Marla Ahlgrimm: Depression And Woman

Men and women experience depression at vastly different rates. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women are twice as likely to be depressed than their male counterparts. But, why? 

 

Q: How does puberty affect a young woman’s mood? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Puberty is difficult for both sexes. However, for young girls, hormones associated with preparing her body for fertility can have a significant impact on herself-image. In addition to forming breasts, girls around the age of 13 also usually begin their menstrual cycle. This, combined with emerging sexuality and increased pressure to look a certain way while achieving in sports in school, can take a significant toll. 

 

Q: Are PMS problems associated with depression? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: They can be, yes. Women often report issues, such as headaches, irritability, and bloating during “that time of the month.” While this is normal and to be expected, some women experience extreme changes and can suffer from a condition known as PMDD. This can trigger or exacerbate a depressive disorder. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Opens Up About Sex-Related Issues With Age

We like to think that when we are young, our sex lives are amazing. But, according to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, approximately 25% of women in their early sexual years, between 21 and 30, actually have a low sex drive. When looked at a broader scale, women between 21 and 80, around 66% reported some level of female sexual dysfunction. 

 

Hypoactive sexual drive 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the most common female sexual function is hypoactive sexual drive. This is a lack of sexual desire and is considered a disorder when this low libido takes a toll on your emotional health. Women with hypoactive sexual drive may not even have fantasies or may shun their partner’s sexual advances altogether.