Taking Vitamin D Stopped My Hot Flashes: Follow-up Report

                          

                                No More Hot Flashes!!!!!

       On my blog post for May 9, 2014, I relayed the results of a personal experiment with taking  Vitamin D to improve/stop my hot flashes. Its been over 60 days, and I have not had ONE hot flash!
I have maintained my routine of taking Vitamin D (with Vitamin B) every other day, and especially on days when I am not able to spend some time in the sun. I've begun to incorporate a daily stroll during my breaks at work to the park across the street, and just sit by the fountains for 20 minutes or so in direct sunlight. So when I get a substantial amount of sun, I don't take Vitamin D. Many reports I've read all agree that the sun is a human's best source of Vitamin because the body absorbs it better, and naturally, synthesizing all that it needs to function optimally. Of course, milk and juices reinforced with Vitamin D are great, as well.  However, I have subscribed to the idea of getting as much of the daily nutrients I need by eating the right kinds of foods in the right combinations, as opposed to relying on taking tons of supplements everyday. As it has been said, "Food is the best medicine".


       My quality of life has greatly improved with no more hot flashes:

• No more waking up in pools of sweat at night.
• Now I can actually sleep well for up to 8 hours without having to run to the shower, then remake the bed with fresh sheets.
• I have not experienced any insomnia (which comes as a symptom of my perimenopausal state.
• I don't have to suck on cubes of ice or run into the freezer when at work to cool off.
• I don't worry about bursting out in a profuse, embarrassing sweat while in front of clients when making a presentation.
• I don't have to run to bathroom several times throughout my work shift to partially undress and wipe myself of (constant refresh).

        I feel normal again! Of course those ladies around me who have gone through hot flashes guarantee me that they will be back. They have expressed  that there's just been a fluctuation in my estrogen levels (lower), and that accounts for the lack of hot flashes. Based on this sentiment, by taking the Vitamin, the hot flashes stopped. As I continue to take the Vitamin D (intermittently), and get more sun throughout the week, the flashes have not come back. So, I will continue my routine until something different occurs.

        Although I took the chance of taking Vitamin D without Doctor's supervision, I strongly suggest that you get tested to see if you actually are deficient, first. If so, allow your Doctor to prescribe dosage and/or frequency. I was prompted to try it because of all the research I had done prior, realizing that I was not getting any sunshine, and, due to being extremely healthy/non-allergic to anything, I figured it wouldn't hurt my body. I was sure that if I began having some off things to occur from the routine I chose to follow with a daily dose of Vitamin D, naturally I would stop. In addition, as I have also been on a journey to shrink my fibroids as naturally as possible (foregoing a hysterectomy).  I have done short-term experiments with natural herbs in the past, so I concluded this instance would be no different. If it worked and I noticed a difference, fine. If not, I'd stop taking it.

    The jury is still out on the direct link of how Vitamin D and hot flashes are connected. The most recent medical report I've come across (done/published April, 2014) highlights that there was no significant proof that Vitamin D deficiency played a specific role in causing hot flashes. However, the trial was done with one group of women that were menopausal, and on a  short-term basis. In addition, the trial was done to gage Vitamin D and Calcium. The sample was too small to declare are that 'a low level of Vitamin D does NOT cause hot flashes' (as well as other menopausal symptoms)
Not enough trials and testing has been done. Humbly, the report concluded that "looking at vitamin D levels in women as they go through the menopause transition might be valuable" - no sh*t!


      As clinical trials and studies slowly come about to enlighten us women on information that can knowingly keep us healthier and happier as our bodies transition from multiple phases throughout life, we may find ourselves resorting to personal experiments (such as mine) to figure things out for ourselves. What may work for some, may not work for others. Trials and studies take time (as they should). However, I'd personally rather compliment what my Doctor has suggested, then research and become educated about options that have shown positive results, and then be involved in (or direct) my course of medically preventive action. To be a 'meducated' patient means you are an empowered patient. You don't have to feel forced to take only one course of action. An end can be justified by several means, not just one.

      If you are experiencing Menopause, and you have hot flashes, in addition to other symptoms, feel free to peruse these three sources from Penny Wise Budoff, a long-standing physician and "blockbuster" researcher of female health. Essentially, she showed the Medical community physical and emotional discomfort before, during and after menstruation WASN'T something "in the mind", or "in your head" symptoms. She proved what was actually going on was REAL, from the biological/chemical connections and processes that occurred at certain times (of the month) within the female body. Her research and professional perspective will empower, educate, and relate to YOU.
                                                      
                              
Check out these great sources:                                                         


                               

         

1. No More Hot Flashes

2. No More Hot Flashes .....and Good News

3. No More Hot Flashes...and Even Better News
             

              If there are any questions that you want answered that I have not addressed on this blog, based on research/actual experience with regards to uterine fibroids, acupuncture and menopause, please feel free to leave a comment, or contact me by e-mail. I research all things related to uterine fibroids and menopause on a daily basis...the new and insightful, as well as the traditional and overlooked techniques (that have worked) is what I focus on in healing myself. I don't discount Traditional Western Medical practices at all, and am grateful for Western Medical advancement and technology. I applaud them!......But sometimes, I might just find (and entertain) something that has been shown to work, and has a natural affinity with the human body. No side effects (such as anal leakage and suicidal ideations, etc.) if taken under professional supervision, cautiously, and correctly. No surgery if not absolutely necessary.  Do you FEEL me???



This is the follow-up   (Part 1 is here)



Happy Health!


K