We all know that irregular periods and hot flashes are signs of menopause. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are other symptoms that many women inadvertently ignore. A few of these are:

• Insomnia. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, difficulty sleeping is extremely common in women going through menopause. This is because low progesterone levels – progesterone bolsters healthy sleep – are low. Women are advised to try to exercise for at least half an hour every day and to avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon hours.

• Vaginal dryness. Painful intercourse is one of the more devastating side-effects of menopause. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that vaginal dryness is typically the cause, and it’s due to a decrease in vaginal secretions. Further, as the skin of the vagina thins out like the rest of a woman’s skin, the area can become more sensitive. Many health professionals recommend an active sex life or ample self-stimulation to keep things “down there” in top shape.

• Bone loss. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that osteoporosis, or bone loss, is another extremely prevalent symptom of menopause. It happens when the body’s estrogen levels begin to drop. A 1992 study found that around half of all postmenopausal women had lost around 50% of their trabeculae, which are nearly microscopic elements made of muscle and bone that support healthy bone structure.

• Mood swings. Sorry ladies, Marla Ahlgrimm says that mood swings are not exclusive to those with PMS. Estrogen is the culprit here, as well, and lower levels of this female sex hormones can also trigger stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Night sweats. A night sweat is a hot flash that wakes you from a sound sleep. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, these include heart palpitations and skin flushing. Women who find themselves waking repeatedly because of hot flashes should sleep in cotton pajamas and keep their home between 60 and 70° at night.

Antibody testing has been in the news quite a bit lately, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But what is it? And is it a good indicator of whether or not a person is immune from the coronavirus disease?

For the last several weeks, people who believe they’ve been exposed to or have had the coronavirus have been flocking to healthcare offices and pharmacies for the newly-available antibody test. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is simply a blood screening that can determine who has been exposed and, hopefully, who has immunity from COVID-19.

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Q: What are ovaries?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ovaries are a female’s primary reproductive organ. They are glands that release eggs for fertilization, protect these eggs while they wait to be implanted, and secrete sex hormones. Women are born with two ovaries, but they do not become functional until puberty. Then, they grow to approximately the size of a large grape and settle into their permanent home inside of the uterus against the pelvic wall. The ovaries are then held tightly in place by special ligaments, which are attached to the uterus.

Q: What did ovaries do?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In addition to secreting sex hormones, the ovaries release eggs during a female’s menstrual cycle. During this process, which is known as ovulation, a woman can become pregnant.

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Keeping your hands free of germs and bacteria is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of contracting the coronavirus. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many reasons to keep up with this crucial hygiene practice long after the pandemic has ended.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that one way people get sick is because germs, such as the norovirus and Salmonella, are transferred from the hands to the face. If you use the restroom, for example, and do not wash your hands after, tiny particles of feces can easily enter into your bloodstream through your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also experience germ transfer after touching a contaminated object.

It is not just for your own safety that handwashing is important. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that germs can spread not only from your hands to your face but also from you to other people. This is partly why social distancing protocols have been stressed so heavily since March.

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At some point in time, virtually all men and women take medicine. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is often over-the-counter, such as Tylenol for headaches, but maybe a prescription, like birth control. Regardless of the reason, Ahlgrimm says that it’s wise to take a few precautions before beginning a new medicine.

Asking questions

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacists exist for a reason. They are not simply there to give you medicines, but are also a valuable resource to help answer questions and alleviate concerns over something new. If you have not spoken with your doctor about your prescription – and even if you have – your pharmacist can guide you in your quest to take control of your health.

Keeping a list

Marla Ahlgrimm says something else that’s important for everyone is to keep a list of all the different types of medicine they take. If you, for example, take vitamins or a prescription medication for a recurrent health condition, it’s best to let your doctor and pharmacist know about these. Keep a list handy that includes the day you started taking each medication as well as your current dosage. 

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