As a pharmacist, one question that Marla Ahlgrimm was asked throughout her career that she could never quite answer was, “who was the first pharmacist in history?” Unfortunately, she still doesn’t have an answer, but says that somewhere along the line, herbal practitioners and healers began to blur the line to become the modern pharmacists of today.

Ancient Mesopotamia

Around 2100 BCE, some individuals created medicinal concoctions used to treat a host of concerns. We know this because of clay tablets left behind, says Marla Ahlgrimm. This is typically considered the first evidence of people specializing in what we now know as pharmaceuticals.

Ancient Egypt

Moving ahead more than 500 years, ancient Egyptians also had detailed medical knowledge, especially on how to use plant-based remedies to help common ailments. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that ancient Egyptian royalty likely kept these dedicated practitioners close at hand.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common in women of reproductive age. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, symptoms of PCOS can include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and the development of multiple cysts on the ovaries. It is a complex condition with no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Thankfully, there are many things that women can do to manage the symptoms and improve their overall health.

Understanding PCOS

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that polycystic ovary syndrome is believed to be caused by an imbalance of hormones throughout the body. Women with the condition have high levels of male hormones known as androgens. This type of hormone imbalance can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, excess facial hair growth, acne, abdominal weight gain, thinning hair, and infertility.

Managing PCOS

Although there is no cure for PCOS, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are things that women can do to keep their symptoms and check in with their best and healthiest lives. These include:

Lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, routine exercise, and keeping a healthy weight are crucial in managing PCOS symptoms.

Medication. A doctor may prescribe medications that may be used to treat irregular periods, excess hair growth, and other specific symptoms of PCOS. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these are not meant to be a cure but are instead intended to relieve what causes the most discomfort.

Mental health. PCOS is both physically and mentally challenging to live with, and Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that it’s crucial that women take care of their mental health. They might, for example, visit a therapist, join a support group, or learn relaxation techniques that help them fiddle with their mind and body.

Living with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a challenging condition, but women can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes, medication, and making positive decisions for their mental health. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that women with PCOS may find relief by:

Tracking their menstrual cycle. Women who are experiencing infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome may wish to track their menstrual cycle to identify their unique ovulation pattern. This can be highly useful when trying to conceive.

Getting screened for other health conditions. Type II diabetes, endometrial cancer, heart disease, and other conditions commonly co-occur with polycystic ovary syndrome. Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to speak to their primary health care physician or OB/GYN to be screened for these or other potential health concerns.

Getting the right amount of sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm says that sleep is essential for women dealing with any type of health concern, especially PCOS. The retired women’s healthcare specialist said that sleep deprivation can worsen the symptoms. Further, getting enough sleep can help relieve stress, which can also have a negative impact on a woman’s overall well-being.

Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to discuss their health concerns with their primary healthcare provider or OB/GYN. She says with the right knowledge and support, women can manage their PCOS symptoms and live a happy and healthy life.

When you or your child have a headache or injury, you likely reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), says Marla Ahlgrimm, a retired pharmacist with more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry. But which one is best? And what’s the difference between the two?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are meant to relieve pain and lower fevers. However, although science does not fully agree on the exact mechanisms by which each drug works, there are some pretty good theories. It’s believed that these medications block enzymes to pain-propagating chemicals known as prostaglandins.

Both medications can help relieve pain. The key difference is that acetaminophen-based products work on the brain to reduce the perception of pain and reduce fever. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, lessens inflammation and swelling, meaning it works throughout the entire body.

Risk And Rewards

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the benefits of Tylenol and Advil are clear: lowered fever, decreased pain, and (for ibuprofen) reduced inflammation. But there are also risks that we must consider. Excessive long-term use of ibuprofen, for example, may decrease your body’s ability to protect itself from stomach acid. This may result in ulcers, kidney damage, or high blood pressure.

Tylenol and other acetaminophen products are riskier when taken in high doses. Overuse may trigger liver failure (call your local poison control center immediately if you suspect an acetaminophen overdose) and other types of organ damage. 

The use of either medication to treat headaches may lead to a type of physical dependency that triggers even more headaches as the body naturally metabolizes the medication, leaving less of the drug in the bloodstream.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are considered safe when used for short periods of time and in age and size-appropriate amounts.

