Depression is one of the most common complaints among women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. In fact, across the globe, and despite economic status, race, and social standing, women overwhelmingly experience downturned emotions more often than their male counterparts.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, including depression, than men. One potential reason for this is that women are often more open to being treated for depressive symptoms. However, women’s bodies experience many more hormonal changes than men, which no doubt contributes to the instances of depression among the fairer sex.

There is much that science still has to learn about the brain and how hormones affect it. One thing that is known, however, is that hormones are dictated by certain brain functions and that many of the same hormones can have a negative influence on the parts of the brain that regulate mood and emotion. An area this is seen is in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD. This group is at a higher risk of depression than those who do not report premenstrual symptoms.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are ways to offset the symptoms of depression. The first, she explains, is to pay attention to your overall health. This will include eating well, spending time with friends and family, and sleeping at least seven hours every night. These actions work together to give the mind and body everything they require to be strong and healthy.

Women who experience long-lasting depression that gets worse during their period may benefit from talking to their doctor about hormonal birth control. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that birth control can be used to help stabilize hormones. The drawback of this, however, is that it is virtually impossible to become pregnant while taking birth control. Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that women who are already depressed may be at a greater risk of postpartum depression and should consult with their healthcare team prior to conception.

For as long as records have existed, women have been taking steps to enhance their appearance. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one way that modern women do this is by undergoing elective procedures to re-form problem areas in an effort to look more attractive. Breast implants are quite common, and many women today are also choosing to have implants inserted into their derrière.

Unfortunately, all surgical procedures come with risks, and some of the materials used for these types of implants have been linked to anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a type of blood cancer. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that more than 600 women worldwide have been diagnosed with the disease after receiving textured breast or gluteal implants. 16, including nine in the United States, have died.

The vast majority of implant -related cancers were triggered by breast implants. In 2019, it was confirmed that butt implants caused the condition in at least one woman one year after the surgery. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that gluteal implants are filled with silicone and are used to augment the shape of a woman’s buttocks. In 2017, more than 36,000 gluteal augmentation procedures were scheduled and performed by surgeons globally.

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Spring is in the air, and the daffodils are blooming throughout much of the country. Marla Ahlgrimm says that now is the perfect time to focus on safety. If you don’t already have a first aid kit, you should spend some time putting one together.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, small injuries, such as scrapes and bug bites, can often be treated at home. However, you have to have the right tools to do it. This is where a first aid kit comes in handy. The first thing to put into your first aid kit is an up-to-date first aid manual, which your doctor may be able to provide. You will also want to keep information handy relating to any medical conditions suffered by members of your family.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a first aid kit should include an assortment of sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape. Gauze is absorbent and can help larger injuries, such as would be sustained by a small bicycle crash, stay clean and heal faster. You should also have antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and hydrogen peroxide available.

If you’re going to be going on vacation, or if you have a family boat or swimming pool, you should keep a fully-stocked first aid kit in your luggage, boat, or near the pool. Instant cold packs to treat swelling and heat exhaustion along with calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream will also come in handy throughout the spring and summer months. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that tweezers and alcohol wipes are essential when you have children, especially if they like to climb trees or run barefoot in the yard.

Your first aid kit should also include a few non-prescription medications such as ibuprofen and Tylenol. Keep a thermometer and small package of Kleenex available to help treat summer colds.

Once you have your first aid kit together, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you should make a point to keep it out of reach of children. Check your kit twice per year and replace anything that has been used or is expired.

As women, we’ve long been conditioned to do our hair and makeup daily. But there’s plenty of reasons to skip the foundation and let your natural beauty shine through. Marla Ahlgrimm says that just four of these are:

1. You’ll save money

If you’ve ever walked into an Ulta or Sephora, you know that makeup is big business. A name-brand foundation can easily set you back $40 or more. Good powder isn’t much less. And considering that makeup should only be kept for six months before hitting the trash bin, it isn’t hard to spend $50 to $100 per month on makeup. Marla Ahlgrimm says this money may be best spent on skincare — moisturizer and gentle cleansers can make your skin look more radiant than any tinted product.

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Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when things begin to change. These changes are due to hormones and often involve the reproductive system. But according to Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause does not just indicate the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Every system in the body is affected, including the musculoskeletal system.

Q: What is osteoporosis?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Osteoporosis is a term that literally translated is “porous bones.” Essentially, it means that the bones have begun to weaken. While men experience some bone loss, osteoporosis is most closely related to women, and specifically women undergoing menopause.

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Food cravings are an almost given part of life for women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired women’s health entrepreneur and author explains that the insatiable urge for your favorite candy bar isn’t necessarily caused by hunger, but often by hormones. Keep reading for insight on how to stop cravings before you do – or chew – something you’ll regret.

Q: What hormones can trigger cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many hormones that can make you want to eat when you’re not really hungry. Serotonin and leptin are the usual suspects. Pregnant women may experience cravings thanks to progesterone, which, among other things, can affect a woman’s appetite.

Q: What other reasons might a person crave a certain food?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Legitimate hunger is the obvious answer. However, thirst, a nutrient deficiency, and even boredom may be to blame. Selective cravings, for example, which occur when you want a specific food, may be more because you are bored. Non-selective cravings are when you want to eat, but you don’t know what. This may be the beginning stages of actual hunger, although it may also signify thirst.

Q: How can a woman reduce cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Reducing an overwhelming urge to eat when you’re not really hungry isn’t always easy. However, managing stress, getting a full night’s sleep, and drinking enough water can all help. Further, eating a balanced diet, one that keeps you full and energized, can also stave off unwanted food cravings.

Q: Is it true that eating a high protein diet is effective against non-selective cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Lean protein, which is already essential for overall health, has been shown to reduce nighttime cravings by around 50 percent. Since it takes longer for the body to digest, it can keep you feeling full for longer and is generally more satisfying than vegetables, although fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of your daily food intake.