We often think of our body weight as simply a matter of food in, energy out. While there is science to back this up, there are many other factors that contribute to our size. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, these include genetics and hormones.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are four hormones/compounds that have a direct impact on how much food we want to intake. Ghrelin is the primary hormone of these. This hormone stimulates the hypothalamus and drives your brain’s desire for a snack. Motilin is produced in the intestines and signals hunger contractions during periods of fasting. Neuropeptide Y and Agouti-related protein also affect whether or not the body and brain feel hunger.

In addition to hormones that control hunger, there are several chemicals within the body that determine our satiety levels, says Marla Ahlgrimm. These include CCK, GLP-1, peptide YY, leptin, insulin, and obestatin. 

CCK affects the gallbladder and pancreas and allows the body to digest more efficiently. It’s produced in the small intestine and has a significant sway on the way the brain processes the feelings of fullness related to fat and protein. GLP-1 responds to nutrients during digestion and slows the stomach emptying process. The slower the stomach processes food, the longer it takes for the brain to get a hunger signal. 

Leptin is another significant hormone that plays a role in whether we are sated or continue to have a rumbling in our stomachs. Leptin inhibits other hormones to promote a fullness feeling. Most of us are familiar with insulin as it relates to diabetes; however, insulin also helps the brain know when it’s time to stop eating. Obestatin is a much lesser-known hormone which counteracts the hunger-inducing effects of ghrelin, and scientists aren’t 100% sure how.

Marla Ahlgrimm also points out that there are other hormones in the body that affect weight. Thyroid hormone is a great example. People with hyperthyroidism tend to be below average weight. People with hypothyroidism may be heavier. Cortisol is another hormone that can affect the numbers on the scales, and Marla Ahlgrimm says this one is directly related to stress. People with a proportionately larger gut than the rest of their body may have a cortisol overload since the stress hormone is known to trigger midsection expansion. 

Marla Ahlgrimm notes that hormone levels can change according to a person’s age, health status, weight, and other factors.

Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle

Women who are concerned that their hormones may be negatively impacting their body’s ability to regulate weight should first discuss their personal situation with their primary health care provider. Next, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends paying close attention to food intake and activity levels. While the volume and type of food we eat is the primary influencing factor on our body weight, staying active keeps our metabolism up, which can help us burn more calories and thus maintain our weight. The more a person moves, the better their body is at burning fat. The opposite is also true, and people who lead a sedentary lifestyle have more trouble losing weight. 

Marla Ahlgrimm further recommends getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels, and staying hydrated as ways that women (and men!) can keep themselves healthy and happy.

Ultimately, while we can’t always control our hormone levels and health concerns, Marla Ahlgrimm says we can all take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Start by learning about the different hormones that affect weight, and then stay healthy by a combination of lifestyle changes that promote wellness each day.

Women’s bodies are visibly different from their male counterparts. We have more curves, we have breasts, we don’t grow nearly as much hair, barring certain hormonal medical conditions. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, these differences go much further. Today, the retired author and women’s health care expert offers up seven facts about women’s bodies that you may not have known.

Women have stronger immune systems than men.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s more than an old wives tale that women live longer than men. While some of this can be attributed to man’s inherent risk-taking nature, women may also have a genetic leg up where life length is concerned. Some researchers believe that women have a stronger inner defense mechanism thanks to the hormone estrogen. Further, evolution may have given women greater ability to fight off viruses and germs because the human body is designed to birth and care for the next generation.

Women have a better memory.

If your husband has ever asked you where he left his keys, and you knew just from a fleeting glance from the night before that they were up underneath the water bill on the left side of the kitchen island, then you already know you have a better memory. Women’s memorization skills go far beyond just knowing where things are. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some studies indicate that women remember faces better and speculate that women simply study facial features unconsciously more than men.

Women may be able to survive injuries better.

Female sex hormones for the win again. Estrogen and others may be responsible for the fact that women, specifically those in the 13 to 64-year age group, tend to survive traumatic injuries much more than men, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Women’s bodies go through remarkable changes throughout pregnancy.

