The menstrual cycle is a complex process that ultimately prepares the body for pregnancy. Although many people think of menstruation as the monthly bleeding during a period, the body secretes hormones that create changes in the uterus even without a woman being aware of it. Hormones that are out of balance during the menstrual cycle may lead to painful menstruation, but some women have found relief through taking certain supplements, such as vitamin D.
The Menstrual Cycle
Estrogen is a hormone secreted by the ovaries that works to thicken the lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle. At the same time, an egg is released, which travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If it becomes fertilized, it will implant to grow into a baby. If not, the lining of the uterus is shed in the form of blood, which is the monthly period. The beginning of the menstrual cycle is the first day of bleeding; the cycle lasts until the first day of the next period of bleeding. Each menstrual cycle may vary, but an average woman's is 28 days.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a dual role as a type of fat-soluble vitamin as well as a hormone. You can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. When the sun reaches your skin, it sets off a process in the body of creating vitamin D from cholesterol. Vitamin D is also available in some fortified foods, such as dairy products and cereals. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600 IU for children and adults through age 70. Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium, so it plays an important role in upholding bone health as well as preventing other conditions related to calcium deficiency, such as problems with menstruation.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Low intake of calcium has been associated with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and taking supplemental calcium may help to alleviate some PMS symptoms. PMS typically begins midway through the menstrual cycle and may last until the menstrual period begins. It occurs as a collection of symptoms, which include moodiness, back pain, bloating and breast tenderness. Because vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, taking vitamin D along with calcium supplements to ease the symptoms of PMS may help provide some relief.
Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is common and you may have trouble getting enough of this vitamin if you live in certain areas or avoid some types of foods. For example, some people who live in northern latitudes, as well as those who spend little time outside may become deficient in vitamin D because they are not receiving enough sunlight. Lack of vitamin D can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis or premenstrual syndrome. If you suffer from PMS, talk with your doctor about your vitamin D and calcium intakes. You may be able to get more of this vitamin through your diet, increased sun exposure or supplements.
