Love And Marriage (And Women’s Health!) | Marla Ahlgrimm

December 19, 2025 By

Marriage and meaningful relationships play a powerful role in a woman’s overall well-being. While independence and self-growth are essential, humans (and women in particular) tend to thrive when they feel emotionally supported, seen, and connected. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, strong relationships are not a luxury for women but a biological and emotional need that directly affects mental, emotional, and even physical health.

Research consistently shows that women in healthy marriages or long-term partnerships often experience lower stress levels, better immune function, and greater life satisfaction. Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that the key factor is not marriage itself, but the quality of connection within it. A supportive partner can serve as a buffer against life’s pressures, offering emotional safety and stability that allows a woman’s nervous system to relax.

Emotional intimacy plays a significant role in hormone balance. When a woman feels secure in her relationships, her body produces less cortisol, the stress hormone, and more oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that oxytocin is essential for emotional regulation, sleep quality, and even metabolic health. Over time, chronic loneliness or relational stress can disrupt hormonal rhythms and contribute to anxiety, fatigue, and inflammation.

Marriage can also encourage healthier behaviors. Women in stable relationships are more likely to attend medical appointments, maintain routines, and prioritize rest. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that shared accountability within relationships often leads to better long-term health outcomes, especially as women age. Having a partner who notices changes, offers encouragement, or simply shares daily life can make a meaningful difference.

That said, not all relationships are beneficial. Marla Ahlgrimm is clear that unhealthy or emotionally unsafe marriages can do more harm than good. High conflict, lack of respect, or emotional neglect can elevate stress hormones and negatively affect mental health. This is why relationship quality matters more than relationship status. A peaceful single life can be healthier than a stressful partnership.

Beyond marriage, friendships and family relationships also play a critical role in a woman’s wellbeing. Marla Ahlgrimm often reminds women that community matters. Close friendships provide emotional outlets, validation, and joy, all of which support psychological resilience. Women who maintain strong social ties tend to cope better with life transitions, grief, and aging.

As women move through different stages of life, from motherhood to midlife and beyond, relationships become even more important. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that during hormonal shifts such as perimenopause and menopause, emotional support can significantly reduce feelings of isolation. Feeling connected helps women navigate change with greater confidence and stability.

Ultimately, marriage and relationships are not about dependence, but about partnership. Marla Ahlgrimm teaches that healthy relationships allow women to be fully themselves while feeling supported, understood, and valued. When a woman experiences consistent emotional connection, her body and mind respond positively.

In a culture that often glorifies self-sufficiency at all costs, it is important to remember that connection is not weakness. As Marla Ahlgrimm reminds us all, relationships are foundational to a woman’s well-being. Whether through marriage, friendship, or community, meaningful relationships help women live healthier, fuller, and more emotionally balanced lives.

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Marla Ahlgrimm | Moodiness in Pre-Teen Girls

November 21, 2025 By

As many of us enter the “change of life,” our daughters are going through their own hormonal upheaval. Moodiness is part of the package, and this can be difficult for all parties concerned. But, Marla Ahlgrimm says it can help to know (or rather remember) what’s actually happening inside their brains and bodies.

Hormonal Changes

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, around the ages of nine to 12, young women’s bodies begin to produce higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. This is the body’s way of kick-starting the puberty process. Even small fluctuations in these hormones can trigger big emotional upheavals. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that hormonal changes can make a young girl irritable, sad, anxious, or angry, even without an obvious trigger.

Brain Development

On top of a changing body, the brain is changing as well. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the prefrontal cortex is still immature in preteen girls. This is the part of the brain responsible for thinking, planning, and emotional regulation. At the same time, the amygdala, which is known as the emotional center of the brain, is in hyperdrive, making reactions to stress, disappointment, and embarrassment feel amplified. All of this can result in overreactions to minor conflicts, as young girls often can’t articulate what they’re feeling.

Social Pressures

Outside of the body, Marla Ahlgrimm reminds us that young girls are often dealing with social and identity pressures that we may have long forgotten. As their bodies develop, they may begin comparing themselves to friends and even media images. This can cause friend dynamics to change rapidly and leave a preteen daughter seeking social acceptance and fearing judgment more than ever.

