Tag Archives: Preventative Health

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

This entry was posted in Fitness and Nutrition and tagged Preventative Health, Signs And Symptoms, Vitamins on June 25, 2024 by Dr. Kelly Roy, MD.

If you’re a woman looking to maintain your health, your body needs a consistent intake of a variety of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that the body needs to strengthen your bones, keep your blood vessels and heart healthy, and provide overall support for your immune system. Fortunately, a good amount of vitamin D can be obtained by being outside in the sun.

However, sometimes, that isn’t enough. If your body does not get the amount of vitamin D it needs, you can experience negative health effects. Learn more about the signs of a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Facts

Vitamin D is a vitamin that indirectly promotes bone health by helping the body and bone cells absorb phosphorus and calcium. It also assists with the functions of your immune, digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in the liver and fatty tissues in the body and is easier to absorb when taken with fats in the diet.

Some research implies that adequate amounts of vitamin D or vitamin D supplementation can prevent some disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and even depression. More research still must be done to fully understand the relationship between these disorders and vitamin D.

What Happens if Your Vitamin D Is Low?

Blood tests can reveal low vitamin D, which is typically less than 20 nanograms per mL of blood. A vitamin D deficiency is more serious and means that you do not have enough in your system for your body to maintain its regular function. As a result, health issues can arise, such as weak bones and muscles. Levels of less than 12 nanograms per mL of blood can indicate a deficiency. However, it is important to note that doctors do not routinely check vitamin D levels, and you may have low or even deficient levels of vitamin D without even knowing it for some time.

When there is not enough vitamin D in your body, your cells will struggle to effectively absorb other vitamins and much-needed minerals. With this comes a greater chance of experiencing pain in the bones, fractures of the bone, muscle pain, and weakness. For older adults, a deficiency can also result in frequent falls, which can be dangerous for those at risk for fractures.

Vitamin D deficiencies may also play a role in some conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

As mentioned, it is common to be unaware that you have low vitamin D or even that you are vitamin D deficient. However, some people may notice symptoms.

Here are a few of the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms:

Pain in the bones
Sensitivity to pain
Pain in the muscles
Tingling in the hands and feet
Muscle weakness in the upper arms or thighs
Fatigue

Hair loss
Difficulty controlling blood sugar
Memory issues
Shuffling when walking due to weak hip and leg muscles
Muscle spasms
In extreme cases, bowed legs

It’s important to note that if you are experiencing one or a few of these symptoms, it may not necessarily mean that you have a vitamin D deficiency. If you have several, talk with your doctor to help you determine whether or not your symptoms mean that you are dealing with a vitamin D deficiency.

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosed?

It’s difficult to determine a vitamin D deficiency from symptoms alone, making this deficiency particularly hard to diagnose. Doctors do not always order tests to check for this kind of deficiency. However, if a patient describes particular symptoms that they are experiencing, such as pain in the bones and muscles, then the doctor may order a test to check for a vitamin D deficiency.

Additionally, the doctor may ask about medical issues experienced in your family, like rickets, osteoporosis, and bone fractures. After blood testing and treatment, subsequent blood tests can help monitor vitamin D levels.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

There are several factors that can contribute to someone experiencing a vitamin D deficiency.

Some common reasons are:

Limited exposure to sunlight
Dark skin pigmentation
Malnourishment
Liver or kidney failure
Some medications, including some laxatives, steroids, cholesterol drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and even a particular weight-loss drug (Orlistat)
Particular types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and multiple myeloma
Family history of vitamin D deficiency or childhood rickets

In addition, other health issues and procedures can also contribute to a vitamin D deficiency, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic issues, bariatric surgery, and removal of parts of the small intestine.

Who Is Most at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency?

As mentioned, certain health conditions can contribute to vitamin D deficiency, but there are also hereditary and environmental factors that can cause this deficiency as well. One factor that contributes to vitamin D deficiency is age. Over time, the skin’s ability to produce this vitamin decreases. Interestingly enough, infants are also at a greater risk of being deficient, especially breastfed babies.

The color of your skin can be another factor. If your skin is darker, it is harder for the skin to create vitamin D from the sun. Even your mobility can play a part in this vitamin deficiency. The less able you are to get around, the more likely you are to develop this kind of deficiency. If you aren’t able to spend much time outside, or perhaps no time at all, your chances of developing a deficiency increase.

