Vitamin D deficiency is the leading cause for PCOS: Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, Health News, ET HealthWorld
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Vitamin D deficiency is the leading cause for PCOS: Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai
In India, approximately 490 million people are vitamin D deficient out of which 31 per cent are children and adolescents. It is said that every nine out of 10 Indian women have Vitamin D deficiency. In many cases the deficiency leads to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Low vitamin D levels in women can result in brittle bones and may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis. It can further impact the estrogen levels in the body leading to depression, hot flashes and mood swings. Untreated Vitamin D deficiency can lead to impaired immune system which causes frequent infections and may develop insulin resistance.
PCOS
). PCOS is extremely common now, almost one out of three girls is suffering from it. When we test these girls, we usually find severe vitamin D deficiency. When we make them aware of the problem they do realize the need to discipline their nutrition and lifestyle for better health outcomes.
How does vitamin D deficiency affect women's health? What are the health problems or diseases that you are prone to getting due to vitamin D deficiency?
Low vitamin D levels in women can result in brittle bones and may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis. It can further impact the estrogen levels in the body leading to depression, hot flashes and mood swings. Untreated vitamin D deficiency can lead to impaired immune system which causes frequent infections and may develop insulin resistance
Vitamin D deficiency can be seen often in ladies in their 40s in the perimenopausal and menopausal age groups, and their symptoms are uncertain. I recently had a lady in her late 40s with severe symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flashes, hair fall, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness. She had always been in good health, but all of these things were really bothering her.
I did the entire gamut of tests including vitamin D; her vitamin D was dismally low. So we've put her on a corrective course of medication, along with all other supplements, lifestyle advice, and counselling, and she's already feeling a lot better. So sometimes we take vitamin D deficiency as not an important aspect of a comprehensive women's care package, but it has to be, and when you correct the deficiencies, you can actually see noticeable changes.
What are the symptoms and treatment of low levels of vitamin D in women?
Adults are usually treated with vitamin D supplements that is to be consumed on a weekly basis to maintain the required levels. However in some older adults it is seen that even with supplements vitamin D levels continue to be low owing to increased indoor lifestyle or old age.
While treating vitamin D deficiency is important, it is also imperative to know when to stop the medication hence regular doctor consultation is a must. I had a patient recently whose doctor had prescribed vitamin D about a year ago, and this patient kept on taking the high-dose supplements that the doctor had given for a long period of time without going back to the doctor or without checking the levels.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it doesn't get excreted from the body and will accumulate. So you cannot keep taking continuous doses on your own; high doses are not recommended. This girl had extremely high, almost toxic levels of vitamin D with its consequences, so do not self-medicate.
If the doctor prescribes you medication for six weeks, for example, that is the maximum amount you should take, and you should stop after that until further advice is given. So you can definitely take daily vitamin D along with the calcium in the daily doses, not the heavy doses as prescribed for severe vitamin D deficiency. So take the advice of your doctor and take medication accordingly.
What measures can ensure adequate levels of Vitamin D in women? Could you highlight some important aspects to note before self-medicating Vitamin D supplements?
A well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and proper intake of key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are key to maintaining bone health. Diet must include - green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish oils, superfoods like quinoa and kale, poultry, bright coloured vegetables containing adequate antioxidants. Antioxidants decrease inflammation and are free radical scavengers, hence of paramount importance in building immunity. Apart from this, regular physical exercise in some form coupled with meditation can help build stronger immunity. Regular medical check-ups on lifestyle diseases and vitamin D levels should be taken every quarter to monitor and course correct if required.
It is important to note that there is a prescribed amount of vitamin D that an adult is supposed to consume on a weekly basis. It is ideal to visit your doctor and request for vtamin D supplement rather than self medication as the doctor will be able to prescribe the frequency of medication as well. Many of my patients ask, if an injectable vitamin D is better than the oral form I would suggest that both are equally effective.
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Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 5:22 am