According to pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, over 10 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. While hereditary factors cannot be controlled, women can assess their odds of developing this disease and take preventative measures in order to alleviate their risk of diagnosis in the future.
Regular Exercise
Maintaining an active lifestyle has the potential to lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer in several ways, notes Marla Ahlgrimm. Medical experts recommend taking part in some form of physical activity at least four times a week. Exercise reduces the amount of insulin and glucose levels in the body. As an immune system booster and natural anti-inflammatory, physical activity is a must for all women regardless of age or fitness level.
Heavy and extended menstrual bleeding is a regular occurrence during menopause, notes women’s health professional Marla Ahlgrimm. As a woman moves forward into her 40s, menstrual periods may have dramatic shifts that cause unexpected pain and stress. These notable changes may be difficult for many women to accept; however, menopause is a natural life cycle and completely normal for women to experience, says Marla Ahlgrimm.
When the ovaries quit producing progesterone and estrogen, a woman has entered menopause. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this life stage generally commences after the age of 45. Not surprisingly, women are looking for more information about the expected changes that could occur during this transitional period in their lives. In order to provide clear details about these patterns, medical professionals have been working to adjust patient care and discover more effective treatment options.
Responding to the vast array of information, research and news about breast cancer found online today, pharmacist and women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm says that some of this well-intentioned advice may be misguided.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a perfect time to bring women’s health issues into the forefront of our national conversation. With major developments in the field of medical research, many physicians, scientists and pharmacists are expressing optimism about the eradication of breast cancer. In order to create a community of support for these affected families, a number of national organizations offer guidance about how to detect breast cancer.
Many women have questions about a form of therapy called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. In order to ease their concerns, pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm recently took the time to answer a few of their most common questions.
Q: What are synthetic hormones designed to treat?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Synthetic hormones are prescribed to treat a number of symptoms related to menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause. Eating right and exercising regularly can help tremendously in keeping a woman’s hormones balanced throughout life, but many women have issues at one time or another.
As a notable American pharmacist and health expert, Marla Ahlgrimm has been invited to speak at many conferences and seminars and share her research. She continues to offer that same level of insight and knowledge on various TV and radio programs.
Marla Ahlgrimm is a trailblazer in women’s health. By introducing treatment to manage the symptoms of menopause, PMS and perimenopause, Ahlgrimm has assisted countless women and their healthcare providers. More committed to women’s health than any other professional in her field, Marla Ahlgrimm offers comforting and reliable solutions for women who are troubled by hormone imbalance and other related issues.
Marla Ahlgrimm is a medical professional with over three decades of helping women overcome hormone related issues. Here, she answers questions about an often hidden side effect of menopause.
Q: What causes snoring in women past age 35?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Snoring is caused by air rattling the soft palate and nasal passages. When air flow is restricted, these areas vibrate, often loudly. When the sound of the air passing through is audible, it is called snoring. Snoring may manifest as a whistling or rasping sound or, more annoyingly to a bed partner, a rhythmic, extended snorting sound.
Q: Is it a relatively standard practice for women to use their gynecologist (Gyn) in the dual role of primary care physician?
Marla Ahlgrimm: According to a study performed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, over 50 percent of women said that their Gyn also served as PCP. A Gyn may specialize in an area like infertility, endocrinology, preventative health, behavioral problems, pregnancy and delivery, health maintenance, operative gynecology and urinary tract disorders.
Q: How much of the Gyn’s medical education is focused upon primary care?
Marla Ahlgrimm: An Gyn is required to undergo primary care training for up to six months of his or her four-year residency. About 20 percent of the Gyn’s certification is concentrated on the practice of primary care. The training and education in this highly complex field often occurs concurrently.
Q: Based upon your past experiences, how have women typically approach dieting in unhealthy ways?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Limiting starches and salt may cause a woman to lose quite a bit of weight at first, but it’s merely fluid loss and not fat loss. Exercising more and eating less is the only surefire way to see consistent weight-loss results.
Q: What are the cornerstones for a proper diet program?
Marla Ahlgrimm: In my opinion, the healthiest diet focuses on lean proteins such as shellfish, skinless chicken breast, lean meat, soy products, egg whites, and complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. It’s very important to drink eight glasses of water each day and never skip meals.
Q: What is the standard definition of a gynecologist?
Marla Ahlgrimm: A gynecologist (commonly referred to as an GYN) is a physician whose specialty is women’s reproductive health, with the ability to perform routine examinations of the reproductive organs.
Q: How does a gynecologist help a woman’s overall health?
Marla Ahlgrimm: To remain in good health, regular consultations and yearly checkups with a gynecologist are necessary. Admittedly, finding the right doctor can be a daunting task. Since these are private and personal appointments, it’s crucial to use a specialist who offers a warm and welcoming environment. Since different physicians focus on different specialties, a patient must understand her particular needs. Being comfortable is key.
Q: Can you explain exactly what heart failure means?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Heart failure does not necessarily mean that the heart has quit working. It simply means that the organ’s pumping power is not quite up to par. Approximately 6 million people in the United States are affected by heart failure. The heart is unable to pump enough nutrients and oxygen for the body.
Q: How does the human body respond to the lack of nutrients and oxygen?
Marla Ahlgrimm: When the heart muscle weakens, the body may retain salt and fluid. If fluid continues to build up in the lungs, feet, ankles, legs or arms, the body can become very congested. The resulting condition is called congestive heart failure.
For Marla Ahlgrimm, it all began when she was introduced to a woman who suffered severe mood swings every month. “She was told her symptoms were ‘all in her head,’” Marla Ahlgrimm recalls. At the time, the only treatment doctors could recommend were tranquilizers, antidepressants, or a hysterectomy.
No one had ever heard of premenstrual syndrome in the late 1970s, but Marla Ahlgrimm, a young pharmacist, was intrigued. Her team began to research and eventually found treatment options that included natural progesterone. Soon women from throughout the country were contacting Ahlgrimm ’s Madison Pharmacy Associates for help with PMS symptoms. For over three decades, Marla Ahlgrimm has helped countless women deal with PMS, menopause and perimenopause.
Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. is the co-author of the books The HRT Solution and Self-Help for Premenstrual Syndrome and has been interviewed by both print and electronic media nationwide, as well as regularly being invited to speak at conferences and medical symposia.
