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. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On Women In Medicine

Putting young women and medical careers is something Marla Ahlgrimm remains passionate about. In the 1970s, when the young future pharmacist first decided on her career calling, she faced much adversity as a woman. Fortunately, things are changing, and it is increasingly common to see women in the healthcare field. Keep reading for a brief Q&A on women in medicine. 

 

Q: It was the very first female physician? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: In the United States, that was technically Elizabeth Blackwell. However, women have been practicing medicine as far back as written history, and likely even further. There are records from ancient Egypt showing a female physician in the Fourth Dynasty. Her name was Peseshet, and her official title was, “Lady overseer of the female physicians.” This asserts that there were many other women in this position. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Healthy Breasts At Any Age

As we get older, we begin to wonder if our breasts are aging as well as the rest of us. It’s not unusual for a woman’s breast to change size or shape with age, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, there are some telltale signs that something is amiss. 

 

What do healthy breasts look like? 

 

This answer varies from woman to woman, according to age and life stage. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, breasts may be large, small, or somewhere in between. They may be full and voluptuous or not. It is also very common for a woman’s breasts to be different sizes or for one to look “perkier” than the other. Menstruating women and those who are pregnant may also have swollen, fuller, and more tender breasts than any other time.