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Women’s health, Vitamin D, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Hormonal Imbalance

Women's Month: Vitamin D, Progesterone and Thyroid Hormones

Written by: Kiara Lipschitz

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Time to read 6 min

Keywords: Women’s health, Vitamin D, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Hormonal Imbalance

As we celebrate  Women's History Month, inspired by International Women's Day on the 8th of March, it's time to delve into these vital components of our wellbeing.


Let us have a look at the importance of hormones and vitamin D in the body, their functions, and the potential health implications of hormonal imbalances and deficiencies.


We'll also discuss how to effectively monitor, balance and manage them, providing you with some valuable insights to take control of your health.


Let us unravel the complexities of women's health together.

Women’s health, Vitamin D, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Hormonal Imbalance

1. Understanding the Role of Vitamin D in the Body

Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is a fat-soluble vitamin that our bodies produce when our skin is exposed to sunlight and it plays a critical role in ensuring calcium absorption and maintaining strong bones. This is especially important for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or entering menopause due to the rapid changes in hormones.


It plays a pivotal role in numerous bodily functions, including the regulation of cell growth, apoptosis (programmed cellular death), and immune function.


Research has shown a strong link between Vitamin D deficiency and increased mortality  rates from various types of cancer, including lung and prostate cancer.


Additionally, studies have identified that Vitamin D plays a significant role in cardiovascular health by acting on endothelial and smooth muscle tissues to regulate blood pressure.


Furthermore, severe Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased sepsis mortality in  sepsis patients. It is important to note that some studies have been shown to prove that sepsis patients already suffered from a Vitamin D deficiency before.


Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.


While our bodies can naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, several factors can make it challenging to get enough. Here's the breakdown:



What we can do to naturally supplement Vitamin D in our bodies is to eat a healthy, vitamin-rich diet.


Despite Vitamin D not being as widely available in food sources as others, there are still a few choices we could make to maintain the natural levels of it in our bodies, and namely intake foods such as:


Vitamin D plays a crucial role in ensuring proper calcium absorption and maintaining strong bones, which is especially important for women entering periods of their lives that are greatly influenced by hormonal fluctuations such as the menopause.


Because of estrogen deficiency during this period, women are more likely to develop osteoporosis and experience fractures. Fortunately, interventions like vitamin D supplementation can help mitigate these risks.


Beyond its well-established role in bone health, vitamin D is also being investigated for its potential benefits in other areas of health, including potentially impacting cancer risk.


Vitamin D plays a regulatory role in the growth of vaginal epithelial cells (cover the inside and outside of the body), potentially alleviating genitourinary problems experienced by menopausal women.


Vitamin D can also act as a modulator, influencing the body's immune response and influence the production of adipokines (cell-signalling molecules produced by the adipose tissue), potentially impacting various metabolic processes.


Sensory experiences trigger signals between neurons, prompting them to produce specialised proteins .


These proteins act as messengers, travelling to the gene library and attaching chemical tags that modulate gene expression.


Positive experiences, like rich learning environments, can foster the addition of beneficial tags, while negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can leave different marks. These tags can be temporary or permanent, altering how the brain interprets its genetic blueprint.


This phenomenon, known as epigenetic modification, highlights the profound impact of environment on gene expression.

Women’s health, Vitamin D, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Hormonal Imbalance

"Women are the real architects of society."

Cher

2. Understanding Progesterone and Thyroid Hormones in Women's Health


Progesterone and thyroid hormones are vital components of women's reproductive health.


Progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy .


It helps prepare the uterus for the implantation of a fertilised  egg and maintains the uterine lining throughout pregnancy.


Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, regulate metabolism and influence growth and development during childhood.


They also play a crucial role in  fertility and pregnancy , with imbalances potentially leading to menstrual irregularities and impaired fertility.


The complexities of hormonal health are vast, with factors such as age, lifestyle, and genetics influencing hormone levels.


For instance, high estrogen levels can increase the concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) , a protein that binds to thyroid hormones, resulting in decreased free thyroid hormone levels.


This can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, leading to health issues.


To naturally restore hormonal balance, women can adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet.


Research suggests a  Western-style diet  , often overflowing with refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and lacking in fibre, can disrupt this hormonal harmony. This can lead to:



However, the good news is that switching to a Mediterranean-style diet can positively influence your hormonal balance. This diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provide essential nutrients and  fibre. It also includes healthy fats like those found in olive oil and nuts, promoting satiety and potentially improving leptin sensitivity.


Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, plays a crucial role in signalling fullness. Studies indicate that:

Women's Health

3. Personalised Blood Tests: A Game-Changer in Hormonal Health Management


This International Women's Day, put yourself first and prioritise your health!


Your health is the engine behind everything you achieve, from smashing your work goals to crushing personal bests.


It's time to give yourself the full MOT  you deserve!


The Women's Full MOT Health Test goes beyond the basics, diving deep into the crucial markers that impact female health and wellness. This comprehensive test provides insights into:


  • Hormones: Understand how progesterone affects fertility and how thyroid hormones regulate metabolism.

  • Vitamin D: Gain insights into its vital role in bone strength and overall health.

Taking this test empowers you with a complete understanding of your body, allowing you to track, optimise, and take charge of your health.


Feeling overwhelmed? We can help! Read our " How to Choose Your Health Test " guide to find the perfect fit for you.


This International Women's Day, invest in yourself and prioritise your well-being. Take the wheel of your health – you deserve it!

Women’s health, Vitamin D, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Hormonal Imbalance

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