What Is the First Stage of Vitamin D Deficiency?

In the beginning stage of a vitamin D deficiency, there is a slight elevation in the parathyroid hormone. This is the hormone that the parathyroid glands excrete as a means of maintaining healthy levels of calcium. These glands also help control levels of phosphorus and vitamin D.

As the level of vitamin D falls, the parathyroid glands react to keep a good balance of vitamin D. Unfortunately, the body only makes vitamin D when bare skin is exposed to the sun. Things like window glass, smog, sunscreen, and even darker skin or old age can hamper production so much that parathyroid hormone cannot keep up. These individuals will need to eat dietary vitamin D or supplement their vitamin D intake.

What Blocks Vitamin D Absorption?

In addition to diminished production of vitamin D, there are several health issues that can block vitamin D absorption. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis can make it difficult for the intestines to absorb vitamin D. Kidney and liver diseases can also inhibit absorption as the level of enzymes needed to break down vitamin D is diminished.

Obesity can be another reason that your body doesn’t properly absorb vitamin D. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, fat cells can retain vitamin D rather than expelling it for use. Even if you decide to undergo bariatric surgery to make your stomach smaller or if you have surgery to bypass a part of your intestines, it may be difficult for your body to receive a proper intake of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. Thus, vitamin D deficiency can be a vicious cycle for overweight and obese individuals.

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated?

Making a change in your diet to eat more foods that are high in vitamin D can certainly help, but it is typically not enough to alleviate a deficiency. Your doctor will probably prescribe supplements to take until you achieve adequate vitamin D levels. Dosage amounts will depend on your age, weight, and how severe your deficiency is. Some prescriptions may be taken daily, while some are a weekly dose.

In addition to taking supplements, it is equally important to make sure you get enough calcium in your diet. With adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D in your body, you are lowering your risk of bone fracture, weakness, and developing osteoporosis.

While taking supplements is the best way to address a deficiency, it is still a good idea to consume food that will help you increase your dietary vitamin D intake.

Look for:

Certain types of fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon
Egg yolks
Fortified milk and dairy products
Certain types of fortified breakfast cereals
Orange juice
Mushrooms

You may also be told to spend more time outdoors in order to be exposed to sunlight. This can help your skin create natural vitamin D.

How Can I Raise My Vitamin D Level Quickly?

There are many ways to raise your vitamin D levels quickly. Below are just a few ways to achieve higher levels of this vitamin.

Exposure to the Sun

First, spend plenty of time outside, allowing your bare skin to be exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is actually nicknamed “the sunshine vitamin,” as the sun is the only way your body can naturally produce this vitamin. Of course, this must be done in moderation as you do not want to develop sunburn. With too much exposure, there is also a risk of skin cancer.

Eat Fatty Fish

Another way to easily raise your vitamin D level is to eat fatty fish and other seafood. A few to try include tuna, salmon, mackerel, oysters, sardines, shrimp, and anchovies. These types of fish are among the best sources of vitamin D found in food.

Eat Mushrooms

Mushrooms also contain vitamin D and can be a great way for vegetarians or vegans to consume this essential vitamin. Much like humans can make vitamin D with exposure to the sun, mushrooms can also create vitamin D through the same process. Because of this, wild mushrooms usually contain higher levels of the vitamin than those grown commercially. However, it is possible to find store-bought mushrooms that have been grown under ultraviolet light.

Add Egg Yolks to Your Diet

You may worry about raising your cholesterol by eating too many egg yolks. However, adding egg yolks to your diet is a good way to raise your vitamin D levels. Keep in mind that free-range chickens produce eggs with higher amounts of vitamin D, as they have more time in the sun.

Eat Fortified Foods

Even though the above options to raise your vitamin D levels include food, you may have noticed that there are not many food sources with high amounts of this vitamin. That’s why you’ll find so many vitamin D-fortified foods. This means that the food has added amounts of vitamin D as a nutritional supplement.

Some fortified foods to consider adding to your diet are cow’s milk (or soy, almond, or hemp milk if you prefer), cereal, some types of yogurt, orange juice, and tofu. You can always check the ingredients list to make sure it is a fortified food.