Double Duty

If you’ve never heard the term piggybacking, it’s simply a way of saying that you can use one drug at the same time as another. Both ibuprofen and Tylenol may “piggyback” off of one another, which can be highly effective at eliminating pain. Because the two drugs work by blocking enzymes at different locations, they can be taken together or alternated. This is highly useful for people who are at risk of opioid addiction because these lower-potency medications may be used to control mild to moderate pain without the need to use addictive substances.

When To Call Your Doctor

While Marla Ahlgrimm believes that the use of Tylenol and/or Advil (acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen) is safe from most healthy adults and children, pain or fever that last more than just a few days and that don’t respond to at-home treatment should be discussed with your primary health care physician. Remember, most minor issues resolve on their own with self-treatment; pain that doesn’t go away or fevers that refuse to fade may be the body’s way of telling you something more is wrong and that it’s time to call in an expert.

The bottom line:  Tylenol and ibuprofen work in different ways, and they are usually safe to take together. But Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that common sense is key when taking any OTC medication.

Self-care is crucial for everyone, but it’s especially important for women who bear the proverbial weight of the world on their shoulders. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women often juggle many responsibilities, such as work, family, and household chores. Women also deal with stress at work, social anxiety, depression, and other mentally taxing experiences.

Self-care can help women manage these challenges to live healthier, happier lives.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many ways that women can practice self-care, and they have nothing to do with being indulgent. Just a few smart self-care tactics include:

• Saying no. It’s important to learn how to say no to requests that you don’t have the time or bandwidth for. Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s also okay and completely healthy to say no even to friends and family if the requested task interferes with one of your obligations… or you simply need the time for yourself.

• Prioritizing your physical health. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are all important self-care tactics that we often overlook. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should strive for a healthy balance of food, seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and about 120 minutes of exercise each week split between strength and conditioning and aerobic exercises.

• Connecting with other people. Our social relationships are just as important as the relationship we have with ourselves. Connecting with others is an important part of the human experience and one that can help women be healthier and happier overall. Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges, however, that establishing new bonds is not easy as an adult. She says that going to church, joining a class, or participating in a community group can help you meet, mingle, and befriend women who share similar interests as yourself.

The Many Benefits Of Self-Care

There are many ways that practicing self-care can help you live your best life. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that just a few of the benefits of taking care of yourself include:

• Improved physical health. Self-care can help improve your physical health by reducing stress, improving your sleeping habits, giving yourself more nutrition, and boosting your immune system.

• Improved mental health. Self-care can help improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and giving a boost to your self-esteem.

• Increase productivity. When you take care of your mental and physical needs, you regain your energy and focus. This can lead to increased productivity both at home and work. Although it might sound counterproductive, Marla Ahlgrimm says we must all step away from our obligations (for self-care) so that we can return with a fresh set of eyes and a renewed sense of vigor.

• Increased happiness. Simple self-care tactics can increase happiness by making you feel better physically and emotionally.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that women who are not currently practicing self-care each day are truly missing out. She encourages everyone to take just five minutes to prioritize their own mental and physical well-being. Although self-care may look different from one person to the next, she says that the benefits are the same: better health and more happiness.

Finally, Marla Ahlgrimm closes by citing that even small changes to your self-care routine can have big results. She says to make yourself a priority and not to be shy about switching things up if one thing doesn’t work. Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be the same each day, and it never hurts to try new things and expand the possibilities of self-care.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing eggs. Although the inability to get pregnant may be a joyous time in some women’s lives, menopause also brings with it challenges, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

The retired pharmacist and self-help author explains there are many things that women can do to manage the symptoms of menopause. This includes eating a healthy diet. Consuming the right balance of foods can help reduce the risk of developing some health conditions common in menopause, such as heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Just a few of the reasons that diet is important for women during the change of life include:

• To maintain a healthy weight. Marla Ahlgrimm says that weight gain is common during menopause. And, unfortunately, a few extra pounds can make the symptoms that much worse. By eating a healthy diet, you can maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing other health conditions that can exacerbate your menopause symptoms.

• To reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Marla Ahlgrimm says that menopause is a time when women are at an increased risk of developing some chronic illnesses, like heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke. Eating a healthy diet can work to reduce the risk of developing these diseases by giving your body the food and fuel it needs to maintain its natural self-defense mechanisms.

