habits. Marla Ahlgrimm stresses the importance of getting enough calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for strong bones. Remember, peak bone mass is achieved around the age of 30, and milk, leafy greens, spinach, and fatty fish are all great sources of these vitamins. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that iron is also crucial, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles, to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Marla Ahlgrimm | How Women Have Broken Barriers In Medicine

Just a short century ago, the medical field was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Marla Ahlgrimm states that women who dared to pursue a career in medicine faced more than just skepticism but discrimination in a world designed to exclude them. However, with persistence, women have used their natural nurturing ability to aid in medicine and pharmaceuticals and have reshaped the industry over the last 100 years.

The Early 20th Century

In the early days of the century, the path to medicine was full of obstacles specifically for women. Not only did most medical schools outright refuse to admit women, but those who were admitted faced hostile environments. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that even progressive institutions at the time offered few opportunities for women, as the overall societal belief was that a woman's place was at home. Fortunately, Elizabeth Blackwell set a precedent in 1849 when she became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S. Using her inspiration, many women physicians pushed through, even if they were relegated to pediatrics, obstetrics, and other fields considered more "suited to women's sensitivities."

Marla Ahlgrimm | RIngworm Doesn’t Have To Keep Your Daughter On The Sidelines

As the parent of a young female athlete, you're no stranger to accidents and injuries. However, there are other hazards that our daughters have to contend with, and these can be even more embarrassing than a black eye or bloody nose. Ringworm is one of these.

What Is Ringworm

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, ringworm, unlike its name might suggest, is not a worm but a fungal infection. It is not a serious condition, but one that’s highly contagious and can show up anywhere on the body, causing young female athletes to be self-conscious of their appearance. Girls who wrestle are especially prone to ringworm.

Recognizing Ringworm

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, ringworm usually looks like a scaly, circular rash with slightly raised edges. You can find it anywhere on the body, including the face, limbs, and scalp. Ringworm may cause itching, burning, dry, cracked, and scaly skin. Female athletes experiencing ringworm on the scalp may also experience temporary hair loss.

Understanding Women's Cardiovascular Health with Marla Ahlgrimm

For many generations, heart disease was considered a "man's disease." And while Marla Ahlgrimm says that men are certainly at risk of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. However, women's heart health presents unique challenges and requires a deeper understanding.

Why Are Women Different?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women's and men's heart health varies for many reasons. First and foremost are hormonal influences. Estrogen, the key female hormone, does offer some protection against heart disease. This, however, is only applicable during her reproductive years, and as estrogen levels decline during menopause, women's risk of a cardiovascular event significantly increases.

Autoimmune Diseases In Women | Marla Ahlgrimm

Around 8% of the population of the United States lives with an autoimmune disorder, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Many of these are women who may find they face new challenges with their health during menopause.

What is an autoimmune disorder?

An autoimmune disorder/disease is a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life at any age. These conditions can appear during any stage of life, but the aging process can exacerbate symptoms for some women.

The Role of Hormones

Hormones play a role in everything to do with our bodies, says Marla Ahlgrimm. And estrogen tends to be the lead player when it comes to immune regulation. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties. Marla Ahlgrimm says that some autoimmune diseases may become “imbalanced” as estrogen declines throughout menopause. This can lead to greater disease activity as well as systemic inflammation.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are a few autoimmune disorders that hormone levels may have a greater impact on. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus are examples.