Marla Ahlgrimm | Summer Health

Summer is coming and that means it’s time to think about warm weather health. According to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, there are special considerations during the summer that are an issue in cooler months.

Q: What is Lyme disease?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Lyme disease is an illness caused by a specific bacteria transmitted to humans via black-legged or deer ticks with an active infection. Fever, fatigue, and headaches are the most prevalent symptoms. Lyme disease is common during the summer due to the possibility of exposure. While there is no guarantee that a person will not be exposed to an infected tick, preventative methods include reducing tick habitats, applying pesticides in outdoor areas, removing ticks promptly, and using an insect repellent.

Estrogen and You | Marla Ahlgrimm

Estrogen is one of the two main sex hormones in females. But, what is it responsible for and is it exclusive to women? Marla Ahlgrimm answers these questions and more in the following informational post.

Q: What is the primary function of estrogen in the female body?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen is one of the main hormones that controls the menstrual cycle. It is vital to human reproduction. Estrogen triggers the start of the menstrual cycle and breast growth. Aside from menstruation, estrogen plays a role in brain health and cholesterol.

Q: How does it work?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are three main types of estrogen: estrone, estriol, and estradiol. Each is produced by the ovaries and, to some degree, by the adrenal glands. Fat tissue also produces small levels of estrogen. Estrogen moves throughout the body and has an effect on every cell in every system.

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Answers to Common Women’s Health Questions

In the following brief question-and-answer session, accomplished author and women’s health entrepreneur Marla Ahlgrimm answers questions on women’s health topics.

Q: What do changes in the menstrual cycle mean?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A woman’s menstrual cycle may change over time. However, any changes that last for more than three months should definitely be evaluated by your doctor or gynecologist. Endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids are just two reasons for heavier bleeding. Stress and even your BMI can affect your periods.

Q: Is a waning sex drive common during menopause?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A decreased libido is common as women age, especially past the 50th birthday. A few ways to increase a waning sex drive naturally include watching your diet and getting plenty of exercise. If intercourse is painful due to vaginal dryness, you may use an over-the-counter lubricant to minimize discomfort.

Q: Are ovarian cyst common?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ovarian cysts are common in women of reproductive age. They are not as common in women who have experienced menopause, though they are typically noncancerous. If you have a family history of ovarian cysts, speak with your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

Q: Does using birth control alter the menstrual flow in pubescent girls?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It typically takes up to five years for a young lady to establish a normal menstrual cycle,so irregular cycles are not typically concerning during this time. Birth control is an excellent long term solution to not only prevent pregnancy but to reduce discomfort and regulate menstrual flow. Chances are, birth control will have no long-term effect on a young woman’s cycle but certain types of hormones, such as those used in the Depo Provera birth control shot, may cause irregular periods for the first three to six months.

Beautiful Skin Starts from Within | Marla Ahlgrimm

It’s been said that beauty is only skin deep, but we all want to take care of the skin that were in. In today’s brief question and answer session, women’s healthcare pioneer Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few common questions on how to keep your skin at its best.

Q: What is the best type of facial cleanser?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There is no right or wrong answer to this question as it greatly depends on an individual’s skin type. Some women are prone to acne and may want to use a moisturizing cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Those with oily skin may want to stick with a natural milk-based cleaner.

Q: How does what we drink affect our skin?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The skin is the largest organ and, like other organs, requires water in order to operate properly. Women who drink mostly coffee and other caffeinated or sugary drinks, such as soda, may experience more acne than those who stick with good old-fashioned H2O.

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Infertility

There are a number of things that affect the reproductive capabilities of both sexes. However, according to health experts Marla Ahlgrimm, women have unique needs when it’s time to conceive.

Q: What is a hormone imbalance?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormone imbalance is a broad term to describe any number of issues that can occur in the endocrine system. Many hormone imbalances, such as those relating to the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, can reduce a woman’s chances of conception.

Q: Do men suffer with hormonal disorders?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes, issues with the testes, pituitary gland, and brain can all affect a man’s output of testosterone and sperm.

Q: How are hormone disorders treated?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Thanks to advances in medical technology over the last two decades, many hormone disorders can easily be treated with prescription medications. The most common is clomiphene citrate, marketed commercially as Clomid. Other drugs, including Metformin and letrozole, have also been used to increase the chances of proper ovulation.

Marla Ahlgrimm on Taking to Growing Daughter about Changing Body

Marla Ahlgrimm is one of the nation’s premier experts regarding female hormones and related disorders. Here, the women’s health expert answers questions on how to talk to your daughter about body image, menstruation, and other female-specific issues.

Q: My daughter is nine. When should I have “the talk” about when she’ll start her period?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Young girls’ bodies are all different and some girls can experience the onset of menstruation by the end of third grade, or around nine-years-old. This is the perfect time to open up a conversation about what she can expect during puberty. Answer her questions openly and honestly, using anatomically correct terms. You don’t have to get into graphic detail at this age but she needs to know what is going to happen.

Q: What’s the right age to start talking about healthy eating habits?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It doesn’t matter how old your daughter is, there is no time like the present. You can instill healthy eating habits from toddlerhood on. Offer your daughter a variety of healthy snacks, fruits, and vegetables and don’t allow her to drink soda in between meals; soda and fruit juice should be a rarity.

Marla Ahlgrimm on Women’s Mental Health

In honor of National Women’s Health Week, Marla Ahlgrimm discusses ways women can take care of their mental health and why many who suffer with issues go undiagnosed.

Q: Why should women pay attention to their mental health?

Marla Ahlgrimm: If a woman doesn’t take care of herself, both mentally and physically, her overall health and wellness can be at risk. As an example, a woman experiencing major depression may suffer with insomnia, weight fluctuations, and loss of interest in spending time with her family and other previously-pleasurable activities. This can trigger a cyclic pattern of depression and anxiety which can take a major toll on a woman’s well-being.