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.