As we get older, changing hormones can affect the way we look. Many women choose to take on a new skin care routine to offset some of the effects of age. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, retinol is one addition to your skincare arsenal that might be worth a second look.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, retinol is an over-the-counter version of prescription retinoids. Although they are not as powerful, they do have many potential skincare uses. Retinol is made from vitamin A and can penetrate the outer layers of the skin to boost collagen production. Once collagen begins to form, your face may look a bit more plump, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Sometimes, retinol is used to treat acne in pubescent teenagers.

While retinol is considered safe, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are some side effects to be on the lookout for. Women who use retinol, especially for the first time, may experience excessively dry skin, redness, and itching. To offset these, you can use a moisturizer or gentle exfoliation cream. Your skin can build up a tolerance to the drying effect of retinol by starting your retinol routine once each week and eventually working your way up to adding it to your nightly regimen.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that sun exposure can exacerbate the drying effect of retinol creams and serums. She suggests that anybody using retinol pay careful attention to their time in the sun and always use SPF 15 or better when going outside. Without sun protection, you are putting yourself at risk of wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration, all issues you may be using retinol for in the first place.

Anytime you plan to use a new skin care product, test it first. You can get retinol from your local pharmacy or beauty shop, but your dermatologist may also recommend prescription retinoids and other beauty enhancements, such as hyaluronic acid or dermabrasion.

Just a few years ago, most people thought that CBD was just a passing fad. But, as the use of this cannabis-derived compound has become legal in all 50 states, healthcare advocates, researchers, and providers believe it’s here to stay. Keep reading as women’s healthcare author and hormone compounding pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm (retired), shares a few facts about CBD.

Q: What is CBD?

Marla Ahlgrimm: CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBVD does not induce intoxication.

Q: How do CBD and THC affect the body differently?

Marla Ahlgrimm: THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD stimulates them. The difference is quite important as binding produces the “high” many people report when smoking or consuming THC-rich products. Stimulation of these nerve receptors may have a positive effect on some individuals. For example, some studies have found that activating/stimulating CB2 receptors can help the brain purge certain types of protein that forms plaque on the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Q: Is CBD safe?

Marla Ahlgrimm: CBD is largely considered safe, and the World Health Organization explains that it is tolerable by the vast majority of humans. Further, the FDA has approved CBD for use in certain clinical treatments as part of the therapeutic regimen for seizure disorders. Of course, anyone considering adding CBD as a supplement to their daily routine should contact their healthcare provider for personalized insight.

Q: How does CBD help with seizures?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It all comes back to the same nerve receptors that CBD activates. Just as importantly, John Hopkins University explains that some people who take CBD may be able to better tolerate their seizure medication. A study by the University also found that some individuals who took CBD while taking seizure disorder medication also had lower instances of depression and anxiety.

If you’re coming up on your 50th birthday and have started to feel fatigued, there’s a chance that you might be experiencing an early effect of menopause. According to women’s care expert and self-help author Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause can bring on a persistent feeling of exhaustion. Fortunately, she says it’s manageable.

Q: Why does menopause trigger fatigue?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many different reasons that women experiencing menopause may feel more tired than usual. The first is a change of hormones. Progesterone, estrogen, adrenal hormones, and thyroid hormones all change during menopause. Further, sleep disruptions, which might be caused by night sweats and hot flashes, make it harder for a woman to sleep through the night.

Q: How does exercise offset fatigue?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Physical activity gives your body a boost of energy. Even if you are extremely fatigued, an hours’ worth of mild to moderate exercise will inject hormones into your brain, which can make you feel more energetic and revitalized. Perhaps more importantly, regular exercise can combat the mood swings associated with menopause and might offset weight gain triggered by an increased appetite.

Q: Can hormone replacement therapy help?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It can, yes. When combined with behavioral and lifestyle changes, HRT can help you manage exhaustion and other symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Q: Can I stop menopause from happening?

Marla Ahlgrimm: No. Menopause is a natural occurrence in every woman’s life. It is when our bodies decide naturally that they are no longer capable of healthy reproduction. You can’t stop the process, but you can limit the impact of its symptoms while you’re going through it.

Menopause is a naturally occurring event that happens to all women. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, its symptoms, which include mood changes and hot flashes, can have a significant impact on your life. But, there are ways to take care of yourself to lessen the discomfort.

