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

Free, Frugal Fixes For Females with Fibroids (Part 1)

     If you suffer with uterine fibroids there are free and frugal fixes for females with fibroids that can be considered to offer (possibly fast, or improved) relief with symptoms! In addition, if a hysterectomy has been suggested by your Doctor, some of the "fixes" below may be used to ensure a more successful surgery, and/or assist with shrinkage of large fibroids before removal.

 

   1. Change your diet
 

   
 

      Uterine fibroids are caused by overproduction of estrogen/lack of estrogen passing out of the body by way of the liver. The hormonal imbalances cause the body to go into upset state, and as it works on overdrive to function optimally, breakdowns begin. Then there comes the onset of fibroids. Now this is a really oversimplified way of describing what is going on with the body (for the most part) and the ripe conditions for fibroids to begin forming. However, what we consume is also at play with how well everything is working internally, and may promote (as well as)  decrease a forming fibroid.


Foods to Avoid:

A. Refined, processed sugars - not as easily digestible, body stores as bad fat.
B. Caffeine - low to moderate consumption.
C. Foods high in saturated fats- clogs arteries, heart, all other organs
D. Fast food - it's just bad for you.
E. Extremely spicy foods - can cause digestive discomfort, enzymes not able to breakdown properly.
F. Foods high in sodium - can cause high blood pressure.
G. Soy products (promotes production of estrogen).
G. Alcohol - depletes the system, especially when drunk often.
H. Smoking - self-explanatory, only adds impurities into the body and makes it work harder to.   
     maintain, affects most major organs; carcinogenic


Benefits:

•  Some weight loss
•  Your body re-adjusts on healthier foods which provide more nourishment,
•  Increase in energy.
•  Possible increase in sleep quality.
•  Noticeable decrease in fibroid symptoms (growth, heavy periods, pains, headaches,        etc.) because you're feeding your body, and not the fibroids. 

                                                         2. Hydrate (Free Fix)

 

                                                                 

      Begin drinking more water everyday. Make a conscious effort to drink half your weight in ounces of water (ex.: If I weigh 130lbs, I strive to drink up to 60 or more ounces of water every single day).

Benefits:

• You will be hydrating your organs that will allow them to work better, you will be gently cleansing yourself from the inside as you constantly flush your liver and kidneys.
• The more waste you can eliminate, the sooner your body will be able to get back to working as it should, in a more healthy state.
•  Promotes a decrease in estrogen = decrease to the fibroids.
•  Promotes great skin and bright eyes.
•  Consistent hydration allows for all cells to work optimally.

          (These just for starters)  

              

3. Do a gentle short-term cleanse - Take 24 to 72 hours and give your body a break!
(Frugal Fix)
 

                                      

             The idea of cleansing has become very popular over the last 15 or so years as the idea has been brought into the mainstream as a means to help one lose weight, as well as cleaning out the body. In addition, many celebrity types have sung the praises and endorsed particular types of detox recipes and programs.

             A cleanse can help you slowly re-adjust/re-set your body so that it functions better; you also feel better. My suggestion is to do a 24 to 72 hour cleanse once every 7 to 10 days. Of course you may opt to cleanse for longer periods of time, however please consider a gradual approach. In addition, to maintain nutrients during this time of lean/liquid consumption, drink vegetable smoothies, broths and purees along with intermittent doses of water.

Benefits:

• Allows you to feed your system on minimal food intake which gives your digestive track a break.
• Same process allows for maximum nutrient intake with fruit and veggie smoothies and broths.
• Weight loss
• Helps to expel impurities in the body, which may assist in decreasing fibroids and symptoms

       3. Sweat - Time to step up your work out routine (Free or Frugal Fix)


                                         
     When you exercise, you are working your machine (the body). If you don't work so said machine, it will start to breakdown fast. Being busy or moving around while on your job is not going to cut it. You must make time to workout. Exercise builds muscle, increases circulation, works the heart, makes you feel good, increases stamina, and  makes you sweat.When you sweat, more impurities are released by the body which lends to a cleaner internal system (in addition to glowing skin). Doing things to promote a more homeopathic internal state is one of the main things on which we females with fibroids need to focus.

