Marla Ahlgrimm | Fun Facts About Your Hormones

Hormones are no laughing matter, but there are a few things you might find interesting about the chemical messengers flowing through your veins at this very moment. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are some things you should know about your hormones that may change the way you look at being a woman.

Each menstrual cycle has a unique pattern.

Just as no two sets of fingerprints are alike, no two women have the exact same menstrual cycle. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, each woman’s cycle is unique and changes throughout her lifetime. Further, a woman’s menstrual cycle is affected by everything from stress and diet to what she’s eaten in the weeks leading up to mother nature’s visit.

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Settle In And Relax – It’s Good For Your Health, Says Marla Ahlgrimm

As women, we tend to go nonstop. We often feel guilty about coming into the house, kicking our shoes off, and stealing a moment just for ourselves. However, says it’s time to look at relaxation as an essential part of your day and not a luxury.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many physical, mental, and emotional benefits to simple relaxation.

Physical Benefits

Physically, taking an hour or two to calm your mind can help lower your blood pressure. This is because the body produces less of the stress hormone cortisol when it rests. When your blood has less cortisol, your blood flows more easily, hence a decrease in blood pressure and lowered strain on the heart. Speaking of the heart, Marla Ahlgrimm says that relaxation also signals the thing that keeps you going to slow down and work more efficiently.

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Marla Ahlgrimm: Does Makeup Affect Your Hormones?

Many women wear makeup to make themselves feel “put together,” more attractive, or just to get ready for the day. However, many cosmetics are made with chemicals that can potentially affect a woman’s overall health and well-being, including her hormones. According to women’s health expert and author Marla Ahlgrimm, there are three ways that makeup might indirectly affect the mind and body.

Endocrine Disruption

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some cosmetics may be formulated with known endocrine disruptors, such as parabens and phthalates. Theoretically, this might affect a woman’s hormonal balance, although much more research is needed to pinpoint, confirm, and fully understand the extent (if any).

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Have All Human Hormones Been Discovered? Maybe Not, Says Marla Ahlgrimm

While modern healthcare and medicine have come a long way over the last 50 and even 25 years, retired pharmacist, hormone expert, and compounding specialist Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s possible that not all human hormones have been discovered yet. She cites Fabkin and MOTS-c as the best evidence.

What is Fabkin?

Fabkin was identified in 2021 and is a hormone produced by the fat cells. Although it is not a single molecule and is not completely understood by science just yet, what we do know is that it plays a role in regulating metabolism. It works to communicate energy reserve status from the fat cells to the pancreas influence insulin production. Marla Ahlgrimm says that scientists are excited about this because it could be pivotal in treating both type I and type II diabetes.

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Marla Ahlgrimm: Women’s Winter Health

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The colder air is creeping in and the days are going shorter, and Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s easy to let self-care go to the wayside. However, she says that prioritizing your health during the winter is essential in helping to maintain your overall health and well-being.

Today, the women’s healthcare expert, retired pharmacist, and industry entrepreneur share steps on how to stay healthy throughout the winter.

Start with a nutrient-rich diet.

While there’s nothing wrong with craving a big plate of comfort food on the holidays, keep these calorie-dense, sugar-laden meals to a minimum. Although your mind might be craving comfort foods, Marla Ahlgrimm says that what your body really needs is vitamins and minerals, which come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. To feel cozy without sacrificing nourishment, consider indulging in homemade soups and stews or breads made with whole grains.

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Women’s Health Facts: What You Need to Know

Women’s health is a complex and ever-evolving field, says Marla Ahlgrimm, who has more than 40 years of experience in the realm of women’s health. There are many different factors that contribute to a woman’s overall health, including her age, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. It’s important for women to be aware of the latest women’s health facts and information so that they can make the right decisions about their health.

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How Women Can Handle Their Mental Health | Marla Ahlgrimm

Mental health is a hot topic that Marla Ahlgrimm asserts should be a priority in everyone’s lives. However, it is especially important for women, who face many unique challenges that can impact mental and emotional health and well-being.

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Marla Ahlgrimm On Navigating The Pathway Toward Healthy Aging In Women

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Aging is an inevitable part of life that brings about many changes, says Marla Ahlgrimm. As individuals change, their unique journeys take on distinct characteristics. Women’s bodies undergo profound transformations, which can lead to a range of experiences and challenges not mirrored in their male counterparts.

In today’s brief post, Marla Ahlgrimm highlights the difference between how men and women age and discusses strategies on how the fairer sex can embrace each birthday with vitality and grace.

Women Live Longer Than Men

Marla Ahlgrimm says that statistically women tend to live longer than men. She explains that genetics play a role, but hormonal and biological factors also contribute to female longevity. However, a longer lifespan also means a likelihood of facing age-related health conditions.

Hormones Matter

Hormones make a difference in a woman’s lifetime, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, as a woman reaches her 45th birthday, it’s time to consider menopause. This milestone in a woman’s life not only marks the end of her reproductive years, but also transitions her into a time of decreased estrogen and hormone fluctuations.

A Bone To Pick

Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women are more prone to osteoporosis than their male counterparts. Osteoporosis happens when the bones become brittle. They become more fragile and less dense. This is of special concern to women in the postmenopausal years. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should make sure to intake plenty of calcium and vitamin D and do weight-bearing exercise to maintain the strongest bones.