Obviously, a woman’s stomach expands to accommodate a baby and then contracts after birth. But what many people don’t realize is that the uterus starts out about the size of a fist and grows larger than a watermelon. Another interesting fact that Marla Ahlgrimm thinks everyone should know: women’s bodies are built to accept pain better than men’s. Contractions are a great example; this process exerts nearly 400 pounds of pressure on the uterus.

Women are more flexible.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the muscles and tendons in a female’s body contain more elastin. This is a protein that gives us the ability to stretch and maintain flexibility. Women also have more flexible pelvic areas as our bodies have adapted to childbirth.

Women need more sleep.

If you’re a husband, you might want to tuck your wife in about 20 minutes earlier than you each night. Women’s and men’s internal clocks and circadian rhythm don’t necessarily sync up. Most women naturally wake up earlier than their male relatives, but we need more sleep.

Women’s muscles are built for endurance.

Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges that men are naturally stronger than women of the same size. However, women can endure physical exercise around 75% longer than a man. Marla Ahlgrimm also suggests that estrogen is what makes us more resilient here, and also notes that our metabolism may be more efficient than men, who are traditionally larger pound for pound.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that men and women’s bodies have evolved for different reasons. Men are naturally the hunters and gatherers while women give birth and raise young. Although traditional, societal gender-based roles can change from generation to generation, biology takes thousands of years, and women’s bodies have become the perfect machines they are over the course of the last 200,000 years since the time of our Neanderthal ancestors.

If you are one of the many millions of people that sneeze and sniffle as the cool breeze starts to set in for the year, you may have wondered what, exactly, triggers your seasonal allergies. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many potential culprits. Fortunately, there are also a few ways that you can mitigate the effects of pollen throughout the late summer and into the fall.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen released from maturing plants from August through November. Ragweed is one of the most predominant culprits throughout the United States. Marla Ahlgrimm says that burning bush, tumbleweed, mugwort, and sagebrush are also common seasonal allergy triggers. In addition to these, Marla Ahlgrimm says some people are allergic to grass and mold, each of which gets kicked around its time to mow.

Factors That Affect The Severity Of Allergies

For most of us, our allergies are little more than red, watery eyes, a stuffy nose, and sneezing. Some people, however, may have a stronger immune reaction to some irritants. Marla Ahlgrimm says that those in areas of high heat and humidity or that have periods of drought followed by high winds may experience stronger allergies than others.

Allergy Management

Although many of us think that we just have to stay inside throughout the season, this isn’t true. Marla Ahlgrimm says there are a few ways that we can lessen the negative effects of allergies, especially in our homes. These include:

• Listen to the radio or watch the news each morning so that you know your local pollen and mold counts along with what’s blooming.

• Drive with the windows shut. It’s very tempting to roll the windows down, open the sunroof, or take the top off of your Jeep or convertible, that now is not the time unless you’d like to drive down the road sneezing and wiping the tears off your cheeks.

• Avoid the outdoors when pollen is high. During the spring and summer, pollen is highest in the evening. During the fall, especially during ragweed season, mornings are the hardest on those with allergies.

• Wear a mask when mowing the lawn. Marla Ahlgrimm says that an N-95 mask works wonders at keeping tiny pollen particles from entering your respiratory system when mowing the lawn or doing other outdoor chores.

• Shower often. A quick shower can help take pollen off of you so that it’s no longer an irritant indoors. This is especially important for women with long hair, as dust, pollen, and other debris can get caught only to be shaken out later.

• Look for unusual allergens. Some people are allergic to certain insect bites, chlorine, pine trees, and even smoke from campfires and bonfires. If you notice your allergies are worse around these, avoid them.

• Take over-the-counter antihistamines. One of the most important things you can do to lower the effects of allergies is talk to your pharmacist about antihistamines. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these affect people differently, and what works for one person may not work for the other. You also want to ask your pharmacist about which ones cause drowsiness and which are less likely to affect you during your work day.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that there’s no way to completely prevent seasonal allergies. However, by knowing what you’re allergic to and taking steps to reduce the severity, you can get through the fall to enjoy your pumpkin spice without sneezing until the first snowfall.

