Testosterone: It’s Not Just For Men

Women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm explains why we need this misunderstood androgen.

Testosterone. We all know it is the hormone that makes our men hairy, muscular, and tall. But Marla Ahlgrimm says that women need testosterone just as much as men, just in a much smaller quantity.

So what, exactly, does testosterone do for women? Find answers from Marla Ahlgrimm below.

Bone Health

Brittle bones are not an unheard-of subject for women. As we enter menopause, our body's hormone levels change. Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormones are directly responsible for much of our bone health, and testosterone helps to maintain our bone density. As our testosterone levels change with age, we are at a higher risk of bone brittleness.

Bone Health: Marla Ahlgrimm’s Guide To Strong Bones For Women

As we age, it becomes increasingly essential to pay attention to our bone health. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women over 40 are at risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. Understanding the factors that contribute to this type of bone loss and taking proactive steps can help us all maintain strong bones and reduce our risk of fractures as we age.

Factors That Affect Bone Health

Marla Ahlgrimm says that there are many different factors that influence bone health. These include age, genetics, lifestyle, medical conditions, and medications.

Is There A Connection Between Perimenopause And Mood Swings? Marla Ahlgrimm Says Yes

Perimenopause, which is the transitional period leading up to full menopause, is almost always prepackaged with a roller coaster of emotions. And, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, mood swings are a common symptom of perimenopause. But what causes seemingly uncontrollable fluctuations in a woman’s disposition? None of us would be surprised to learn that the answer is hormones.

The Hormone Connection

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the two primary hormones that control a woman’s sexual maturity are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a critical role in regulating mood and emotions throughout a woman’s lifetime. But, during perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to decline, which can disrupt the balance of hormones within the brain. This can lead to a wide variety of moods with seemingly no explanation for a sudden change.

Estrogen and progesterone also influence the production of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters linked to mood and well-being. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that any changes in these neurotransmitters can also contribute to mood swings during perimenopause.

Does Living In A Higher Elevation Affect Women’s Health? | Marla Ahlgrimm

On average, most US citizens sit at an altitude of around 2500 feet above sea level. But, living at 3000, 4000, 5000 feet and above is not uncommon, especially in states such as Colorado and Utah. And, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, living at a higher elevation may potentially affect women's health.

Health and a higher elevation

Marla Ahlgrimm says that everyone can feel the effects of living at a higher elevation. This happens in many ways. First, the body learns to compensate for lower oxygen levels by increasing its production of red blood cells, which work to carry oxygen throughout the body. This may also lead to improved cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that people living in mountainous areas have lower rates of heart disease.

Marla Ahlgrimm on Sex and Menopause

When a woman reaches a certain age, her body undergoes many changes. Marla Ahlgrimm, a women's health expert and author, laments that many of these can negatively affect a woman's sexual desire. Fortunately, however, there are many ways that a woman can continue to enjoy a positive and fulfilling sex life into her 50s, 60s, and beyond. 

 

Communication and Openness 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the most important thing women can do to keep their sex lives positive during menopause is to be communicative with their partners. She recommends open communication and freely discussing any changes being experienced. This opens up many opportunities to explore ways that sex can be more enjoyable for both partners. Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends exploring new intimacy options and not limiting the experience to intercourse alone. Physical and emotional connections and affection can bring just as much pleasure as a physical connection alone. 

Stress And Your Health | Marla Ahlgrimm On How Stress Takes A Toll

We all experience stress now and again, says Marla Ahlgrimm. And you know that stress can cause anxiety and irritability. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, the strain you feel each day may affect your overall health in many more unusual ways. 

 

Stress And The Skin 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that stress hormones, such as cortisol, can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals throughout the body. This inflammation can worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and may also lead to flare-ups. Additionally, Ahlgrimm notes that stress can increase oil production in the skin, creating an environment that is conducive to acne breakouts. 

 

Stress and Hair Loss 

 

When the body is under chronic stress, every system suffers. This includes the tiny hair follicles, which may shift prematurely from a growth phase to a resting phase. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that this can increase hair shedding, leading to noticeably thinning hair or bald patches in extreme cases. 

Understanding the Impact: Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses How Endocrine Disruptors Can Affect Women

Many women run straight for a warm bath after a stressful day. This is often coupled with the soft and soothing light of their favorite scented candle. But do these artificial odors affect a woman’s hormone cycle? To shed light on this, we turn to women’s self-help author and PMS expert Marla Ahlgrimm. 

 

What is an endocrine disruptor (EDC)? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: An endocrine disrupter is essentially a chemical that can have a negative impact on your body’s endocrine (hormone) system. 

 

What are some ways endocrine disruptors can affect a woman’s hormones? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: EDCs can mimic some of the body’s natural hormones, such as estrogen. This may confuse the body’s internal hormone messaging system, leading to imbalances in the many body systems regulated by the hormones. 

 

What is hormone disruption? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormone disruption happens when an EDC (or other invader) causes a hiccup in a woman’s natural hormone production. 

 

Are there specific EDCs that women should be cautious of? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many, yes. BPA, for example, which is found in many plastic bottles, may have an effect on a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s theorized that BPA might even increase a woman’s risk of endometriosis and certain cancers.