Amenorrhea is a medical term referring to the absence of menstruation. Typically, this diagnosis doesn't come into play until you've missed three consecutive periods or if menstruation hasn't occurred by age 16. Many factors can contribute to this condition; a deficiency in vitamin D isn't one of them. This isn't to say your lifestyle can't play a role in amenorrhea's development, but diet doesn't usually lead to missed periods, unless it results in underweight or obesity.
Causes
Besides pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding, you may develop amenorrhea as a result of birth control pills, antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications and chemotherapy. Polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary or thyroid disorders and premature menopause also are known to contribute to irregular menstruation. Even extreme weight loss or weight gain can cause you to miss your period.
Treatment
Treating amenorrhea is dependent upon the diagnosis of its cause, so it's best to allow your doctor to determine what needs to be done to restore menstruation rather than self-treating through supplements. Although your weight may be contributing to the absence of menstruation, supplementing your diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients likely won't affect amenorrhea.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may be used during treatment of amenorrhea because the condition puts you at a higher risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend supplementing your diet with 200 to 400 IU of vitamin D each day to keep your bones strong, along with 1,000 mg of calcium, 600 mg of magnesium, 1 to 3 mg of boron and 1 mg of vitamin K, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Only take these dietary supplements under the supervision of a medical professional.
Warning
Like many other dietary supplements, an excess of vitamin D --- particularly from supplementation --- can lead to adverse effects. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity can manifest as heart arrhythmias, unintentional weight loss and polyuria, which is an excess production of urine. It also can lead to high serum calcium levels, which can cause calcification of blood vessels and damage to the kidneys and heart. Always talk to your doctor before using this or any other dietary supplement to treat amenorrhea.
Member Comments