Vitamin D Deficiency is on the rise. It seems that more and more women and young girls are finding that they are experiencing signs and symptoms that can be attributed to a lack of vitamin D. There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood that an individual will be vitamin D deficient, but even those who don’t align with these factors can experience the negative side effects of this particular deficiency.
At PGOMG, one of our top priorities as a healthcare provider for women is to educate our patients. As a result, we have compiled a list of potential Vitamin D deficiency symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options so you’ll be ready to discuss your concerns with your doctor during your next appointment at PGOMG.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms:
The tricky part about a vitamin D deficiency is that its symptoms tend to be somewhat subtle and easily attributed to the patient feeling “under the weather” or like you’re having an off day (for more than a few days). Some symptoms of insufficient vitamin D in a person can include:
You feel achy
If there’s no reason for you to feel sore, i.e. you haven’t been rigorously exercising, etc. yet, your muscles are giving you aches, pains, and cramps.
Fatigue
Are you experiencing more fatigue than usual? Do you get tired more easily? Are you feeling down?
- Headaches
- Restless, difficulty sleeping
- Incontinence
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency:
Some individuals are just more prone to having a vitamin D deficiency – it’s not just that they’re not getting enough exposure to sunlight each day. Certain factors can control the amount of vitamin D that is in a person’s diet and how much of the vitamin they are naturally exposed to. Some of these factors include:
- Milk allergies, i.e. lactose intolerance
- A (strict) vegetarian diet
- Celiac’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Obesity
- Dark skin pigmentation
Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency:
Luckily, treatment for a vitamin D deficiency is straightforward: patients will need to increase exposure to vitamin D in a safe, effective manner. It’s likely that your doctor will advise changes in your diet and perhaps the use of supplements in order to treat the condition. However, it’s essential that patients with a vitamin D deficiency take their doctor’s advice to heart and not over-do it. Too much vitamin D has been linked to other health problems, so be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
If you are concerned that you may have a vitamin D deficiency and would like to discuss your symptoms, please feel free to contact PGOMG and make an appointment with one of our experienced providers.
