Ask The Expert: Marla Ahlgrimm On Woman’s Body Shapes

As a retired women’s healthcare entrepreneur with more than four and a half decades of experience, Marla Ahlgrimm is often asked about everything from weight loss to why women’s breasts are not the same size. One such question revolves around body shape. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women’s bodies actually come in all shapes and sizes. However, there are four primary body styles. These are rectangle, triangle, hourglass, and round. While there are many variations among these, the vast majority of women fall into one of these categories. 

 

Rectangle. Women with a rectangular body shape have shoulders, hips, and a waist that are within just a few percentages of the same width. This type of body is not particularly curvy, but tends to distribute weight proportionately, meaning a few pounds does not usually affect their overall appearance or the way clothing fits. 

 

Triangle. Within the scope of the triangular body shape, there is the pear, which features large hips, a medium-size waist, and relatively small breasts. On the opposite spectrum of the triangle is the apple, explains Marla Ahlgrimm. This body style features wide shoulders, a narrower waist, and even thinner hips. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: There Is No “Quick” Way To Check For A Hormone Imbalance

There are certain times in a woman’s lives where hormones are almost certainly the culprit of their symptoms. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s not as easy as just offering one quick test to determine the core problem of a suspected hormone imbalance. This is because our hormone levels change from day to day, and even an hour by hour. For women, hormones are different at different points throughout the menstrual cycle, and they’re even affected by things such as what you’ve eaten and how much stress you’re under. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm also explains that there are more than 50 different hormones in the human body, and there is no single test that can measure all of them. The best way to get your doctor to “check your hormones” is to start by describing symptoms, such as hot flashes or missed periods. Once you sit down and tell your doctor what’s wrong, they can pretty easily count out or consider other causes outside of a hormone imbalance. 

What Is This Thing? Marla Ahlgrimm On The Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups aren’t new to feminine hygiene. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, although first released in the 1930s, menstrual cups have only recently begun to get widespread attention. 

 

Q: What is a menstrual cup? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: A menstrual cup is an alternative to traditional pads and tampons. They are small devices that look like an inverted bell, which are inserted into the vagina opening side up. They work by collecting blood and forming an airtight seal to prevent it from leaking into a woman’s underwear. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Do I Have PMS?

Marla Ahlgrimm is the co-author of Self-Help For Premenstrual Syndrome. Today, she touches on a few things all women should know about PMS. 

 

Q: What is PMS? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Simply put, PMS is a biological function of a woman’s body preparing for gestation each month. It can result in everything from headaches and cramps to fatigue and irritability. Unfortunately, these symptoms have historically been attributed to women “rejecting the feminine role.” The good news is that, despite what the historical patriarchy might have us believe, PMS is natural, and there are many things you can do to help yourself feel better. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Tips For Women’s Week

Each year in May, the FDA declares one week dedicated to women’s health. In 2022, this is May 9th through the 15th. Today, Marla Ahlgrimm shares a few ways that you can make yourself a priority when it’s time to celebrate being a woman. 

 

Schedule a visit with your doctor. 

 

Each year, our bodies change. The older we get, the faster these changes happen. Make time to visit your primary health care provider for an annual well visit. Marla Ahlgrimm says that this is especially important if you put off visiting the doctor during the worst of the coronavirus crisis.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hobbies Are More Than Just Fun

Although we don’t always have enough free time, we should carve out a few hours each week to do something we love. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, hobbies, such as photography, puzzle working, and drawing, are good for your mental health. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that hobbies allow you to be engaged in something that helps your mind and body relax. Certain hobbies, such as sports and music, stimulate parts of your brain that give you joy. Even something as simple as reading a book or journaling can provide stress relief on the days you need it most. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On Food Safety For Women With Autoimmune Disorders

The majority of autoimmune disorders are experienced by women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But, while we often focus on treatments, far too little attention is given to the important topic of food safety for people with a weakened immune system. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, food safety is simply the act of ensuring that the food we consume is not contaminated with parasites, viruses, or bacteria. You can think of food safety as what prevents food poisoning. Reducing foodborne illnesses is essential in people with autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, and other immediate health concerns.