Increased Sensitivity

As the preteen brain continues to learn to filter and contextualize comments made around and about them, young girls have a heightened emotional awareness. They may feel personally attacked even by a mild joke or criticism. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that young girls can feel overwhelmed even by small things.

Lifestyle Factors

Puberty shifts the body into overdrive and can change the circadian rhythm. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that many girls between nine and 12 naturally begin to feel sleepy later, but they still need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night. With early school start times, this is often unattainable. Other lifestyle factors at this age include increased consumption of caffeine and sugar, lack of physical activity, and irregular meals. Excessive screen time can also increase anxiety and disrupt natural sleep patterns.

Desire for Independence

We all want to be independent, but Marla Ahlgrimm says that young girls are caught in a position of internal conflict between a strong desire for independence and a need for guidance. Preteens want to make their own choices and be seen as capable, but their brains are not fully developed enough to handle complex situations. When limits are set or boundaries drawn, preteens may feel unfairly controlled, which can lead to arguments, defiance, or withdrawal.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that pre-teen moodiness is not just about being difficult. It is a natural mix of biology, brain growth, and social challenges. As adults, it is our responsibility to guide with patience and empathy to help our daughters navigate this time and develop a stronger ability to regulate their own emotions.

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Hormone Disruptions in Our Daily Lives | Marla Ahlgrimm

October 28, 2025 By

Women’s hormones are a delicate balance that can be affected by everything from the weather to overall health. Marla Ahlgrimm says there are also many factors we don’t often think about that can have a significant impact on hormonal health, including common household items we use every day.

Common Endocrine Disruptors In The Home

Our homes are supposed to be a safe haven, but many everyday products can do as much harm as good. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these include:

  • Makeup: Some cosmetic products contain hormone disruptors known as phthalates.
  • Canned foods: BPA, another common endocrine disruptor, is often found in canned goods and some plastic drinking bottles.
  • Produce: Commercially grown produce may contain industrial runoff, herbicides, and pesticides. Even produce labeled as organic can sometimes contain trace amounts of these chemicals.
  • Kitchen products: Many kitchen tools, including nonstick cookware and plastic containers, may contain BPA or similar compounds.
  • Cleaning products: Industrial chemicals found in laundry detergents and multipurpose cleaners often utilize nonylphenol ethoxylates, another class of endocrine disruptors.

All of the items above may contain chemicals that can mimic, block, or alter how the body naturally produces hormones. Although these exposures often occur in low doses, the body is highly sensitive to even small amounts of hormonal interference. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it’s almost impossible to completely avoid these chemicals in modern daily life.

Why This Matters

A woman’s body operates through a finely tuned hormonal system. When even one hormone falls out of balance, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, estrogen dominance, fertility challenges, and more. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals have also been linked to PCOS, early menopause, thyroid dysfunction, and other chronic health concerns.

Marla Ahlgrimm further explains that these issues are difficult to diagnose because exposure typically occurs in small amounts over long periods. The effects aren’t always immediate; however, chronic, low-level exposure can have a lasting impact on hormonal balance and overall longevity.

What You Can Do

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women are not completely helpless when it comes to reducing exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals. She recommends:

  • Choosing safer food containers. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead of plastic when possible. Many manufacturers now also offer BPA-free plastic. Look for recycling codes 3, 6, and 7, which often indicate higher-risk materials to avoid.
  • Reading product labels carefully. Be wary of vague terms such as “fragrance” or “perfume,” which may hide chemical additives that haven’t been fully disclosed.
  • Being mindful of cleaning and kitchen products. Some can release trace elements into the air or food, which Marla Ahlgrimm says adds up over time.

While it’s impossible to completely avoid every chemical, a few lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. Just as small exposures can add up to a negative effect, small improvements can have a positive influence on overall health.

Marla Ahlgrimm recommends that women who are concerned about endocrine disruptors in their daily lives consult with their healthcare providers to identify additional strategies for minimizing exposure and protecting long-term hormonal health.

