Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Steroid Treatment In Women

Steroid shots are commonly used to treat certain medical conditions. The shots involve injecting a corticosteroid into a specific part of the body, often the gluteus maximus, also known as the butt! The shots are used to reduce inflammation and pain in some conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Steroid shots may also be used to help provide relief for those with serious sinus infections. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, steroid shots are typically considered safe, but they may affect women differently than men. This is partly due to our different hormone levels, muscle structure, and other factors that make us physically different. 

 

Before we dive deeper into the topic, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s important to note that this article discusses medical steroid use. The use of anabolic steroids for muscle strength gains is a different story altogether. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains the main concern for women who receive steroid shots is the potential impact on their menstrual cycle. Corticosteroids can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone, which are the hormones responsible for regulating a woman’s period. Because of this, some women can experience irregular periods, or they may stop having them together until they discontinue steroid shots. 

 

Another potential issue with a steroid shot is the impact on bone density. Corticosteroids are known to cause the body to break down bone tissue more quickly than it can be rebuilt. This may lead to osteoporosis or bone-related issues if steroids are taken in the long term. This is especially problematic for women because we are already at a greater risk of osteoporosis than our husbands, sons, and brothers. When you get recurrent steroid shots, talk to your healthcare provider about taking other steps to protect your bones. This might include taking calcium supplements or engaging in routine exercise. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormones And Women's Weight

Hormones are essential for just about all physiological functions, including regulating weight in women. Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, leading to weight gain or loss. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, fluctuations that occur naturally in women's bodies throughout their lives, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can all have a profound effect on body weight. 

 

Estrogen 

 

Estrogen is the most widely talked about female sex hormone, and it plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, and bone health. However, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that estrogen also affects body weight by influencing fat distribution and metabolism. Boosted levels of estrogen can trigger weight gain by increasing the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This creates a vicious cycle as elevated insulin levels can cause the body to store more fat, especially in the abdominal region. Additionally, estrogen plays a role in appetite suppression, and a decrease in estrogen levels can increase hunger and food intake, leading to weight gain. 

 

Progesterone 

 

Progesterone is a lesser-known yet essential female hormone. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also affects weight by slowing down digestion and increasing water retention. Women often experience water retention and bloating during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. This is when progesterone levels are highest. Elevated progesterone levels can lead to temporary weight gain, which (thankfully) usually resolves after menstruation. 

 

Testosterone 

 

Testosterone is most known as a male sex hormone, but it is also present in women in small amounts. Testosterone affects body weight by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass. Women with higher testosterone levels tend to have an overall lower body fat percentage and a higher muscle mass, which Marla Ahlgrimm says can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. However, excessive testosterone production can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. 

What Are The Benefits (And Drawbacks) Of A Raw Food Diet?

Advocates of eating raw foods often cite its closeness to nature as reasons for chowing down on bok choy, Swiss chard, and other plant-based foods. But is it really healthy? According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it can be, but a raw food diet isn’t right for everyone. 

 

What Constitutes A Raw Food Diet? 

 

Many people think of a raw food diet as simply the equivalent of foods that you get out of the garden. These are eaten in their whole form, although they may be cut, diced, and mixed with other whole foods without losing their integrity. Some, however, look at a raw foods diet as one that also includes unprocessed animal products, like eggs, fish, and milk. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the goal of a raw foods diet is to eat foods that contain their full level of nutrition. The idea is to keep foods as close to natural as possible so that the body enjoys the enzymes needed for proper digestion. 

FAQ: Marla Ahlgrimm Shares Insight Into A Career As A Pharmacist

Marla Ahlgrimm is a retired pharmacist, compounding specialist, self-care and self-help author, and medical entrepreneur. 

 

If you’re thinking about a career as a pharmacist, that’s a great call. Pharmacists are in high demand, get paid well, and have an opportunity to help their clients manage their health and wellness goals. Today, retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm shares an FAQ that sheds light on common questions about becoming a pharmacist. 

 

Q: What is a pharmacist? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: A pharmacist is an expert in pharmaceuticals. Their primary job is to prepare, dispense, and store medications and to counsel individuals when they have questions about their prescriptions. A pharmacist must be familiar with many things, including drug dosage safety, side effects, proper usage, potential interferences, and medication biochemical makeup. 

 

Q: What does the day in the life of a pharmacist look like? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Each day is different; that’s what makes this career so exciting. While the majority of the time, a pharmacist is preparing medications based on physician prescriptions, they might also spend time offering advising services about OTC medications. Pharmacists are also medical professionals that can conduct basic health screenings and give certain immunizations, such as the flu shot or vaccines. 

Yes, Women Are More Stressed Out The Men Around The Holidays

Retired women’s healthcare entrepreneur and self-care author Marla Ahlgrimm spent four decades helping women master their own health. She says that it’s been her experience that women notice and experience stress more than men in November and December. 

 

But why? 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many different reasons that women feel more stress and strain over the holidays. One is additional family responsibilities. Although men were, historically, the hunters and gatherers, that role has switched to women, who tend to be the ones to grocery shop. Further, women are expected to create a beautiful spread around the holidays. Even those who don’t host at home are expected to bring beautiful dishes to each gathering, says Marla Ahlgrimm. 

 

Money is another matter of concern for women around Christmas. The average family spends between $800 and $1000 on Christmas gifts. Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges that this might be a small sum for many families, but, for others, it can be a huge strain on their savings or, worse, credit cards. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Shares Tips On Staying Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are here, and that means being in close quarters with friends and family, strangers, and coworkers. Between holiday parties, shopping, and dinners, you have a lot to do, and there are many opportunities for you to catch a cold, or worse. Today’s tips are provided by Marla Ahlgrimm in hopes that you have a healthy and happy holiday season. 

 

Wash Your Hands 

 

It might sound simple enough, but washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs, such as the flu. Given that the flu, RSV, and COVID are all floating around the air this year, you’ll want to keep your hands as clean as possible and avoid touching your face. To wash your hands effectively, use soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds. Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends drying your hands with a paper towel. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: What Is A Mastectomy?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time to explain one of the potential ramifications of breast cancer than now? According to women’s health author and retired compounding pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, one of these is a mastectomy, which is a surgical procedure performed on more than 100,000 women each year. 

 

Q: What is a mastectomy? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: A mastectomy is essentially a surgical procedure where a physician removes either one or both of a woman’s breasts. It’s often performed when a woman has invasive breast cancer that does not respond to chemo or radiation therapy. A mastectomy may be necessary if the risk of recurrent breast cancer is high. 

 

Q: Why would a woman have both breasts removed? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Even if a woman only has cancer cells present in one breast, she may choose to have both removed to ensure uniformity. Further, women with certain gene mutations that have experienced breast cancer on one side may choose to have both removed to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer returning. A woman may also choose to have the procedure to find peace of mind, even if she is not at high risk for relapse.