Menopause? Here Are Marla Ahlgrimm’s Tips For Prioritizing Your Body’s Needs

Menopause. This significant life transition comes for us all, but it does more than just mark the natural ending of our childbearing years. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause also brings with it a laundry list full of hormonal changes that can impact all aspects of our health.

Today, women’s health expert, self-help author, and retired compounding pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm offers up insight on how you can prioritize your body’s needs at this expected stage of life.

Understand Your Hormonal Shifts

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the most important thing we can do at a certain age is to understand the hormonal shifts associated with our changing bodies. Remember, during menopause our ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to several different symptoms including:

• Hot flashes. Marla Ahlgrimm explains hot flashes are the most common and telltale sign of menopause. This is an intense feeling of heat that comes over you in a wave and may be accompanied by sweating and heart palpitations.
• Night sweats. Night sweats, like hot flashes, can lead to disruption in your life… Only this time, it’s in your sleep.
• Vaginal dryness. Reduced vaginal lubrication can cause discomfort during intercourse. It can also make a woman less likely to want to pursue intercourse.
• Mood swings.  As women, we’re already used to mood swings during our menstrual cycle. However, mood swings during menopause can be much worse and are typified by increased irritability, anxiety, and depression.
• Weight gain. Gaining weight (and having more difficulty losing weight) are also common during menopause.
• Bone loss. Waning estrogen levels can elevate the risk of osteoporosis, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Prioritizing Your Body

Marla Ahlgrimm says that menopause is a natural part of the aging process. But that does not mean that we can’t take steps to keep ourselves whole and healthy. And what better way to start prioritizing your health then paying more attention to what food is on your plate. Marla Ahlgrimm says now is the time to embrace whole foods, such as lean protein, grains, vegetables, and fruits. She also recommends limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.

Something else crucial to a woman during menopause is increased fiber intake. This helps regulate blood sugar and hormone levels. And having more fiber in your system may combat constipation, another side effect of the hormone imbalance.

Exercise is also something to enjoy during menopause. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that regular physical activity – women need at least 30 minutes of activity each day – can help the body stay healthy and well. Likewise, exercise can help maintain a healthy weight while keeping bones and muscles strong.

In addition to all of the above, Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends reducing stressful situations, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and addressing issues, such as vaginal dryness, that may have far-reaching effects in your relationship and in your overall happiness.

Ultimately, most of us will go through menopause sometime in our 40s or 50s. But the end of our reproductive years does not have to mean the end of our healthy years. By following the tips provided by Marla Ahlgrimm above, most of us can maintain our health and wellness until well after the ending of our reproductive years.