Archives for January 2022

Just a few years ago, most people thought that CBD was just a passing fad. But, as the use of this cannabis-derived compound has become legal in all 50 states, healthcare advocates, researchers, and providers believe it’s here to stay. Keep reading as women’s healthcare author and hormone compounding pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm (retired), shares a few facts about CBD.

Q: What is CBD?

Marla Ahlgrimm: CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBVD does not induce intoxication.

Q: How do CBD and THC affect the body differently?

Marla Ahlgrimm: THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD stimulates them. The difference is quite important as binding produces the “high” many people report when smoking or consuming THC-rich products. Stimulation of these nerve receptors may have a positive effect on some individuals. For example, some studies have found that activating/stimulating CB2 receptors can help the brain purge certain types of protein that forms plaque on the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Q: Is CBD safe?

Marla Ahlgrimm: CBD is largely considered safe, and the World Health Organization explains that it is tolerable by the vast majority of humans. Further, the FDA has approved CBD for use in certain clinical treatments as part of the therapeutic regimen for seizure disorders. Of course, anyone considering adding CBD as a supplement to their daily routine should contact their healthcare provider for personalized insight.

Q: How does CBD help with seizures?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It all comes back to the same nerve receptors that CBD activates. Just as importantly, John Hopkins University explains that some people who take CBD may be able to better tolerate their seizure medication. A study by the University also found that some individuals who took CBD while taking seizure disorder medication also had lower instances of depression and anxiety.

If you’re coming up on your 50th birthday and have started to feel fatigued, there’s a chance that you might be experiencing an early effect of menopause. According to women’s care expert and self-help author Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause can bring on a persistent feeling of exhaustion. Fortunately, she says it’s manageable.

Q: Why does menopause trigger fatigue?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many different reasons that women experiencing menopause may feel more tired than usual. The first is a change of hormones. Progesterone, estrogen, adrenal hormones, and thyroid hormones all change during menopause. Further, sleep disruptions, which might be caused by night sweats and hot flashes, make it harder for a woman to sleep through the night.

Q: How does exercise offset fatigue?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Physical activity gives your body a boost of energy. Even if you are extremely fatigued, an hours’ worth of mild to moderate exercise will inject hormones into your brain, which can make you feel more energetic and revitalized. Perhaps more importantly, regular exercise can combat the mood swings associated with menopause and might offset weight gain triggered by an increased appetite.

Q: Can hormone replacement therapy help?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It can, yes. When combined with behavioral and lifestyle changes, HRT can help you manage exhaustion and other symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Q: Can I stop menopause from happening?

Marla Ahlgrimm: No. Menopause is a natural occurrence in every woman’s life. It is when our bodies decide naturally that they are no longer capable of healthy reproduction. You can’t stop the process, but you can limit the impact of its symptoms while you’re going through it.