Talk to your doctor

First, Marla Ahlgrimm suggest talking with your doctor if you believe that you’re coming up on menopause. Ask them about whether or not you should continue taking birth control. Keep in mind here that even if you have taken an at-home menopause test and it has come back that you are in the middle of menopause, these are not necessarily reliable.

Is hormone treatment right for me?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormone therapy can help relieve many of the worst symptoms of menopause. However, she cautions that it is not for everyone. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women with a history of liver disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, and those who have ever had a heart attack or stroke may not be good candidates for hormone therapy.

Taking care of yourself at home

Even if you do engage in hormone therapy, you may still feel uncomfortable at least some of the time. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests doing things that prioritize your wellness each day. This includes getting enough sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, relaxing, and exercising. A few other ways that you can handle menopause distress in the moment include:

• Take a warm bath. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that warm water can help ease muscle tension and may alleviate cramping.

• Take a walk. Walking boosts the production of “happy” hormones, which may help mitigate pain.

• Talk to a friend. The physical symptoms of menopause can be mentally depleting. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that sometimes talking to a friend – bonus points if she is also going through menopause – may be enough to help you feel better about your situation.

• Ask your doctor about supplements. Before you order a supplement online that claims to alleviate menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor. Many of these are simply marketing, and they will not help your symptoms.

You may have heard it called syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, hypertriglyceridemic waist, or obesity syndrome. But, the fact remains that metabolic syndrome puts your health at risk. Today, retired compounding pharmacist, author, and women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few questions about metabolic syndrome.

Q: What is metabolic syndrome?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Metabolic syndrome is not a single condition. Instead, it is a collection of risk factors that can significantly increase a person’s risk of many serious health complications. People with metabolic syndrome may have a higher risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

Q: What are some metabolic risk factors?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many, but the five that are most predominant are a large waistline, high triglyceride levels, lower-than-normal HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar, even during fasting.

Q: What are some lifestyle choices that contribute to metabolic syndrome?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While there are some metabolic risks that can’t be changed, such as age and genetics, men and women alike put themselves at a higher risk of these collective symptoms when they are extremely overweight and with a sedentary lifestyle. Those with sleep apnea, gallstones, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a fatty liver may be at higher risk of metabolic syndrome.

Q: How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It starts by addressing each symptom individually, which, fortunately, is often done using the same methods. The vast majority of healthcare providers will first recommend that people with metabolic syndrome take control of their weight. This will include a combination of eating fewer calories and more whole foods and spending more time active. Doctors will likely also recommend quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.

Metabolic syndrome is a serious set of conditions. However, by knowing your risk and understanding how it’s treated, you can take better care of yourself today so that you’ll have a brighter future.

Vaginal hygiene is a topic that many women find embarrassing. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, it is crucial that we understand how to take care of our most sensitive bits. Keep reading as the women’s health expert and hormone therapy self-help author offers up a bit of insight on how to take care of your sexual organs as a woman.

Q: What’s the best way to keep the vaginal area clean?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Warm water. While many women choose to use a gentle soap, warm water is really all it takes to remove bacteria, dirt, and secretions that collect on the outside of vagina. Whether you choose soap or not, use your fingers and not a washcloth or loofah sponge. Also, avoid the temptation to try and clean the inside; your body does that on its own.

Q: What are some safe sexual practices?

Marla Ahlgrimm: First and foremost, be selective about your partner. Ideally, you only have intercourse with one partner at a time, and it does not matter if you have sex with a man or a woman, this rule of thumb still applies. Further, be careful of the lubricants that you use, and avoid products that are scented, flavored, or contain dyes.

Q: How do the clothes that I wear affect my vaginal area?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Clothing can either trap or wick away moisture. You want to wear those that keep moisture off the body, and cotton is a great choice. Tight fitting clothing, including jeans and thongs, should be worn sparingly. At night, go commando so that your vagina has an opportunity to “air out.”

Q: Should I keep my pubic hair trimmed or shaved?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While this is a very personal decision, keep in mind that your pubic hair offers protection from viruses and bacteria. When cleaned routinely, there is no risk associated with having even thick pubic hair. However, if you tend to sweat, hair can store moisture. If you shave, be cautious and keep an eye out for razor burn, ingrown hairs, and cuts.