       Use the wall, floor, chair and bed to support and anchor your body for good stretching and endurance workouts.  As well, use nearby trail, park, or mall for added cardio.

Benefits: Self-explanatory

  4. Meditation/Deep Breathing (Free Fix)
 

 

                                               

Benefits:

• Helps to relieve stress that manifests internally, and can promote fibroids. (Eliminating and relieving surrounding stress can improve fibroid symptoms and size.)
• Increased intake in oxygen, and like water is music to the ears of your cells.
• Promotes a sense of peace and clear thinking.
• Helps to redirect internal energies.

                             

5. Naturopathic/Holistic Medicine
 

     

 

           Consider seeking advice from a Naturopathic/Holistic Doctor regarding your fibroids and symptoms.  "Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities, including nutritional and herbal medicine, lifestyle advice, counseling, flower essence, homeopathy and remedial massage."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathy.  In addition, naturopathy promotes healing techniques that or non-invasive. Sometimes, surgery is not the only means to cure. Being educated about various options will help you better decide your course of action in fighting your fibroids.



                          6. Vitamin/Herbal Supplements (Physician-directed)
                                                              (Frugal Fix)

                                         
     
       Consider taking a tests to check for any vitamin deficiencies. If your diet is includes all the things listed above under 'foods to avoid if you have fibroids', you are probably depleted of necessary vitamins and nutrients that are needed to keep your body (and mind) running optimally. Vitamin deficiency can take a drastic toll on the body over time; fibroids may come as a result of internal imbalance that deficiency may cause.

          7. Traditional Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture

 

 

        

      Traditional Western Medicine employs standard diagnoses of medical afflictions based on what Doctors are taught in Medical school. In many cases, Doctors are not aware, open to, or versed on alternative healing techniques that have reputedly been successful. In other words, a traditional American Doctor will not suggest you seek out solutions that may be less or non invasive, that could possibly offer you the  same or better benefit of having surgery. In addition, the focus of Western medicine seems  to emphasize correction/cure more so than prevention (my opinion). That's why I chose to research everything I could regarding uterine fibroids immediately after I had been diagnosed with fibroids by my Gynecologist (read episode here). I didn't want to have surgery because it meant that:

1. I would have to give up my uterus (that, in turn would cure the fibroid situation)
2. Considering other surgical, but less drastic procedures would not be able to remove all of the  
    fibroids, and if so, there was no guarantee that they would not come back.

      She didn't tell me of any procedures/techniques/medicines that could be used to shrink the fibroids and make them disappear. The two drugs I was told about that did shrink fibroids were only used prior to surgery. In addition, they were extremely expensive ("Why?", I wondered) and couldn't be sustained through insurance coverage for long term use (it would cost about $600 for two to three shots per month). I chose an alternative, non-invasive, safer way to shrink my fibroids - Acupuncture.  Check out the results here. 

      By the way, I saved a lot of money and time by using Acupuncture as a means to help me shrink my fibroids and reduce/eliminate my symptoms. At the time I began Acupuncture, I had no insurance. But the weekly treatment  and prescribed Chinese herbs were affordable..... and worked. I didn't have to take out a loan, or miss any 'life' activities with Acupuncture. Not the same for a hysterectomy procedure.

     8. Chinese Herbs (Frugal Fix) 
 

                                          

         Chinese herbs can be used alone or along with Traditional Chinese Medicine and  Naturopathic  healing techniques. They tend to be very potent, and should be used under the supervision by a Certified Health Professional or Herbalist. I currently take this one now.




                                                 9.Yoga (Free and Frugal Fix)

                                           




                                            10. Tai Chi (Free and Frugal Fix)

                                   

Benefits (of both)

• Promotes emotional, spiritual, physical awareness, as well as and relaxation.
• Specific poses done to open up and promote circulation of the lower chakras (which can lead to a decrease in symptoms and size of fibroids).
• Promotes relaxation, increases flexibility, and internal movement of energy (qi) in the body.
• Various exercises also promote the draining of the lymph nodes and adrenal and thyroid glands, which all work together within the realm of female hormonal balance.
• Promotes better circulation which (in the abdominal area) can decrease blood supply to fibroids. This in turn, starves them of sustenance and they can begin to deteriorate.
• Weight loss, body toning
• Improved movement/flexibility
• Promotes a more positive  body image
• Promotes mental physical and emotional peace.

