Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, affects nearly half of all women of childbearing age, according to pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Its symptoms are different for each sufferer and can range from irritability and severe mood swings to migraines and seizures in those women most adversely affected by PMS.

Common symptoms of PMS

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that, although PMS is associated with over 150 symptoms, most women tend to report a combination of two or more of the following:

• Anxiety
• Water retention
• Forgetfulness
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Joint pain and swelling
• Cravings for carbohydrates/sweets (especially chocolate)
• Back pain
• Depression/uncontrollable crying
• Irritability
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Acne

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Women with PMS should eat six complex carbohydrate snacks a day to better manage the symptoms of PMS, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Proper nutrition is vital to a healthy body, says pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm. This is especially true of women who suffer from PMS. According to Ahlgrimm, studies conducted since the 1950s have linked low blood sugar to many symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Low blood glucose levels trigger the body to release adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone. When adrenaline is flowing through the blood, the body cannot metabolize other hormones – like progesterone – properly. Adrenaline, says Marla Ahlgrimm, also perpetuates feelings of aggression, panic, and tension – all outward symptoms of PMS.

Additionally, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that low blood sugar causes the body’s cells to eject any sugar that it may be storing, in order to compensate. Empty cells are flooded with water which can cause bloating, water retention, and weight gain.

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According to Women’s Health America founder and pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm, women who pass through menopause naturally may be up to 50% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who experience unnatural estrogen reduction.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurologic disorder that affects the way a person moves. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, many people present mild symptoms at onset which may include slight hand tremors or slurred, soft speech. As the disease progresses, total body movement can be affected, including a person’s ability to perform automatic functions. Marla Ahlgrimm defines automatic functions as those the body performs without intention, like blinking. It is believed that Parkinson’s is caused by brain cell degeneration.

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To Pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm, the risks are just too great to undergo any form of hormone therapy without complete information. Marla Ahlgrimm advises women to get all of the facts and understand fully all the pieces that go into hormone therapy before moving forward. As a long-time pharmacist and women’s health expert, Marla Ahlgrimm empowers women with the tools they need to make the right health care choices. In the following Q&A, Marla Ahlgrimm discusses the three-step process to successful hormone therapy.

Q: Why do women need hormone therapy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Every woman experiences symptoms of hormone fluctuation, however, for some women, the symptoms of these changes can be significant. Hormone therapy helps mediate many of the symptoms related to hormone imbalance.

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Marla Ahlgrimm has pioneered advances in women’s health that have been life changing for thousands suffering from the symptoms of menopause. Over the years, Marla Ahlgrimm has seen products come and go, as the promise of easing menopause symptoms has been disproven. Alongside the latest and greatest products come far-flung tales of how certain natural foods and extracts virtually eliminate menopausal symptoms. In this Q&A, Marla Ahlgrimm separates fact from fiction in menopausal treatment options.

Q: What are the major symptoms of menopause?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Women frequently suffer from hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.

Q: What causes these symptoms?

Marla Ahlgrimm: During menopause, women undergo huge shifts in hormone levels in the body. When hormone levels are imbalanced, the body is affected.

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Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacist and women’s health expert, encourages women to fully understand what is called a “lipid profile.” This routine blood test is most often used to test cholesterol levels, but also contains some important information that women often miss, says Marla Ahlgrimm. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, understanding triglycerides and how levels in the body can affect women’s health is essential. In the following Q&A, Marla Ahlgrimm provides an overview of triglycerides.

Q: What are triglycerides?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They provide the body with energy and also store fat.

Q: How are triglyceride levels tested?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Triglycerides are tested at the same time a blood test is done for measuring cholesterol levels. To determine cholesterol levels, good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides are all used in the calculation.

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