Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses “Phantom” Pregnancies

According to hormone specialist Marla Ahlgrimm, pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life when her body changes rapidly thanks to a combination of a growing fetus and increasing hormone levels. However, there have been many documented cases of women experiencing what they thought was pregnancy only to go into “labor” to find there was never a fetus. 

 

So What Causes These Phantom Pregnancies? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm says phantom pregnancies are rare. However, hormonal changes are often the culprit. As a woman’s hormones fluctuate throughout her menstrual cycle, she may mistakenly believe she’s pregnant, especially when she is more bloated and irritable than normal. Women who don’t typically experience breast tenderness during their cycles may also suspect pregnancy when this occurs for the first time. 

Pharmacist: A Great Job For Women

As recently as the 1960s, only about 10% of pharmacists in the United States were women. Today, that number is closer to 68%. There are many reasons for the sharp uptick in women working as pharmacists. These range from greater access to education to women wishing to pursue a career instead of or alongside motherhood. But what does it take to become a pharmacist? 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare community, and they play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the right medication at the right dosage at the right time. These individuals are responsible for dispensing medications, counseling patients on proper drug usage, and helping to monitor for side effects. Pharmacists also provide education and counseling on many different health topics, including disease prevention and medication management. 

 

To become a pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you have to earn a degree of pharmacy from an accredited pharmacy school. The Pharm.D. program is a four-year program that usually requires two years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by four years of professional pharmacy study. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: How Do Hormones Affect Body Shape?

As women, we all know that we are not shaped exactly the same way as each other. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that many women don’t know that their hormones can affect the shape and size of their bodies. 

 

What Are Hormones? 

 

Simply put, Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormones are chemical messengers that tell the body how to metabolize, grow, develop, and reproduce. These invisible and naturally-occurring chemicals also play a role in determining body shape. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains the different hormones affect different aspects of the body and its composition. Estrogen, for example, is responsible for many characteristics of the female body, including breasts and hips. Too little estrogen, and a woman may have smaller hips or smaller breasts. Similarly, testosterone affects things like muscle mass. So too much testosterone can leave a woman with a more athletic build. 

 

Further, hormone levels change throughout a woman’s lifetime thanks to age, pregnancy, menopause, and more. These changes can also affect a woman’s body shape. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Expounds On The Importance Of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The leading cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and is spread through sexual contact. Fortunately, most people who have HPV never develop symptoms or cervical cancer. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that some people experience cell changes within their cervix. These eventually lead to cancer if not caught and treated. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, cervical cancer screening is the best way to detect early issues. Screenings can help point doctors toward cell changes in the cervix before they turn cancerous. This allows for early treatment, which may save lives. 

There are two types of screening for cervical cancer. These are the Pap and HPV tests. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a Pap test, or Pap smear, looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. This is typically done by an OB/GYN or other healthcare provider and involves inserting a speculum into the vagina, allowing for a view of the interior of the cervix. A small brush or swab is then used to collect cells from the cervix. These are sent to a laboratory for examination. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On How Hormones Affect Women’s Bodies Throughout The Years

Hormones are the chemical messengers that travel through the highways and byways of our body (our bloodstream), and they control every important function of our body. Hormones are responsible for growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. And according to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, hormones play a major role in how women’s bodies are constantly changing throughout their lifetime. 

 

Hormones And Adolescence 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm says that girls experience a surge of hormones during adolescence. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise, and this injection of reproductive hormones triggers the development of breasts, hips, and pubic hair. Hormones are also responsible for the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle. 

 

Hormones In Adulthood 

 

Hormones remain important throughout women’s adult lives, says Marla Ahlgrimm. They continue to play a role in each system and each function. For example, Marla Ahlgrimm says that estrogen works to keep the bones strong and the heart healthy. Likewise, progesterone works to regulate the menstrual cycle. Other hormones, including testosterone, also play a role in women’s physical and emotional health. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On How Falling In Love Affects Women’s Hormones

Love is a powerful emotion that captivates human attention, and that’s apparent in poetry, art, and even scientific studies, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But beyond the realm of intimacy, falling in love also has an effect on our physiological selves. The song of love triggers a symphony of hormonal changes within us. Today, Marla Ahlgrimm takes a look at how love potentially influences women’s hormones. 

 

Oxytocin, The Love Hormone 

 

Oxytocin is referred to as the love hormone. This little chemical plays a central role in the experience of falling in love. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that when women are in the early stages of romantic attachment, the brain releases more oxytocin than normal. This fosters feelings of trust, attachment, and bonding. Oxytocin promotes closeness and intimacy. Interestingly, oxytocin is also released in high quantities during the birth and labor process and also while breast-feeding, which is in part responsible for the strong bonds formed between mother and baby. 