     11. Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (Free and Frugal Fix)

                                                      
       
      This therapy is something I recently came across when searching for specific massages that would stimulate more circulation where my fibroids were concentrated. I found out that this technique is beneficial for women as it concentrates on the health, position, energy flow and stimulation of the pelvic region. Check out this link for more details. This therapy is non-invasive, safe, and can be done by a trained professional, or you can be taught to do it yourself.


         So there you have it Ladies - eleven free and frugal fixes for  females with fibroids that I bet your Doctor never told yu  about. Again, I stress the importance of being educated about any diagnosis you receive, and research ALL options related to preventive measures, as well as cures.

  

                                                                        

       If any of these frugal fixes appeal to you, please talk to your Doctor or Health Professional BEFORE implementing.

      The purpose of this particular blog post is to raise awareness about different options and other alternatives to a hysterectomy that exist, and have shown to help decrease uterine fibroids and symptoms.


This is Part 1. Part 2 is here



Happy Health!

K

Taking Vitamin D Stopped My Hot Flashes: Personal Experiment

     As I have expressed the challenges  encountered with having uterine fibroids, my body has provided a hormonal playground for Mother Nature to do her thing: I am also going through perimenopause! Estrogen levels are all over the place. The Acupuncture and Chinese herbs  I have used as a natural way to shrink the fibroids has been working slowly, but successfully. Over the last year, I've had to weather the flames of Hades while dealing with this "wonder of nature" called hot flashes.

     Granted, with all the personal research and digging around already done to understand my fibroid condition and combat it naturally, I was ripe to take on conquering the infernal flames with something(s) that would show results, and not hurt my body. As a result, I explored  the effects of  Iodine and Vitamin D to see if either could lessen and/or dissipate my hot flashes - I was my own experiment.


Iodine: Why You Need It? Why You Can't Live Without It

       Not long after receiving the news that I had developed  uterine fibroids, I incorporated Iodine into my supplement routine, in the form of Liquid Kelp. My preferred manner in taking it was sublingually, as opposed to pill form. It has no odor or taste. It was a bit difficult to specify how the liquid kelp affected or contributed to the Acupuncture in shrinking my fibroids. However, I felt revitalized after taking it, and used it sparingly throughout the week for about six months.  With continued success occurring from the Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I streamlined additional supplements  along with the liquid kelp to make a more direct correlation as to what was really causing the fibroids to shrink? The Acupuncture won out in showing continued shrinkage without consistent use of additional natural supplements or herbs. I only took liquid kelp, Vitamin E, B complex, , combo supplement of Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc, a spoon full of molasses and Milk Thistle, on a varied, every other day basis, as well as loading up lots of vegetables every day. 

 

 

Then it happened...

 

 

 

 

     I thought I was losing my mind! I frantically began to do some research, talked to Mom, and some friends. It was unanimous - I was entering into the Menopause Zone; what a whammy! The flashes were intense, frequent, really bad at night, embarrassing, and a continued mystery to my brain because my body was doing things that were paradoxical- I would sleep in the winter with the air conditioner on! (By the way, that's when it actually set in). After three months of torture I came across a video by Dr. David Brownstein. I believe I may have been searching for information about the thyroid and other glands associated with Menopause in order to get a handle on the hot flash phenomenon.

        While getting a great education from Dr. Brownstein's video on the thyroid (how it works,  how its related to the female reproductive system, and the importance of iodine), I remembered I hadn't had a 'shot' of Liquid Kelp in quite a while. Remember: the Acupuncture was working on the fibroids and promoting internal balance. So I went to a bare minimum of taking anything else. I decided to arise from my seat, and take some. I then decided to resume a more frequent regimen with it see if there would be any affects on the flashes. I began taking a shot of iodine everyday.

