Sweet treats, tiny goblins, and pumpkin spice everything mean one thing. No, not Halloween. October heralds a message far more important than free candy, says Marla Ahlgrimm. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of the spooky feel of the season, Ahlgrimm demystifies a few of the myths surrounding this still-mysterious disease.

Myth: Any changes to the breast are likely cancer.

Fact: Marla Ahlgrimm explains that, while all lumps and physical changes should be monitored, not all tissue changes are cancer. Breast tissue can change throughout a woman’s lifetime. For instance, breastfeeding mothers may notice that their breast become hard and lumpy if it has been a while since their baby has nursed. This is typically caused by engorgement, a painful side effect of overabundant milk stores.

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Sleep is a luxury that eludes many women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired hormone specialist explains that women’s bodies require an average of 20 minutes of additional slumber compared to their male bedmates. But they aren’t getting it and that’s a problem.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women lose sleep for many reasons throughout each stage of their lives. During pregnancy, hormones (and a growing midsection) can lead to insomnia. In the first few years after giving birth, women sleep lighter than before, ostensibly as a biological response to having offspring to care for. Hormones make their presence known at night again during menopause. This time, it’s hot flashes that unveil the unrest.

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Estrogen is well known for its role in the sexual development and physical maturation of women. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, new research indicates that it may also serve to protect the female brain from trauma.

There are a number of research papers which suggest that women develop posttraumatic stress disorder more often than men, despite lesser exposure to harrowing traumatic events.

A recent study performed by Emory University in collaboration with Harvard Medical School indicates that estrogen may play a role in reducing the development of PTSD. Estrogen, which is essential for its role in female sexuality and pregnancy, may have further reaching effects than originally believed, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

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Men’s and women’s bodies are not the same, says women’s health advocate, Marla Ahlgrimm. For this reason, many health issues common in both sexes affect women differently. Even when symptoms are the same, women may require significantly different care than their husbands, brothers, and sons.

Below, Marla Ahlgrimm lists a few health conditions and how they affect women.

Alcohol abuse

More than 5 million US women put their health and safety at risk by over-consuming alcohol. And though men are much more likely to become alcoholics, the effects of alcohol abuse are more pronounced in women. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women who abuse alcohol are at a greater risk of heart disease and breast cancer as well as fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause brain damage to their unborn babies.
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When people think of hormones, the first thoughts that usually come to mind are the hot flashes and mood changes associated with menopause. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormones affect women from the day they are born until the day they die. Here, Ahlgrimm notes a few common symptoms of hormone imbalance that can strike at any age.

Weight gain

Diet and exercise certainly play a role in maintaining a healthy weight, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, for some women, that simply isn’t enough. Insulin resistance is one of the most common unaddressed issues affecting women’s waistlines in America today.

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Don’t let your monthly cravings overpower your willpower. In the following Q&A, Marla Ahlgrimm offers advice on how to beat cravings and keep yourself on track, even when your hormones want you to jump headfirst off the health train.

Q: Is it possible to indulge in sweet or salty snacks without hurting my diet?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It’s not only possible, but may be better for you in the long run. The key is to enjoy a small portion of your favorite treat after you’ve had a healthy snack. Don’t give up what you love, but learn to consume it in moderation. If chocolate is your weakness, go for a fun-size bar instead of a full-size treat.

Q: Should I keep a stash of snacks for “emergencies?”

Marla Ahlgrimm: I would suggest only buying the “bad” foods when you are going to eat them. If they are not in the house, you’re going to have to work for it and just might find that you don’t want it bad enough to put forth the extra effort. You can, however, keep a variety of sugar-free gums, which might satisfy your sweet tooth without the calories or crash.

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