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Empty Nest Syndrome: Marla Ahlgrimm

September 24, 2025 By

For many women, the perimenopause and menopause years come with more than just a changing body to worry about. Marla Ahlgrimm says that there is a significant emotional shift that profoundly impacts many women’s health. What is it? An empty nest.

The time when a woman’s children are aging out of home and moving away to college or to begin their adult life is marked by freedom and opportunity. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it can also trigger feelings of loss, a change in identity, and increased stress, which manifest in physical and mental health challenges. It’s more than just a mental adjustment; it’s a stressful stage of life that initiates often unwelcome psychological changes.

The Absence of Children

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the empty nest stage is about more than just the absence of children. She explains that many moms experience a swift disruption of their daily routine and what they may view as a downgrade in their primary role as a parent and provider. Women often live their lives revolving around their children from birth until 18 to 20 years old. Marla Ahlgrimm says this includes managing schedules, helping with homework, and assisting her children in navigating everything from learning how to walk to experiencing their first broken heart. When that demand diminishes, women can experience a loss of purpose and a feeling of being unneeded.

Empty Nest Stress

It’s no secret that chronic stress elevates the production of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the stress of living in an empty nest is no different. And, unfortunately, there are many physical ailments that women can experience as a result. These include changes to her cardiovascular health, immune system depression, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and weight gain. Marla Ahlgrimm says that all of these are directly tied to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline.

The Emotional Impact

All of these sudden changes to a woman’s life can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women may, for example, have an identity crisis, as for the last two or more decades her identity has been entwined with her role as mom and caregiver. Depression and anxiety are also common, and her romantic relationships may even take a hit.

Reinvestment

As women learn to readapt to life outside of the role of mother of children, they must learn to reinvent and reinvest in themselves. Marla Ahlgrimm says that seeking support through a therapist or with other moms experiencing this same stage of life can help women process their grief and redefine their goals. Physical activity is also important, as it works as both a stress reliever and a way for the body to naturally regulate sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm insists that women may find great joy in new hobbies or even traveling, continuing their education, or prioritizing their careers.

Ultimately, women experiencing empty nest stress should acknowledge the reality of this role in life. While this may come at a time when she’s already dealing with physical changes thanks to ever-changing hormone levels, watching her children spread their proverbial wings and soar off into adulthood is not a time for dismay but rather an opportunity to celebrate the lives that she’s impacted and the young adults she’s prepared to take on the world around them.

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Marla Ahlgrimm: Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women

August 22, 2025 By

Pelvic floor disorders are a common but woefully under-discussed issue in women’s health. Marla Ahlgrimm, an expert in women’s health and self-help author, explains that few women realize how crucial the pelvic floor muscles are to overall well-being. She explains that the pelvic floor is more than just a set of muscles; it provides support to the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. When these muscles are damaged, weakened, or out of order, a woman may develop issues that impact their health, wellbeing, and ability to enjoy everyday activities. 

What Are Pelvic Floor Disorders?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pelvic floor disorder is a blanket phrase that encompasses many different conditions. The most common are urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. While these issues can affect women of all ages, they are particularly prevalent in women who have experienced childbirth and are approaching perimenopause. Women who have undergone pelvic surgery are also more prone to pelvic floor disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are many factors that contribute to pelvic floor disorders. Vaginal childbirth is the most significant, as the pelvic muscles are stretched and may be injured during delivery. Hormonal changes during menopause and perimenopause, especially the decline of estrogen, also weaken tissue elasticity and make the pelvic floor more prone to dysfunction.

Other contributing factors to pelvic floor disorders include chronic constipation, repetitive heavy lifting, obesity, and genetics. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that hysterectomy can also alter the structure of the pelvic floor and increase the risk of pelvic prolapse. These conditions, she asserts, are not a sign of weakness but the result of normal changes to the body.