Foot pain is a major concern among women who tend to wear less-than-comfortable shoes more often than not. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, however, there may be more to foot pain than high heels.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are many reasons that a woman’s feet may be achy and painful. 

Fallen Arches

One is a fallen arch. This happens when the tendon between the inside of the foot and the calf muscle is damaged from overuse. A fallen arch can radiate pain up into the ankle. Orthotic shoes (or an orthopedic insert) can help, although Marla Ahlgrimm recommends visiting a podiatrist for a consultation.

Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome is another condition, which can also be attributed to a fallen arch. When an arch collapses, it puts pressure throughout the entire foot. Sometimes, it can pinch joints together and trigger pain in the cuboid bone. The cuboid is the bone that sticks out just a bit to the bottom of your pinky toe. Cuboid syndrome is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis and, like fallen arches, may be corrected with orthopedic inserts.

Arthritis

Women who are approaching “a certain age” may also experience pain due to arthritis. This is most common in former athletes that experienced multiple foot injuries. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is caused by overuse and inflammation. Arthritis can also trigger a condition known as turf toe, a term coined by its most common cause: cleats getting caught in turf on the football field. Turf toe can also develop in women who wear heels that are higher than three inches.

Calluses

Calluses are a much more common cause of foot pain, but many women don’t think of them as a problem. Calluses, says Marla Ahlgrimm, are typically not harmful. But, if they become cracked or the skin underneath becomes exposed, a woman’s feet may feel sore and tender.

Bunions

Another extremely common cause of foot pain is the normally overlooked bunion. Although Marla Ahlgrimm says these are often attributed to the types of shoes we wear, the truth is that shoes can aggravate but not cause bunions. Bunions, which are essentially red and painful bumps at the base of the big or pinky toe, can happen when we overpronate or have flat feet.

Strains And Sprains

We like to think that we would know when we’ve sprained an ankle, the truth is that these can happen without us even realizing it. Stretching your ligaments and tendons can happen slowly, but so does the healing process. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the best cure for a strain or sprain is simply the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the foot, and Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s sometimes caused by normal usage gone wrong. Other times, tendonitis is triggered when you use your feet and a new way, such as if you start running or practicing yoga. Tendonitis is typified by slight swelling and a dull ache immediately following a move you should not have made.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the best way to take care of your feet is to wear properly fitting shoes. Women should also take their nail polish off often and clean under the toenails. The feet should be moisturized, and Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends leaving the flip-flops at home unless you’re heading to the beach. Shoes should be well-fitted and support the foot’s natural arch.

If you are experiencing foot pain, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s best to consult with a podiatrist, which is a healthcare provider trained specifically in issues of the feet and ankles.

Many women are overjoyed to see a positive pregnancy test. However, some experience what’s known as an ectopic pregnancy. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, an ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants anywhere other than the uterus.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the most common occurrence of ectopic pregnancies happens in the fallopian tubes. Essentially, the egg gets “stuck,” and a fertilized egg grows into a live embryo. Often called tubal pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy does not result in a viable birth. The fertilized egg does not have what it needs to survive and, should it continue past about six to seven weeks, the mother’s life is in danger.

Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy results in many of the same signs as a typical pregnancy. Women may experience missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and a positive pregnancy test. Unfortunately, unlike a healthy pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy is usually discovered when a woman reports significant pelvic pain and unusual vaginal bleeding, leading to her doctor. Women with an ectopic pregnancy who experience blood leakage from the fallopian tube may experience shoulder pain or have an unusual urge to push a bowel movement through.

Sometimes, Marla Ahlgrimm says that an ectopic pregnancy can result in life-threatening symptoms, such as shock, fainting, and heavy bleeding.

Causes And Risk Factors

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, all women are at risk of an ectopic pregnancy, despite the number of healthy pregnancies they’ve had before. However, there are some risk factors that might make one woman more susceptible than another. These include having had a previous ectopic pregnancy. Marla Ahlgrimm also explains that women with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted infections are at a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy due to increased inflammation throughout the reproductive system.

Marla Ahlgrimm also notes that women who are currently undergoing IVF treatments or who use an IUD may experience tubal pregnancy at a higher rate than others. Even women who have been “sterilized” through tubal ligation are at a higher risk of tubal pregnancies since a fertilized egg can’t pass to implant in the uterus. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that women who smoke are also at a greater risk.