UV Lamps

If you would rather not be outside or are unable to spend a lot of time outdoors to start producing vitamin D from sunlight, a UV lamp may be a good alternative. These lamps release UV-B radiation, which mimics the sun’s rays and enables your body to start producing more vitamin D. Like too much sun exposure, there is a risk of sunburn from too much exposure to a UV lamp. Also, they can be expensive to purchase.

For further assistance in increasing your vitamin D levels quickly, talk with your doctor.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

The main factor that determines how much vitamin D you need in your diet is your age. With each age range, the amount increases. For senior citizens and women who are pregnant or are nursing, it is suggested that you speak with your doctor about how much vitamin D is healthy for you. For a general guideline, however, the US Food and Nutrition Board recommends about 15 mcg of vitamin D (600 IU) per day.

Arizona Gynecology Consultants: Test for Vitamin D Deficiency

If you have experienced symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, it is important to be tested to confirm that you have a deficiency. This will help you and your doctor form a more effective treatment plan. Changing your diet and simply spending more time outside in the sun, for example, may not be enough to increase your vitamin D level.

Arizona Gynecology Consultants offers testing for vitamin D deficiency and other health issues. If you are concerned that your symptoms are related to a vitamin D deficiency, contact Arizona Gynecology Consultants to undergo testing and maintain your healthy lifestyle.

Sources:

Yale Medicine. (2023). Vitamin D Deficiency. Yale Medicine.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency
?Stages of Vitamin D Deficiency – LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education. (n.d.). Www.labce.com. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.labce.com/spg477994_stages_of_vitamin_d_deficiency.aspx#:~:text=1.
?Nair, R., & Maseeh, A. (2012). Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin. Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 3(2), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-500X.95506
?How to Get Vitamin D: 7 Effective Ways. (2019, March 18). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-vitamin-d#5.-Eat-fortified-foods
?National Institutes of Health. (2017). Vitamin D. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
?Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency
?Freeland, M. N. (2019, April 24). Is Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Disease? GoodRx; GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency/vitamin-d-deficiency-diseases

Dr. Kelly Roy, MD

Founder and Medical Director of ARIZONA GYNECOLOGY CONSULTANTS

Dr. Kelly Roy is a specialist in surgical gynecology and advanced laparoscopy (and hysteroscopy). She is a long-time resident of Arizona and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University before finishing her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Arizona in 1997.

Dr. Roy completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the then “Banner Good Samaritan Hospital” (now Banner University Medical Center), in Phoenix Arizona in 2001.

Well known for her teaching and surgical ability, she is on the faculty at the residency program at both Banner University Medical Center and Saint Joseph’s Hospital in central Phoenix and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus. Dr. Roy has taught advanced surgical techniques to medical students, residents, fellows and colleagues for over 15 years.

Dr. Roy is also a consultant to the medical device industry and has participated in the design and clinical testing of many instruments and surgical devices available on the world-wide market today.

azgyn.com/

Preventive Care Screenings Every Woman Needs

This entry was posted in Ask An Expert and tagged Preventative Health on April 19, 2023 by Nikkeya Boyd.

As a woman, you face a variety of unique health risks that can impact your life immensely if they are left untreated. By visiting a women’s healthcare provider on a regular basis, you can receive essential care and undergo necessary screenings as recommended by your provider. These tests can identify any potential issues early on, and your doctor can provide treatment and care as soon as possible to limit your risk of complications.

No matter your age or where you are in life, scheduling regular preventive screenings and tests performed is essential to stay as healthy as possible. This brief guide to the most important preventive tests that every woman should schedule can help you determine which tests you can expect as you age. Here’s everything you might want to know about essential preventive care screenings for women.

Preventive Care for Women

First, it’s important to note that women’s health screenings are a component of preventive healthcare. Preventive healthcare for women is a form of medical care that focuses on preventing and identifying serious potential health issues that can occur in females. Preventive care is especially important for women as they age because their healthcare needs change quite drastically throughout their lives.

For example, the kind of care and tests a woman needs at the ages of 21-29 looks much different than the kinds of issues women 55 and older experience. From breast cancer screenings to STD tests, preventive care can help women of all ages prevent the onset of certain conditions and identify others at an early stage. With prevention and early detection, you can limit your risk of experiencing harmful or fatal women’s health diseases.