Symptoms of a Pelvic Floor Disorder

Recognizing the symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder is key to reducing their effects on a woman. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should be aware of subtle symptoms, such as urine leakage, heaviness in the pelvis, painful intercourse, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels, and unintentional changes in posture due to lower back discomfort. Even mild symptoms should be discussed with a primary healthcare provider, since early intervention can significantly improve overall outcomes.

Treatment Options

While the idea of a dysfunctional pelvic floor may not be exciting to women, there is good news: pelvic floor disorders are treatable. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends pelvic floor therapy, which focuses on exercises that either strengthen or relax the muscles. This might include Kegel exercises, manual therapy, or biofeedback.

Lifestyle adjustments are also important in maintaining pelvic floor health. Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress can help, but Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends avoiding straining during bowel movements and managing health conditions that cause a chronic cough. She asserts that there are also medications for an overactive bladder. Surgical correction is a last resort in severe circumstances.

Breaking the Silence

Pelvic floor disorders carry an uncomfortable social stigma. Many women assume that their symptoms are normal with age or after childbirth and simply don’t discuss them with their healthcare provider. However, Marla Ahlgrimm insists that open conversation and education are essential for women of all ages. The more women talk about pelvic floor disorders, the less taboo the subject will become, and the more women will receive the help they need.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that pelvic floor disorders can affect a woman’s daily life and self-confidence. Thankfully, they are manageable with proper care. Women are encouraged to listen to their bodies and have a conversation with their primary healthcare provider or gynecologist to help treat underlying conditions and to receive pelvic floor therapy or other treatments as needed to maintain quality of life.

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How Women Lose Weight Differently Than Men | Marla Ahlgrimm

July 22, 2025 By

Marla AhlgrimmIf you’re like many women, you’ve gone on a diet kick with your spouse at some point, only to get discouraged when he drops 10 pounds by giving up alcohol and you gain three in a calorie deficit. It’s easy to give up, says Marla Ahlgrimm, but if you’re truly trying to take control of your health, the women’s healthcare expert and author says the numbers on the scale may not tell the true story about your health.

Today, Marla Ahlgrimm offers up information on why men and women lose weight at a different rate, even when following a similar diet plan.

Body Composition and Metabolism

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, men typically have a higher percentage of lean muscle mass compared to fat. And since muscle is more metabolically active (this means it burns more calories, even at rest), men have a higher basal metabolic rate. This means that a man performing the same exact activities as a woman is likely to burn more calories without any extra effort. Fortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that initial weight loss, although faster for a man, doesn’t predict long-term health benefits.

Hormonal Influences

Simply put, men and women have different levels of many of the same hormones. When it comes to fat storage and calorie burn, testosterone—testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men—aids in fat burning and promotes muscle growth. In other words, Marla Ahlgrimm says that men build muscle and lose fat simultaneously at a faster rate, all thanks to this chemical messenger.

Women, by contrast, have higher levels of estrogen. This is the hormone that encourages the body to store fat, particularly in the hips, thighs, and butt. Although Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges and appreciates fat storage as an evolutionary tool for the benefit of reproduction, she laments that estrogen does make losing weight from these areas in particular a bit more challenging.

Fat Distribution

Men and women also store fat in different areas. Typically, men gain weight in their abdominal region, leaving them with an apple-shaped body. Abdominal fat is usually visceral and is the first to be lost during a weight loss regimen. Women, on the other hand, often have a pear-shaped body. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women do tend to store fat in their hips and thighs, and subcutaneous fat is a little more stubborn and the last to let go.

What You Can Do

Marla AhlgrimmAs a woman, Marla Ahlgrimm says that common sense is your best bet when trying to lose weight, whether you’re post-pregnancy or postmenopausal. She explains that eating a balanced diet and getting a reasonable amount of physical activity each day is the most effective weight loss plan of all. And she also cautions us to remember that calorie consumption is just part of the plan. Women’s bodies need between 1,800 and 2,200 calories per day, mixed between protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.

Men and women’s bodies are different in many ways, and Marla Ahlgrimm says the way we lose weight is just one of these. However, with patience, persistence, and time, many women find that their spouse’s head start evens out with their own weight loss efforts.

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