Mental Health: A Monthly Cycle | Marla Ahlgrimm

Even the most even-tempered woman can shift into someone unrecognizable when “that time of the month” hits, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The majority of women experience strong emotional symptoms along with the cramping, bloating, and hunger of PMS. But why?

Hormones and Mental Health

According to Marla Ahlgrimm very little is understood about the link between reproductive hormones and mental health. Given the fact that virtually 100 percent of women menstruate at some point in their lives, this is something that warrants additional research. Doctors are not really sure why shifting hormones affect mood just that they do.

During a woman’s monthly cycle, her hormones change and estrogen and progesterone levels dip, drop, and rebound. Some healthcare experts speculate that these shifting hormone levels actually change the way the brain interprets various signals. Others expect that these chemicals alter not only perception but also the physical route that sensory input travels through the brain.

Marla Ahlgrimm | New Hope For Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease well-known to women. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women beyond menopause are the most at-risk of the condition, which happens when bone tissue cannot regenerate faster than it is lost. Researchers at Duke University have recently identified a biochemical receptor in mice that may change everything.

Q: What is osteoporosis?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Osteoporosis is often called brittle bone disease. Many people do not realize it, but bone is actually living tissue. Just like skin and hair, it wears down and regenerates continually. Unfortunately, bone regeneration slows with age, and shifting hormones in women can make bone growth grind to a near halt.

Q: How is osteoporosis treated?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The vast majority of physicians recommend eating a diet high in calcium and vitamin D, exercising, and, in advanced cases, taking medications that stop bone loss.

Q: Is stopping or slowing bone loss enough?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In the early stages, yes. However, stopping bone loss does not replace nor does it strengthen bones. Biomedical engineers at Duke have found that injecting a synthetic form of adenosine (a chemical found naturally in the body) directly into specific receptors in mice completely reverses the effects of bone degradation. The study does not mean that we can eradicate the condition, but it does give hope that women in the future might have some additional ways to protect themselves.

Q: Why not take a supplement with adenosine; wouldn’t that have the same effect?

Marla Ahlgrimm: No. Adenosine has many different roles in the human body. It works to regulate blood flow to specific organs and has an effect on neurons. Taking a supplement or doing an intravenous injection would flood the body and can affect areas beyond the bones. There are many other studies in the works, and it may take many years, but there is hope that bone-growth drugs may be on the way.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Carbohydrates and You

Carbohydrates have a bad reputation, especially among women who want to whittle down their waist. But, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that not all carbohydrates are alike, and the body needs carbs to survive.

Q: What are the different forms of carbohydrates?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are two forms of carbohydrates, simple and complex. Complex carbohydrates, which includes starches and fibers, are found in healthy foods like whole grains, dried beans, and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are sugars found in fruits and milk products. Even some vegetables contain some sugars, so it is important to know the nutrient makeup of everything you eat if you are trying to watch your weight or improve your overall health.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Women’s Health Conditions That Never Were

Medicine has come a long way since ancient times. Nonetheless, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there have been many “conditions” that were never problems in the first place, and some that persisted into modern times. Here, we look at two of these specific to women.

Bicycle face

Just before the turn of the 20th century, Dr. A. Shadwell was published in National Review for his views on a unique condition common in women of the age. Bicycle face, he asserted, was the result of a person pushing themselves further than their physical prowess allowed. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women with bicycle face looked anxious, irritable, or strained while pedaling around town.

QA With Marla Ahlgrimm: Prenatal Vitamins

When you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you will likely hear the term “prenatal vitamins” thrown around quite a bit. But, what are they, and are they really important? Keep reading as Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few common questions about vitamins for pregnant women.

Q: What are prenatal vitamins? How are they different than a multivitamin?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A prenatal vitamin is formulated specifically to aid in the development of a growing fetus. They contain a precise balance of vitamins and nutrients, including folic acid and calcium. They are similar to multivitamins but have more of the things a pregnant woman’s body needs.

Q: Are prenatal vitamins all I need to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely not. Although vitamins can provide you and your unborn baby with an extra boost of nutrition, there is nothing that can replace eating well and exercising. You may not even need prenatal vitamins if you have a diverse diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Your doctor can help you decide which, if any, prenatal vitamins are right for you.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Weather and Mood

If you have ever woken up to a dreary, cloudy day, you know that the sky has an impact on your mood. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, you are not alone. The weather plays a role in many people’s disposition. Here are a few ways the sun and sky can change how you feel.

Sunshine on a cloudy day

Sunshine does more than simply light our way, says Marla Ahlgrimm. When your body is exposed to sunlight, it creates vitamin D, which can help keep you healthy. Further, sunshine tells your brain it’s time to be alert and active. Another thing to consider is that the day/night cycle is linked to the body’s metabolism and circadian rhythm. Studies continually show that experiencing a predictable amount of sunshine during the day can help you sleep better, which can also go a long way toward keeping your spirits high.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Fish Oil a Common Supplement

A popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, Marla Ahlgrimm says that fish oil is available in a capsule or liquid form, and it is used as a health supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are not manufactured by the body but are essential for efficient growth and muscle development in humans.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids are tuna and salmon. However, fish oil supplements are available over the counter at most pharmacies. These typically contain EPA and DHA, two different omega-3s. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that fish oil supplements are generally considered safe and may help treat or prevent a number of health conditions.