Essential Preventive Care Screenings for Women

There are a variety of preventive tests and screenings all women need, even if they are relatively healthy. Preventive care screenings can identify serious issues such as cervical cancer and breast cancer, which can often exist without symptoms and go undetected until screening takes place. Essential preventive care appointments you should schedule include the following.

Well-Woman Care (Primary)

A well-woman visit is an important exam that differs from your annual physical or check-up. Instead of focusing on your overall physical health, a well-woman exam prioritizes the unique traits of a woman and her health. This includes planning and performing preventive care and screenings for women based on age, risk factors, and the general health of the breasts, uterus, vagina, cervix, and other organs.

Well-woman visits prioritize the individual needs of each patient. It is at this appointment that a woman and her healthcare provider can discuss concerns, wellness goals, or potential screenings. Well-woman visits are recommended for women of all ages so that they can keep up with their overall health and wellness.

Mammograms (Breast Cancer Screenings)

Breast cancer screenings, termed mammograms, are completed using a tool known as a mammography unit. A mammogram uses X-rays to take a picture of the inside of a woman’s breast so experts can examine it for any potential issues, such as masses or tumors. Regular mammogram screenings are important to detect any signs of breast cancer as early as possible.

While they are most recommended for women aged 40 and over, women of any age who believe they are at risk or are experiencing symptoms of breast cancer should consult with their women’s healthcare provider and schedule a mammogram. Women aged 40 to 44 should consider scheduling yearly mammograms, while women 45 and over should definitely schedule annual mammograms. Once women reach 54, they may consider switching to semi-annual mammograms.

Cervical Cancer Screenings

According to healthcare experts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a woman should begin scheduling cervical cancer screenings once she reaches the age of 21. It’s recommended that women continue to screen for cervical cancer every three years thereafter to ensure the cervix is still healthy and cancer-free.

To screen for cervical cancer, physicians use a method known as a Pap smear. A Pap smear uses a small tool to scrape the cervix and the area around it for cells that healthcare experts can then test for potential abnormalities. In most cases, the cells collected during a Pap smear will be run through a Pap test and HPV test. A Pap test searches for any signs of cancer, including precancerous cells that are changing shape and may become cancerous if not addressed. The HPV test then checks for the presence of the human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts and abnormal cell changes that may become cancer.

STD Tests

STD tests, including screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea, are also important tests for women to schedule regularly when they are sexually active. Because women often do not experience symptoms when they have an STD, regular checks are critical, regardless of how you feel. The longer you go with an untreated STD, the higher your risk of developing long-term issues such as infertility or other diseases. If you are sexually active, schedule regular STD testing at your next well-woman check.

Blood Pressure Screenings

Your blood pressure plays a crucial role in your overall health. When your blood pressure is high, your heart must work harder to pump blood throughout your body. This can cause internal stress on blood vessels and the thickening of your heart’s ventricles, which can increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes. Regular blood pressure screenings are especially important for women who are on birth control, as many varieties are known for increasing blood pressure.

Bone Density Tests

Studies have found that because women go through such a large number of hormonal changes over the years, they face a high risk for osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis has been linked to low estrogen levels, which are known to occur after menopause. Because of this, scheduling bone density screenings is especially critical during perimenopause or if you are known to have low estrogen levels. In most cases, bone density tests are performed by using a bone density scan, which is a low-energy X-ray usually done on your spine or forearm.

Thyroid Screenings

Thyroid tests are another important form of preventive care that many women overlook as they begin experiencing other women’s health concerns. Because thyroid issues can begin to appear in young women even before they begin menstruating, it’s crucial that you have regular blood tests performed that evaluate your thyroid and its function. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are often genetically linked and can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and overall health.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in women today. This makes preventive screenings crucial so that any signs of the disease can be identified and treated as early as possible. The older a woman gets, the more significant the risk of colorectal cancer is, which is why most experts recommend screenings beginning around the age of 40. If your healthcare provider identifies precancerous masses, they can be treated or removed before they become dangerous.

