Reasons Your Hormones Might Feel "Off" | Marla Ahlgrimm

As women, our bodies experience a flood of hormone fluctuations at pretty much every stage of life. According to self-help author and hormone expert Marla Ahlgrimm, this ever-changing wave of different hormones doesn't always feel the same. However, aside from just a natural ebb and flow of these chemical messengers, there are many reasons your hormones might make you feel a bit off. We'll explore a few of those in today's brief post.

Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations

Marla Ahlgrimm says that a woman's menstrual cycle consists of the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to a noticeable and sometimes swift shift in energy levels, mood, food cravings, and physical sensations. This is, for the most part, natural and to be expected.

Marla Ahlgrimm: A Rocky Road Ahead For Women’s Health

Women's health care advocate and expert Marla Ahlgrimm says that there's been a lot in the news lately about budget cuts initiated by the new DOGE agency appointed by President Donald Trump. Unfortunately, many of these cuts may affect women's health in the short term. Today, Ahlgrimm takes a look at the potential consequences and benefits of cutting government spending in the healthcare sector.

The Negative

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are some concerns about healthcare research budgets being cut. She says that around 1700 of these, which were funded by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies, have been terminated. These include programs targeting maternal health, such as the New York Community-Hospital-Academic Maternal Health Equity Partnership (NY CHAMP). This program works to address maternal mortality and morbidity. It has halted enrollment.

Further, massive layoffs throughout the public healthcare sector may result in a dramatic loss of institutional knowledge. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this may limit the ability of some federal agencies to address gaps in healthcare. Globally, the US budget cuts have also eliminated family-planning programs and cut around 50 million women off from access to contraception.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Pamper Your Feet for Your Health

We often overlook the hardest-working parts of our bodies: our feet. As our undisputed foundations, they carry us through our daily lives and deserve just as much care and attention as any other part of our body. Marla Ahlgrimm says that now is the perfect time to put your feet on a pedestal with a pedicure. And it's not just for the simple pleasure of perfectly polished toes.

Health Advantages of a Pedicure

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, a pedicure is not just a cosmetic indulgence. It can be a crucial step in maintaining foot health. Regular pedicures can help prevent many different foot problems. This includes:

• Guarding Against Infections: Marla Ahlgrimm says that fungal infections and ingrown toenails are more than just painful and unsightly. They can cause issues as you go about your day-to-day life. A skilled pedicurist will meticulously clean and trim your nails, which can significantly reduce the risk of these problems. Further, exfoliation, which is one of the more pleasurable parts of a pedicure, eliminates dead skin cells that harbor bacteria.

• Detecting Foot Issues Early: When you go to the right pedicurist, they are trained to spot potential problems. Marla Ahlgrimm says that a keen-eyed technician can alert you to discoloration, corns, and calluses. While these might be minimal issues now, left untouched, each may escalate into a more serious concern.

Nurturing a Healthy Lifestyle

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that pedicures are essential for healthy nails. But they are so much more than that. She explains that a foot massage, a standard part of a normal pedicure, can stimulate blood flow and promote healthy circulation in the lower legs and feet. This alleviates discomfort and promotes overall well-being. Furthermore, Marla Ahlgrimm says that the gentle touch of a massage can help relieve stress. Plus, when you choose the right salon/spa, it's a sanctuary for stress relief. Just as important as all of the above, Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that the simple and effective process of a pedicure is essential self-care that can promote mental well-being.

Pedicure Perks

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, a pedicure will also work to moisturize your feet and legs, reduce calluses, and leave your feet feeling smooth, beautiful, and ready for the summer sunshine.

Even if you're not one to indulge, Marla Ahlgrimm reminds us that a pedicure is more than just a cosmetic treat. It is part of a holistic approach to foot care that benefits you physically and mentally. So treat your feet and experience the power of the perfect pedicure.

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.