What Does Vitamin D Do for Menopausal Women?
No studies have been specifically done on what Vitamin D does for menopause as of yet. It was only in the last decade that doctors and scientists began to pay attention to Vitamin D. Since then, many medical studies have been done on this incredible vitamin and many positive discoveries have been found. Those medical reports lead us conclude that Vitamin D is an essential element to the body no matter your age or physical conditions.
What does Vitamin D do for perimenopausal and menopausal women? If they take this nutrient and maintain sufficient levels of it in their bodies, it will help them to prevent the following age-related medical conditions:
- Osteoporosis
As Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption and proper bone building, women who are starting to lose estrogen are at risk to develop osteoporosis if they don’t get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. The combination of calcium and Vitamin D are imperative for both prevention and maintenance of bone strength. - Certain Cancers
Vitamin D has been associated with the prevention of colon, prostate and breast cancers. It is most effective in helping to prevent colon cancer, but nevertheless as it helps slow down malignant cell growth; it will probably work in any part of the body. Unfortunately, as we have been using a lot of sun block to prevent skin cancers, we have also been blocking out the much needed Vitamin D. - Depression
It has been shown that Vitamin D has a positive effect on low mood and cognitive performance. Since mood swings are common in the menopause years, anything that minimizes it, is worth trying. - Diabetes
Adequate levels of Vitamin D seem to have a strong association with your body’s ability to use insulin. Many studies have shown that this nutrient not only makes your body use the insulin, but it also makes the insulin more effective. It also seems to prevent and/or minimize types 1 and 2 diabetes. A certain study showed that women who took 1,200 mg per day of calcium along with 800 IU of Vitamin D had a 33% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. - Cardiovascular Diseases As women start to lose estrogen, they begin to have the same risks for this disease as men do. There is some connection between low estrogen and D deficiency. And D deficiency may affect your blood vessels leading to high blood pressure and consequently to other heart problems.Vitamin D is the best and the cheapest way to protect your life pump, your heart. If you are considering taking vitamin D to reduce your risk of heart disease, the best thing is to talk to your doctor about it and weigh it against your other risk factors and health concerns. Studies have shown that supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium can lower blood pressure readings for hypertensive people.
- Obesity
Women who are overwheight usually have low levels of Vitamin D. We don’t know whether the low levels contribute to obesity or whether obesity lowers the Vitamin D levels. But we do know that there is a link between the two. As research connects calcium and Vitamin D supplements with preventing weight gain for women, I believe that’s an excellent reason for you to start considering the intake of both Vitamin D and calcium as you get into this stage of life.
What does Vitamin D do for menopausal women? Can it really prevent so many diseases? Absolutely! It may seem unbelievable, but studies show that this is true. It’s really kind of miraculous. So, let’s take advantage of it. As you get into your midlife, prevention becomes your best defense against those age-related health conditions. You may want to check the appropriate Vitamin D dosages.
If you would like to hear a 10-minute free inverview with Dr. Holick, who an expert on Vitamin D please click here.