HIV Screenings

HIV is a virus that causes AIDS, a disease that affects men and women alike by slowly weakening the immune system and associated organ function over time. Because there is no cure for AIDS, medication can only assist with slowing its progression. Having regular HIV screenings is imperative to protect your health and the health of those you love. If you’re sexually active, you face the risk of transmitting HIV through unprotected sex. Don’t hesitate to get tested for STDs and HIV, regardless of if you show symptoms.

Folic Acid Tests

Folic acid is a form of vitamin B-9 that plays a crucial part in helping the body create new cells, as well as assisting in their growth and function. For women who are looking to get pregnant or women who are already pregnant, folic acid is also vital in helping the baby to grow and develop. When a pregnant woman has a folic acid deficiency, the growing fetus has an elevated chance of developing defects. To ensure you and your baby stay healthy, don’t forget to have your folic acid levels checked.

What Tests Should a Woman Schedule Every Year?

While some tests should be scheduled every few years or only at certain ages, there are specific screenings some women should have done annually to keep up with their health. These include:

Well-woman visits
Blood pressure screenings
Cholesterol screenings
Thyroid screenings
STD tests
Routine blood work

Tests by Age

Once you’ve learned about the various preventive tests and screenings you need to stay healthy, you may feel intimidated by the thought of scheduling your next appointment. Fortunately, the team here at Arizona Gynecology Consultants is prepared to guide you and help you plan for what’s best for your unique needs. If you want to begin planning, here are the screenings and preventive care actions recommended for each age group and how often you need them performed:

18 and Under:

Receive HPV vaccinations on the recommended schedule to prevent HPV and the cancers it can cause
Have routine blood work done as well as blood pressure and cholesterol checks on an annual basis
Have your thyroid levels checked at least once
Have STD tests performed annually if you are sexually active or every time you are concerned about symptoms or sexual partners

21 – 29:

Begin regular visits with a gynecologist
Schedule a well-woman visit yearly
Have your first Pap smear performed and continue Pap smears with HPV tests once every three years
Have STD tests performed annually if you are sexually active or every time you are concerned about symptoms or sexual partners
Perform folic acid tests, especially if you’re looking to get pregnant or are pregnant
Have routine blood work done annually, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol checks
Have your thyroid levels checked at least once

30 – 39:

Schedule a well-woman visit yearly
Have a Pap smear with HPV test performed every three years
If you have concerns about breast cancer, talk to your clinician about scheduling a mammogram
Have STD tests performed annually if you’re sexually active with multiple or changing partners or any time you are concerned you may have an STD
Have routine blood work, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol checks performed annually
Schedule a thyroid screening

40 – 50:

Consider having yearly mammograms to screen for breast cancer from ages 40 to 44
Schedule yearly mammograms beginning at 45
Begin screening for colorectal cancer around the age of 45, and continue to do so every few years
Schedule a well-woman visit yearly
Have routine blood work, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol checks annually
Schedule a thyroid screening

50 – 65:

Continue screening for colorectal cancer every few years
Schedule your yearly well-woman visit
Schedule yearly mammograms until you reach 55 when you can consider switching to semi-annual mammograms
Consult with your clinician to determine whether you need any unique tests performed due to menopause and whether you still require Pap smears
Begin having bone density scans performed by 60 if you haven’t already
Have routine blood work done annually, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol checks

65+:

Have bone density scans performed as regularly as your doctor sees fit
Schedule your yearly well-woman visit
Keep up with your routine blood work, blood pressure, and cholesterol checks
Continue screening for colon cancer
Discuss mammograms with your doctor to determine whether you still require regular screening

Arizona Gynecology Consultants: Preventive Care Experts

Here at Arizona Gynecology Consultants, your unique health needs are our priority. We understand just how important it is for women to stay healthy as they age, which is why we are dedicated to helping women at all stages of life to receive the proper screening and care.

Arizona Gynecology Consultants offers gynecology services in Phoenix and in our other locations across the valley, including well-woman visits and primary care for women. We also offer guidance for scheduling the proper preventive care services you need to stay healthy.

To learn more about how the team at Arizona Gynecology Consultants can help you stay healthy, contact us today to book an appointment.

Resources:

Nikkeya Boyd

Nurse Practitioner

Fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner Nikkeya Boyd joined Arizona Gynecology Consultants in 2019. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri in St. Louis and her graduate work at Grand Canyon University graduating in 2018.