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. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On Menstrual Cravings

Those of us with ovaries know the feeling: you’re hungry. You want something salty… maybe something sweet, and you want it now. But, what causes us to go on eating binges in the days leading up to our periods? 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the answer is hormones. The retired pharmacist, hormone specialist, and self-help author explains that progesterone and estrogen, which are cyclical, are usually the culprits. These hormones can significantly influence metabolism and appetite, which can lead us to standing in front of the pantry or refrigerator with a gnawing hunger. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm also explains that a woman’s caloric needs can increase by up to 10% during the luteal phase of her hormone cycle. This is another potential reason for the compulsive cravings. 

 

Menstrual Cravings Are Not Binge Eating Disorder 

 

Some women fear that their monthly appetite overdrive is a symptom of binge eating disorder. Fortunately, says Marla Ahlgrimm, it is not, although women with binge eating disorder may find it even more difficult to control during certain parts of their menstrual cycle. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: What Your Locks Can Tell You About Your Diet

Just like us, our hair can have bad days. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, sometimes, a bad hair day is an indication that something is amiss with what’s on your plate. 

 

Shedding is normal until it’s not 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that most women lose around 100 hairs each day. Chances are, you probably won’t even notice. However, if you lose enough hair that you start to get concerned, it’s time to pay a visit to your doctor. Excessive hair loss may be a sign of thyroid disease, anemia, or certain mineral deficiencies. 

Birth Control Allergies

As if women didn’t have enough to worry about, some of us of reproductive age may need to be concerned about birth control-related rashes. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, these are rare, but they do happen. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that birth control is used for many reasons, not just to prevent pregnancy. Some women are prescribed estrogen-based birth control to treat endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, and severe cramps. 

 

Hormones And Rash 

 

Hormones don’t typically cause rashes. This is especially true of birth control as estrogen and progesterone are both naturally occurring in the female human body. But, sometimes, women can experience skin issues including melasma, contact dermatitis, hormonal acne, and more. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some women may even experience Erythema Nodosum, which is an inflammatory disorder typified by bumps on the knees and shins. Women experiencing this condition, which is fortunately not serious, may also experience mild joint pain and enlarged lymph nodes. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses PCOS

The vast majority of women of reproductive age are familiar with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. This common hormone disorder can result in heavy menstrual cycles or overproduction of the male hormone androgen. Today, self-help author and women’s care expert Marla Ahlgrimm discusses polycystic ovary syndrome. 

 

Q: What are the signs of PCOS? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Excessively heavy, prolonged, or even infrequent periods may all indicate PCOS. Your doctor might test for the condition if you are an abnormally heavy bleeder, have cycles that last longer than 35 days, and have nine or fewer periods in a calendar year. Obese women are more likely to have severe PCOS symptoms.