At about the age of 50, the female body begins to undergo a significant change: the onset of menopause, a process caused by the physiological decrease in the production of hormones by the ovaries. It is accompanied by some symptoms, such as sudden hot flashes (famous hot flashes), heavy sweating, sudden mood swings, vaginal dryness, and others. During this period, the female organism experiences changes that not only reduce hormones, but also reduce micronutrients such as vitamin D.
Vitamin D is produced by the human body, primarily through exposure to the sun, and is essential to the human body at all stages of life. And menopause would be no different. And when we talk about it, the first problem that comes to mind is bone health.
This is because menopause is a factor that increases the chances of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle, porous and brittle. This increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, rib, and femoral neck, as the disease progresses, as the disease gradually affects bone density due to reduced estrogen.
Vitamin D works directly in controlling the amount of calcium and phosphorous in the body, and when in small amounts, it can lead to various diseases, such as osteoporosis. As a result, vitamin D supplementation, along with hormone replacement therapy, is a highly recommended alternative for preventing osteoporosis. But a lack of this nutrient at this point in a woman’s life doesn’t just affect the bones, says Dr. Oder Albano, an obstetrician-gynecologist and health consultant.
Another sign of vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women is the accelerated loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness that increases the risk of loss of balance and falls, especially among the elderly. Good levels of vitamin D and physical activity and endurance help maintain muscle mass.
Vitamin D has also been studied for its role in strengthening the immune system, and for its immune-modifying action and treatment of certain diseases. “It is important to emphasize that daily exposure to sunlight for at least 15 minutes, without the use of sunscreen, can allow the maintenance of good levels of vitamin D. It is also worth noting that people should not self-medicate, but rather seek medical attention to determine the need To supplementation and the recommended dose of vitamin D, Albano concludes.
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