Prevention

Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it is not possible to prevent every potential instance of a tubal pregnancy. However, she advises that women refrain from having multiple sexual partners. She explains that this reduces the risk of certain conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Those who smoke are also advised to quit.

How Is An Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, contact your doctor as soon as possible. They will first do a physical exam. Marla Ahlgrimm says that your doctor will feel for a mass in your ovaries or fallopian tubes. They will also ask you to pinpoint any pain or tenderness that you feel. You will also be given a blood test to determine levels of hCG in the blood. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to check for implantation location and/or internal bleeding.

Treatment

Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there is no treatment for ectopic pregnancy that would result in a live birth. The pregnancy must be terminated, and this is often done by providing a dose of methotrexate, which works to halt cellular growth and then dissolve existing embryonic cells. Emergency surgery may be necessary for those experiencing heavy bleeding.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that an ectopic pregnancy is a heart-wrenching experience for women. There is no way to move an implanted embryo, and, unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies can be fatal for the mother. Marla Ahlgrimm urges women who believe they are pregnant to be seen by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm knows how excruciatingly long it takes to discover, test, and release a drug for human trials. However, while this can take 15 years or more and cost more than $1 billion, she says there have been a few serendipitous breakthroughs in medical science that were discovered by accident.

Viagra

Many men who pass their 50th birthday rely on Viagra to keep their love life active. However, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that sildenafil was originally developed to treat angina. Unfortunately, the drug causes significant and potentially fatal side effects in individuals who had to continue to use nitrates. However, during the first trial, many men reported unintentional erections. By 1998, Viagra was on the market and has continued to have positive vasodilation effects on men across the world.

Valium

Diazepam, which is marketed under the brand name Valium, is used to treat withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and seizures. It’s also often used as a medication to sedate individuals before surgery. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the compounds that would eventually lead to the discovery of this important medication were part of the efforts of New Jersey chemist Leo Sternbach who, in the 1930s, used it to develop synthetic dyes.

Digoxin

Digoxin is a crucial medication for people suffering with congestive heart failure. It’s derived from the foxglove plant, which has been used by humans since at least the mid-13th century. In 1785, an English physician named William Withering had a patient with significant heart problems that he was unable to fix. The patient, whose name has been lost to history, visited a local herbalist and began drinking a tea that was later found to contain digoxin. Today, the medication is also used to treat bronchitis and a number of other conditions.

Topamax

Topamax was originally used to help treat diabetes. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this oral hypoglycemic agent was subsequently found to have a positive effect on people with epilepsy. Today, Topamax is used as an antiepileptic and also to treat migraines. Marla Ahlgrimm says that this is one time when history repeats itself, and Topamax has recently been studied again to help treat diabetes and to assist with weight management for chronically obese individuals.

Lithium

If you ask the average person what lithium and urine had in common, the answer would probably be: nothing. But, thanks to World War II psychiatrist Dr. John Cade, who injected guinea pigs with the urine of healthy and mentally ill patients as part of the medical experiment, we now have this effective mood stabilizer. Urine from individuals suffering from mania killed guinea pigs faster than urine from healthy people. Marla Ahlgrimm says the doctor began adding a lithium solution to the urine of healthy individuals. He realized that the guinea pigs were soon calm, and he injected himself with lithium (which was then used to treat bladder stones) to make sure that it was safe for those with psychiatric disorders.

Penicillin

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the most famous accidental medical breakthrough was penicillin. Sometime in the 1920s, Prof. Alexander Fleming went on vacation. Like most excited people do, he left his workspace an absolute mess. Upon return, he noticed one Petri dish free and clear of bacteria. The mold on the glass excreted a substance that would later be used to treat infections.

Botox

One final medication on Marla Ahlgrimm’s list: Botox. Botulism is a dangerous disease that comes from eating spoiled meat. But, in the 1970s, a research team of ophthalmologists determined that this neurotoxin could treat involuntary eye movements. Fast-forward to the 1980s, and Botox became one of the most popular drugs used in cosmetic procedures.