Marla Ahlgrimm A Pioneer Of Women’s Health

If you’ve made it to this website, you’ve likely heard of Marla Ahlgrimm before. But how much do you know about the retired pharmacist? Today, we offer a brief rundown of Marla Ahlgrimm, her career, and her accomplishments.

Marla Ahlgrimm has been active in the world of women’s health since the 1970s. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Marla Ahlgrimm began her career at a small pharmacy in Madison, Wisconsin.  It was there that she discovered a profound interest in women’s health and understanding of the impact hormones had over the mind and body.

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses the Impact of Technology on Women’s Health

None of us are strangers to technology. After all, we carry computers, navigation systems, and communication devices in our pockets daily. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, technology has dramatically impacted women’s health over the past 50 years, in addition to revolutionizing communication.

Today, we share excerpts from a recent interview with the women’s healthcare advocate, self-help author, and retired compounding pharmacist.

What are some ways that technology has improved reproductive health over the last several decades?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Technology has been instrumental in developing various forms of contraception. From pills and implants to physical barriers, technology has reduced unwanted pregnancies. Moreover, it has enhanced prenatal care and helped women overcome infertility challenges.

Where Are Women Healthiest? Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Top-Ranked Countries for Women's Health

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women's health varies greatly depending on location. Some countries prioritize a heavier body type, while others believe a healthy woman avoids sunlight at all costs. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says true health is about making daily choices that benefit your body. 

 

But do some countries make that easier for women? The answer: yes. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, several countries consistently rank high in women's health, including Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, Iceland, Italy, and Spain. 

 

What do these places have in common? Marla Ahlgrimm says they are all high-income countries with strong overall healthcare systems. They offer universal access to preventative care, screenings, and treatment for various health issues, including pregnancy and hormone-related concerns specific to women. They also utilize advanced medical technology and, importantly, focus on maternal health, including pre- and postnatal care. Countries like Latvia prioritize preventative care, encouraging women to get tested for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Marla Ahlgrimm says these high-ranking countries also promote healthy eating, mental well-being, and physical activity initiatives. 

Marla Ahlgrimm |Myths And Realities of HRT

Hormone replacement therapy has long been used to address hormonal imbalances, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, there are many misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy. 

 

About HRT 

 

Before Marla Ahlgrimm dives into the facts, it’s important to know what HRT is and how it works. 

 

HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, is simply the process of medically replacing hormones that naturally decline as a woman ages out of her menstruation phase. The onset of PMS can result in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and a laundry list of other unpleasant side effects, says Marla Ahlgrimm. HRT intervention can help a woman’s body maintain its health and wellness as she slips into menopause. 

 

Myths 

 

Much is still misunderstood by the general population about hormone replacement therapy. Here are a few things that Marla Ahlgrimm says are myths and insight into the realities. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Lyme Disease In Women

Even if you’re not a hiker, if you spend any time outdoors, you need to be aware of the potential to pick up hitchhikers in the form of tiny ticks. More than being just an occasional annoyance, some ticks carry diseases that can have a long-lasting effect on men and women alike. 

 

Today, Marla Ahlgrimm examines how the deer tick, one of the most common in the US, may pass along bacteria that can have serious health consequences. 

 

What Is Lyme Disease? 

 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It affects people of all ages and is most commonly spread by deer ticks. 

The Unseen Web: How Our Surroundings Shape Women's Health

Imagine a web, its invisible threads connecting women to their environment. Marla Ahlgrimm says that this network shapes their health in profound ways, sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. Today, we look at the strands of this web and how it affects us all. 

 

The Air 

 

The air we breathe and the water we drink can be silent saboteurs, laments Marla Ahlgrimm. Pollutants can irritate lungs and worsen respiratory problems. The same pollutants can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease in women. Even more concerning is the presence of hormone-mimicking chemicals that can disrupt menstrual cycles, fertility, and potentially raise the risk of breast cancer. 

 

Products We Use 

 

From cleaning solutions to beauty products, Marla Ahlgrimm says that everyday items can harbor hidden threats. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, common chemicals in these products, can disrupt hormones, potentially leading to health concerns such as breast cancer and endometriosis. 

 

Climate Change 

 

The rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting weather patterns brought on by climate change pose a significant threat to women's health. The stress and anxiety of an uncertain future can weigh heavily, especially on women who often shoulder the burden of household well-being. Marla Ahlgrimm also points out that food insecurity and malnutrition due to disrupted agricultural systems can have severe consequences for women, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, climate change can alter the spread of diseases, putting women and girls at greater risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses. 

Women’s Health Advocate Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Diabetes

We are all familiar with diabetes, a disease often linked with a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. However, regardless of the cause, Marla Ahlgrimm says that diabetes can have a significant effect on women’s health. Today, the self-help author, PMS expert, and retired compounding pharmacist touches on diabetes as it relates to women. 

 

Added Complications 

 

Diabetes can increase a woman’s risk of developing or complicating other health conditions. These include but are not limited to: 

• Heart disease. As the leading cause of death in women, heart disease is a problem that should never be ignored. Women with diabetes especially should create a close bond with their primary health care physician and/or cardiologist. Diabetes, which can trigger blood vessel damage and systemic inflammation, can elevate a woman’s risk of developing or experiencing complications from heart disease, says Marla Ahlgrimm. 

• Blindness. A little-talked-about fact is that diabetes is a major cause of blindness in the US. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women with the condition are one and a half times more likely to develop vision loss than their male counterparts. Like many of the side effects of diabetes, this is caused by blood vessel damage triggered by high blood sugar levels. 

• Kidney disease. Diabetes alters the way the body’s kidneys filter waste products. Women with diabetes are more than two times as likely to experience kidney disease. While this is also common in men, women’s hormones play a part in the added risk of kidney disease. 

• Depression. Physical issues, including diabetes, can take a toll on a woman’s overall mental state, says Marla Ahlgrimm. It is not uncommon for women to experience depression due to a combination of the stress of trying to manage their condition and the added health risk associated with it.