Marla Ahlgrimm: Depression, Menopause, And You

If you’ve reached “a certain age” and you’re starting to feel a little down in the dumps, you are not alone. While there is no way to quantify the actual number of women who experience depression during menopause, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s perfectly normal to have a change in mood as you say goodbye to your reproductive years.

What is menopause?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause is when a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally. It signifies a new stage of life, which can be exciting, terrifying, and sad all at once. Menopause is triggered by significant hormonal changes that come with age.

Depression symptoms

Depression looks different on different people, but Marla Ahlgrimm says there are a few classic symptoms that women can look for. These include sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. In more extreme cases, women who are depressed have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The connection

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women of any age or stage in life can experience depression. However, specific to menopause, it’s a combination of the hormonal changes and the symptoms they bring that can leave a woman in a constant state of stress that can lead to depression. Think about it: women going through menopause have trouble sleeping. They can no longer carry a child. Their sex life may have changed dramatically. Marla Ahlgrimm says all of these combined can take a toll.

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers A Quick Rundown Of Women’s Health

Women’s health encompasses many areas, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, many of these are unique and specific to females throughout their lifespan. From puberty to menopause and beyond, women face distinct health challenges that require special attention.

Key Areas Of Women’s Health

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are a few key areas where women should pay special attention to their health. This includes reproductive, cardiovascular, mental, bone, and hormonal health.

Reproductive health encompasses such things as menstrual health, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Marla Ahlgrimm also notes that women’s health includes gynecological conditions, sexually transmitted infections, and concerns relating to hormones and infertility.

Cardiovascular health deals with the heart. Marla Ahlgrimm says that it is unfortunate, but heart disease is often overlooked in women, making it the leading cause of death in those of us with just X chromosomes.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Gifts That Keep Wellness in Mind

Christmas season has arrived, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for all the women in your life. Today, Marla Ahlgrimm offers up a list of ideas that show the women you love just how much you care.

Fitness Tracker

One of Marla Ahlgrimm’s favorite gifts is a fitness tracker. This helps a woman monitor her activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. Similarly, a smart watch can offer a variety of the same health features, plus stress tracking, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Massage Gun

Nothing relieves sore and stiff muscles quite like a massage. But, Marla Ahlgrimm says that a single visit to the spa may not offer long-term benefits. A massage gun is the gift that keeps on giving. The woman on your list can utilize her muscle-tension-relieving gadget when it’s needed and without having to book an appointment.

The Election And Women’s Health

Retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm says that, like it or not, politics play a huge role in people’s health. How? Keep reading for insight on how 2024 and other election years may have strong implications, particularly for women’s health and reproductive rights.

Abortion Access

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, abortion is a key point in any federal-level election. A nationwide ban or protection of abortion is possible, but it’s complicated to achieve. The 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is widely known for overturning Roe Vs. Wade, returned abortion rights to individual states. However, a sitting president may recommend congressional acts that ban or allow abortion on the federal level.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Benefits Of Sleep In A Cool Room

If you and your spouse or partner constantly clash about the temperature in your bedroom, Marla Ahlgrimm says to hold up. According to the women’s healthcare expert, the ideal room temperature is between 60 and 67°.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that sleep in a cool room offers many benefits including improved sleep quality, reduced night sweats, enhanced metabolism, better blood circulation, and a reduced risk of sleep apnea.

Cooler temperatures can and do help regulate your body’s internal clock. This can promote deeper and more restful sleep. While there’s a lot of science behind this statement, it essentially boils down to that the cooler temperatures signal your brain that it’s time to sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that women in the throes of menopause can greatly benefit from turning the thermostat closer to the 60° mark. This is because the cooler room may help reduce night sweats to help minimize discomfort and interruptions to your sleeping patterns.

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.