 

Dopamine And The Reward System 

 

Oxytocin isn’t the only chemical kicked out of the brain when falling in love, says Marla Ahlgrimm. New romantic feelings also trigger a surge of dopamine in the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is released in response to feelings of pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, dopamine also creates a euphoric sensation, which can lead to increased energy levels and exhilaration and boost a woman’s sense of happiness. Dopamine is also released during the anticipation of seeing a new lover after time apart. 

The Mystery of Menstrual Synchronization

Marla Ahlgrimm sheds light on why women who are around each other sync up. 

 

One of the intriguing aspects of female physiology is the phenomenon of menstrual synchronization, where women who spend significant time together often find their menstrual cycles aligning over time. This phenomenon has puzzled scientists and sparked curiosity among women for decades. In this article, Marla Ahlgrimm looks at some theories behind why women sync up their menstrual cycles and shed light on this fascinating occurrence. 

 

Shared Environmental Factors 

 

One possible explanation for menstrual synchronization is the influence of shared environmental factors. Marla Ahglrimm notes that women who live in close proximity, such as roommates, family members, or coworkers, may be exposed to similar cues in their environment, such as changes in light, temperature, or social patterns. These environmental cues can potentially influence the body's hormonal regulation systems, leading to synchronized menstrual cycles over time. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On The Causes And Effects Of PID

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common infection that affects the reproductive organs of women. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that PID is caused by bacteria that spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. If left untreated, PID can cause long-term health problems, including infertility. Here, Ahlgrimm touches on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PID. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses The Pros And Cons Of Pedicures

Summer is coming, and that means you’re going to let your toes see the sunlight from now until November. For most of us, this means getting a pedicure. However, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends caution when choosing a pedicure provider. 

 

Pedicures are popular beauty treatments that involve cleaning, trimming, and polishing the toenails. Your pedicure may also include callus removal, exfoliation, and a lower leg massage. These are great ways to pamper yourself and make you feel your very best. But not all pedicure shops are the same, and Marla Ahlgrimm says there are stark advantages and disadvantages of getting a pedicure. 

Pros 

• Improved foot health. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pedicures may help to improve the health of your feet by removing dead skin, preventing calluses, and promoting healthy new skin growth. Regular pedicures can also prevent and treat nail fungus and other foot infections. 

• Relaxation. Getting a pedicure is a great way to relax and unwind after a hectic week. Many salons and spas offer a tranquil atmosphere complete with soothing music and massage chairs that are ideal for de-stressing. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: It's Time To Advocate For Your Health

As women, it's important to speak up for our health and well-being, says Marla Ahlgrimm. With our time focused on kids, work, and our relationships, it's easy to put our health needs on the side shelf and forget about them. However, taking care of ourselves should be a top priority.  

 

Here are some tried-and-true tips on how to advocate for your health: 

 

Get regular check-ups and screenings. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the best way to advocate for your health is to get regular check-ups and screenings. This includes annual physicals, mammograms, pap smears, and other screenings as recommended by your primary healthcare provider. By staying current with these tests, you stand a better chance of catching health issues early on so that you can take action before they become more serious. 

How To Choose The Right Pharmacy

According to retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, the vast majority of people choose their pharmacy based on location alone. However, while location matters, it should not be the number one reason that you choose somewhere to fill your medications and counsel you on their use. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition that requires multiple medications. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are five other major considerations to keep in mind when you’re choosing a pharmacy. These are: 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Fasting And Health

Fasting is nothing new, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Our ancient ancestors fasted frequently, even if it wasn’t by choice. Because our bodies have evolved to go long times without food, they have developed an amazing mechanism to utilize what they’ve got and to recycle damaged cellular material.  

 

How Our Ancestors Fasted 

 

Before modern times, food was scarce. Our ancestors did not have access to grocery stores, and they primarily hunted and foraged for their own food. Sometimes, they may have gone days without any nutrition at all. Marla Ahlgrimm says this triggered an evolutionary protection that allowed the body to utilize stored components to maintain health. We can use this today to reverse some of the issues caused by free access to food 24 hours per day.  

 

But Is It Healthy? 

 

According to women’s health expert and retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, fasting can be healthy when done correctly and under the guidance and care of a trained healthcare or nutrition professional. 

 

Science Backs It Up 

 

There have been countless research studies done on the potential benefits of fasting in humans, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The vast majority of these have shown great promise. Most researchers have come to the same conclusion that fasting works to cleanse the body of toxic materials. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm says that fasting creates what’s called a metabolic switch, which is where the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy.