Risking Vitamin D deficiency – the doctor’s advice

Rheumatoid arthritisInflammation of one or more joints of the body. is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects 1% of our population. In keeping with many autoimmuneAny condition caused by the body’s immune response against its own tissues. conditions it is more common amongst women. It is thought to arise through a complex interplay of geneticRelating to the genes, the basic units of genetic material. and environmental factors which leads to activation of the immune systemThe organs specialised to fight infection. and inflammationThe body’s response to injury. of the lining of the joint. This process results in redness, warmth, pain and swelling of the joints. The treatments we use in rheumatoid arthritisA type of autoimmune arthritis featuring chronic inflammation of the small joints, especially in the hands and feet, and eventually leading to joint destruction and deformity aim to suppress the inflammation, thus improving symptoms and also crucially preventing progressiveContinuously increasing in extent or severity. damage to the joints. The inflammatory burden in rheumatoid disease is associated with osteoporosisA condition resulting in brittle bones due to loss of bony tissue. and increased cardiovascular risk, it is therefore important to screen for and address risk factors for these conditions also.

1. HRTAbbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. will stop your hot flushes and sweats
2. Oestrogens will treat vaginal dryness and many causes of painful intercourse and lack of libidoSexual drive.
3. HRT increases the bone density and prevents osteoporotic fractures
4. HRT protects the intervertebral discs
5. HRT does reduce the number of heart attacks
6. Oestrogens help depressionFeelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional well-being in many women
7. HRT improves libido
8. HRT improves the texture of the skin
9. "I am a nicer person to live with"
10. HRT is safe

There has been much controversy about hormone replacement therapyThe administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. Abbreviated to HRT. (HRTAbbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body.) since the initial publication of a Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. This study linked HRT with an increased risk of heart disease, strokeAny sudden neurological problem caused by a bleed or a clot in a blood vessel. and cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body..  However, in later publications by the same authors it is clear that they realise methodological errors. These errors were around the over dosage to older asymptomatic women (women with no symptoms), and they have as a result retracted much, but not all, of the bad news. The major reported side effects occurred in the 22% of women over the age of 70. 

This article reviews the prevalence of chronicA disease of long duration generally involving slow changes. vitaminEssential substances that cannot be produced by the body and so must be acquired from the diet. D deficiency in the UK population and the growing interest in its protective effects against various diseases. The UK government policy of sun avoidance claims to have slowed down the increase in melanomaA malignant tumour arising from pigmented cells or melanocytes, most often in the skin but has had a deleterious effect on the simple and natural means of skin production of vitamin D. The review shows that an alternative to oral supplementation is sensible sun exposure, taking care not to burn, is all that is required to maintain adequate bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. levels and avoid the winter drop in vitamin D. The elderly and immobile in particular should be targeted for vitamin D blood screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to and appropriate oral supplementation.

If you are worried about your vitamin status order a lab request.

Planning is everything, and planning for your medical consultation is no exception. A small amount of time taken in advance of your appointment will improve the likelihood that both you and your doctor will get all of the information that you need and it will probably save time in the long run.