When people think of hormones, the first thoughts that usually come to mind are the hot flashes and mood changes associated with menopause. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormones affect women from the day they are born until the day they die. Here, Ahlgrimm notes a few common symptoms of hormone imbalance that can strike at any age.

Weight gain

Diet and exercise certainly play a role in maintaining a healthy weight, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, for some women, that simply isn’t enough. Insulin resistance is one of the most common unaddressed issues affecting women’s waistlines in America today.

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Don’t let your monthly cravings overpower your willpower. In the following Q&A, Marla Ahlgrimm offers advice on how to beat cravings and keep yourself on track, even when your hormones want you to jump headfirst off the health train.

Q: Is it possible to indulge in sweet or salty snacks without hurting my diet?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It’s not only possible, but may be better for you in the long run. The key is to enjoy a small portion of your favorite treat after you’ve had a healthy snack. Don’t give up what you love, but learn to consume it in moderation. If chocolate is your weakness, go for a fun-size bar instead of a full-size treat.

Q: Should I keep a stash of snacks for “emergencies?”

Marla Ahlgrimm: I would suggest only buying the “bad” foods when you are going to eat them. If they are not in the house, you’re going to have to work for it and just might find that you don’t want it bad enough to put forth the extra effort. You can, however, keep a variety of sugar-free gums, which might satisfy your sweet tooth without the calories or crash.

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If you’ve ever made an appointment with a dermatologist, you might have noticed one of their pre-appointment instructions was to remove your nail polish. But why? According to women’s health expert and advocate Marla Ahlgrimm, it is because your fingernails say a lot about your overall health. Read on as Ahlgrimm answers reader questions about the fingernail/health connection.  

Q: I’ve recently noticed a dark streak underneath my fingernail. Should I get that checked out?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes, dark streaks that run from the cuticle to the tip may indicate a potentially deadly skin cancer known as melanoma. Some fungal infections can also turn the nail bed dark green or gray. A blue tint underneath the nails could be a sign of a circulatory problem involving the lungs or heart.

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Renowned women’s health and hormone expert Marla Ahlgrimm answers common questions about mood swings, depression, and other mental health issues related to cyclic hormone changes.

Q: Is it true that many young ladies experience their first exposure to mental health issues at the onset of puberty?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A vast majority of girls first experience the mood-changing impact of hormones when their bodies begin to mature. In fact, for some of the most severely affected, puberty is an uncertain and constant state of emotional ups and downs. Moodiness, anxiety, depression, and irritability are all common during puberty.

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An early 2017 study published by the US National Library of Medicine reveals that PMDD, an extreme form of PMS, may be linked to a response by certain genes to female sex hormones, reports women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm.

Q: What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is what I would describe as a severe form of PMS. Unlike PMS, PMDD doesn’t respond as well to traditional forms of therapy and may include extreme depression, mood swings, and debilitating anxiety.

Q: What causes it?

Marla Ahlgrimm: We know for sure that PMDD and PMS are both caused by issues surrounding female reproductive hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. However, according to Dr. Peter Schmidt, a researcher for the National Institute of Mental Health, scientists now have evidence at the cellular level that indicates certain women may have sudden cyclic behavioral changes due to a sensitivity to these sex hormones.

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Nationally acclaimed women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm answers common questions about pregnancy and body image in the following question and answer session.

Q: What kind of physical changes can I expect when I become pregnant?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Aside from an expanding belly, many women tend to break out more often while pregnant. Some women notice their feet get larger and they start to see prominent varicose veins. During pregnancy, swelling of the hands and feet are common and some women even experience nosebleeds and frequent urinary tract infections. No two women are alike and your body will change in ways that are unique to you.

Q: How can I cope with body image issues during pregnancy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: I find it helpful to remember that your body is changing for a very good reason – your growing baby. Talk with friends, especially women who have had children, and don’t hide your concerns or bottle up your emotions. Learn as much as you can about pregnancy so you’ll know what to expect in the coming months.

Q: Will I ever get my body back?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It’s very likely that your body will never be exactly the same after giving birth. You may find that your formerly toned and tight tummy may look a little softer. If you got stretch marks during your pregnancy, they may not fully go away. However, while your “new” body may be different, it is just as beautiful as the one you enjoyed prior to motherhood.

Q: Can I diet during pregnancy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While it’s important to eat a healthy variety of foods, most women should actually increase their caloric intake while pregnant. Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned that you’re gaining too much weight. Understand that nutrition is vital to your baby. Some women, unfortunately, develop eating disorders that results in malnutrition while pregnant. This can trigger a number of complications, including low birth weight, delayed fetal growth, intrauterine growth retardation, gestational diabetes, respiratory problems, and, in extreme cases, stillbirth or fetal death.