• To improve bone health. Estrogen works to protect bones, and when estrogen levels decline during menopause, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D improves bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

• To improve mood. Mood swings are common throughout menopause, and eating a healthy and balanced diet can work to improve your mood each day. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains keeps the body and mind in top shape.

• To boost energy levels. Fatigue is unfortunately another common side effect of menopause, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Eating foods that provide energy can combat fatigue. Proteins, complex carbohydrates, and foods full of B vitamins can help.

How To Eat Healthy Throughout Menopause

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s important that women eat low-calorie, high-nutrient foods. Leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads and rice, and an assortment of fruits and colored vegetables work together to ensure a woman has just the nutrients she needs to grow a whole and healthy body.

Marla Ahlgrimm also explains that eating lean protein sources, like chicken, fish, and beans, can help a woman maintain her muscle mass, especially when combined with routine exercise. Marla Ahlgrimm also suggests reducing the intake of processed foods, which are too high in calories and sugar and too low on nutrients.

Diet is important throughout every stage of a woman’s life. It is perhaps most so during menopause, when our bodies leave our reproductive years behind. Since we no longer have to support life, our bodies think it’s time to take a break. Not so. By eating the right foods, you can keep yourself healthy and well from the inside out so that you can look and feel your best, even during menopause.

Sex is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, and sexual intimacy is a crucial aspect of romantic relationships. But for some women, it can be accompanied by pain and discomfort. Marla Ahlgrimm says that pain during sex is known as dyspareunia. It’s a common concern that can have a serious impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being. Today, Ahlgrimm touches on a few of the reasons that sexual intercourse might be painful.

Insufficient Lubrication

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the main reasons that sex might be painful is because of inadequate lubrication. A dry vaginal area may be caused by many reasons, including hormonal changes, medication, stress, certain medical conditions, or insufficient arousal. Penetration without lubrication can result in friction and uncomfortable sex.

Vaginal Infections Or Irritations

Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or a simple yeast infection, can cause inflammation and irritation “down there.” Marla Ahlgrimm says that vaginal infections can make the tissue more sensitive, which means you might notice more pain during sexual intercourse.

Hormone Changes

Hormonal changes that occur throughout our lifetimes, but especially throughout menopause or while breast-feeding, can lead to vaginal dryness. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to thinning of the vaginal tissues, which also has the side effect of reducing natural lubrication. Hormone replacement therapy or over-the-counter lubricants may alleviate these symptoms, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles play a role in sexual pleasure and function in women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. If these muscles become weak or tense, it can lead to pain during intercourse. Other factors, such as childbirth, pelvic surgery, or chronic constipation, can contribute to pelvic floor weakening. Endometriosis may also affect the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in subsequent pain during intercourse.

Psychological Factors

Marla Ahlgrimm says that some women experience psychological issues that can interrupt the body and mind’s openness to the sexual experience. Relationship issues, negative body image, past traumatic sexual experiences, anxiety, and stress can all contribute to physical factors that lead to painful or uncomfortable intercourse. 

Ways To Reduce Discomfort

Sexual intercourse should be a bonding experience. Marla Ahlgrimm says that, fortunately, there are ways that women who experience pain during intimacy may reduce the discomfort. Tips include:

• Use an over-the-counter lubricant. These can be picked up at any drugstore and are safe for most healthy adults.

• Ease into sex. If sexual arousal is the reason for the vaginal dryness, Marla Ahlgrimm says it can help to engage in more foreplay before the main event. Foreplay increases intimacy bonds and can help promote feelings of relaxation so that the mind and body can be present for the experience.

• Change positions. Different positions allow a woman to have more control over angle and penetration. Those with a well-endowed partner may find that being on top allows for precise control and greater pleasure.

• Talk to your doctor. If painful or uncomfortable sex begins to affect your quality of life or relationship, Marla Ahlgrimm says there’s no shame in talking to your doctor. There could be physiological factors, such as hormone dysregulation or an undiagnosed health condition, that need treatment.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that sexual intercourse should not be painful. Issues ranging from stress to hormone dysfunction can all play a role in painful sex. However, there are ways to reduce the discomfort, and all women deserve a safe and pleasurable experience with the one they love.