A Matter Of Heart

Women’s risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says the symptoms and risk factors can be different from those in men. Women are more likely to experience a silent heart attack and present with atypical symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

The Brain Game

Marla Ahlgrimm says that of the many experiences that women have throughout the aging process, cognitive decline is one of the most difficult to combat. A woman’s risk of Alzheimer’s and other conditions increases with each passing year. Research also indicates that a woman’s cognitive abilities are influenced by hormone fluctuations, genetics, and other factors outside of her control.

You’ve Got To Have Friends

Social and emotional well-being is crucial to a woman’s lifetime and it is integral to healthy aging. Marla Ahlgrimm says that having a strong social network, as most women do, may contribute to better emotional health outcomes.

Tips And Tricks On Healthy Aging For Women

While there is no way to beat the clock, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are a few things that women can do to keep themselves well. These include:

• Having regular health screenings. These should prioritize gender-specific concerns, such testing for breast and cervical cancer.
• Eating well. A balanced diet (coupled with plenty of exercise) can reduce cardiovascular concerns and women. Plus, eating healthier foods can lead to lower weight, which can also reduce a woman’s chances of developing obesity and age-related diseases.
• Managing hormones. For some women, Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormone replacement therapy can help manage menopause symptoms and promote bone health.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that the changes that come with age are a natural part of being a woman. There is no shame to any of the changes that come, but some may come as a surprise to women as they reach their 50th and 60th year. Today’s tips can help you know what to watch for and how to slow down the effects of time so that you can live your very best for all of your years.

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Hormone Factors That Result In Higher Pain Tolerance And Women

The perception of pain can vary greatly between individuals, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, research has consistently shown that women tend to have a higher pain tolerance than men in many circumstances. While the exact reasons for the disparity are highly complex, hormones are suggested to play a role. Today, Ahgrimm looks at a few of these and provides some insight into current understanding of this intriguing phenomenon.

Endogenous Opioids

Endogenous opioids, such as endorphins, are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers within the body, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Studies show that women may have a higher level of  endogenous opioids, which may contribute to greater pain tolerance. The menstrual cycle, which is characterized by fluctuations, may influence opioid release, potentially explaining variations in pain sensitivity within the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen

Marla Ahlgrimm has spoken before about estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. This hormone has been implicated in pain modulation and perception. Research suggests that estrogen can enhance the effect of endogenous opioids, which may lead to increased pain tolerance in women. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that estrogen receptors are found in various areas of the central nervous system, including the regions involved in pain processing. It’s believed that fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause may contribute to the differences in pain sensitivity.

Progesterone

Another key female sex hormone that’s been linked to pain is progesterone. Marla Ahlgrimm says that studies suggest that progesterone may have an analgesic effect, which means it reduces pain sensitivity. Progesterone receptors are present in the brain and throughout the spinal cord, where they interact with pain pathways. Changes in a woman’s hormone levels can influence progesterone, which may impact their individual perception of pain.

Oxytocin

The love hormone oxytocin is involved in various social and reproductive functions, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Oxytocin may also play a role in pain perception by promoting pain relief and reducing sensitivity. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women typically have a higher basal level of oxytocin than men, and that may lead them to having a higher pain tolerance than their brothers and fathers. Further, oxytocin release during childbirth perpetuates social bonds and influences pain perception in these moments.

Stress Response

Women typically exhibit different stress responses compared to men, and these can also impact the perception of pain. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis, which plays a role in the stress response, also interacts with pain pathways. Women’s hormonal fluctuations, especially during their menstrual cycles, can influence HPA axis activity. The stress hormone cortisol may also have a numbing effect.

Sociocultural Factors

While hormones absolutely influence and play a significant role in women’s pain tolerance, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s essential to also acknowledge social and cultural factors that might influence our observation of pain tolerance. Societal expectations, gender roles, and local influence may shape the perception and expression of pain. Marla Ahlgrimm says this means that some women are believed to experience less pain than others because of their stereotype or role in life.

While women’s pain tolerance is higher compared to men’s, it’s a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors, including hormones and society. However, there is no doubt that women seem to exhibit greater pain tolerance than men, despite the physical differences that make us smaller and less muscular than our male counterparts. Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that our pain tolerance means that we’re tougher than we look!

Marla Ahlgrimm | The Potential Impact of Veganism on Women’s Hormones

The decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle goes beyond dietary choices. Marla Ahlgrimm says that many people believe that it embodies a philosophy that promotes compassion, environmental sustainability, and overall health. When it comes to women’s hormones, the effects of a vegan diet can be significant. By eliminating animal products and embracing plant-based alternatives, women can experience positive changes in their hormonal balance. 

Marla Ahlgrimm notes that the information contained in today’s post highlights the potential benefits of veganism. Veganism is not right for everyone, and there may be negative outcomes as well. Consult your doctor before making any major dietary changes. 

Balanced Estrogen Levels

A vegan diet can contribute to balanced estrogen levels in women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Animal products, such as meat and dairy, may contain hormones administered to livestock, which can disrupt the balance of hormones in the human body. By choosing plant-based alternatives, women may reduce their exposure to these external hormones, allowing their bodies to regulate estrogen levels more effectively.

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