    After  three days, I noticed I wasn't running to the bathroom as much to wipe off sweat, or grabbing pieces of ice to suck on while at work. In addition, I found I was able to sleep throughout the night without getting up to change shirts due to constant night sweats. I was actually starting to get rest. The flashes stopped. Please keep in mind that I did nothing else different with regard to my lifestyle and diet. I just added the Liquid Kelp in on a daily basis, and the flashes stopped.......this was in March.


      By the onset of the summer (June) they were creeping back. I noticed they were not as intense as the initial bout had occurred. But nonetheless still a nuisance.


                                                        Back to the drawing board............

       After approximately two months, I noticed a reduction in the frequency, but the flashes continued.... then I ran out of liquid kelp. I decided not to replace it (and eat more seaweed salads during the week), and concluded that there was something else out of keel with my hormones that I was missing.  I expected the liquid kelp to work as before, but it didn't.  So, my search continued with other 'natural' stuff that reports have shown could be effective against hot flashes.

                                     Fast forward from June 2013 to end of March, 2014.......

      I came across info on Vitamin D, and it's connection in possibly preventing uterine fibroids, and or lessening the severity of symptoms and growth. After a reading pages of articles, medical comments and reports on the subject, I decided to increase my intake of Vitamin D from two to three times each week to daily. The reason I began taking it to begin with is because I am not outside on any regular basis, and lack sunlight.

"Within all the people who go to their doctor with vitamin d deficiency, 40% report having fatigue, 9% report having hot flashes, and 9% report having joint pain. The symptoms that are highly suggestive of vitamin d deficiency are hot flashes, infrequent menstruation, and back stiffness or tightness, although you may still have vitamin d deficiency without those symptoms. "  http://www.symcat.com/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency

      I also paired Vitamin D with a daily supplement combo of magnesium, calcium and zinc. Two weeks into the next  month (April), I received that epiphany moment again when I realized I wasn't reaching for ice cubes while working, nor simultaneously combusting into a free standing waterfall of sweat while having a simple conversation with a stranger. Could they be gone?.......By the third week (towards the end of April, 2014), I knew the hellish flames had ceased. 



Conclusion:

Based on this 'personal experiment' with Iodine and Vitamin D, I found;

 --The Iodine stopped the hot flashes quickly, but the effects did not last long even while taking reduced amounts after hot flashes stopped. In turn, the hot flashes resumed almost three months later, but were less frequent and intense.

--The Vitamin D worked within a couple of weeks, and has continued to keep hot flashes at bay. (I must also add that I have not had any bouts of dizziness when getting out of bed in the mornings. Dizziness is a symptom that I have read that is associated with Menopause).

Therefore one could postulate that Vitamin D is effective at stopping hot flashes.

However, these factors need to be taken into consideration:

• My body could have  just been doing its own thing with regard to the 'hot flash' period dissipating during this perimenopausal phase.
• My hormone/estrogen levels may be balancing out.
• The effects of the vitamin D could be enhanced by the supplement combo.
• Stress level at work has drastically reduced (high stressed environments dealt with on a consistent basis has been attributed to uterine fibroids).

     This similar 'personal experiement' I did with Vitamin D would have to be tested with a larger test group (than just little ol' me) to bring forth more consistent data.

     For now, I'm rolling with it until something different happens. If the hot flashes return, then I can alter my conclusion.  I just think the coincidence of taking the Vitamin D, then the hot flashes ceasing is very noteworthy. And as I continue the daily routine of taking Vitamin D, I have no hot flashes.

    I will offer follow-up in 30 - 60 days, or if I begin to experience the hot flashes again.


 Please feel free to forward any questions regarding uterine fibroids you would like to see addressed on this blog.


This is Part 1.  Follow-Up, Part 2 is here



Happy Health!


K


Disclaimer:

Although I believe the use of Vitamin D stopped my hot flashes, it may not work the same way with someone else. If you, the reader decide you want to try Vitamin D (or any other natural supplement or herb that I have used and listed in this blog) to see if it would help you alleviate your hot flashes, please consult  your Doctor or Health Care Professional, first.

The purpose of this blog is to share my personal experience, inform, and provide a venue of support.
 
This blog is not responsible for any action taken by the reader that results in harm or distress from information posted.