Yes, this is an example of interconnectedness in the body that might surprise you!
Hot flashes can be a seriously debilitating client symptom – and an excellent item to focus on in bringing them rapid relief early on in your program. I’ve written before about potential remedies for hot flashes. But be sure you think about how other hormones might be affecting estrogen, including Vitamin D! Here are the studies I referenced:
Given my research into this topic, I believe Vitamin D supplementation may have a stronger effect as the body gets hit with high one-time doses in a supplement (which is more likely to cause significant fluctuations in hormones – the real culprit in hot flashes) vs. smoother, continuous synthesis of Vitamin D from sun exposure. Please note this post is not at all discouraging appropriate Vitamin D supplementation! It’s just a reminder that each patient has unique needs. Obviously the effect of reducing estradiol and increasing sex hormone binding globulin can be quite positive for some of our clients (and is likely at least one reason why higher levels of Vitamin D have been shown in large studies to be associated with a lower incidence of hormone-mediated cancers) .
If hot flashes only happen at night and especially in the 2-4am window and impairing sleep, it’s much more likely that they are being driven by a cortisol surge. You might consider checking their diurnal rhythm of cortisol (e.g. DUTCH testing) as well as their various estrogens (*not* just estradiol).
I could go on and on… It’s also true that magnesium helps the body to regulate and produce hormones. Taking too much Vitamin D at once can drive magnesium too low (it’s needed to convert Vitamin D into its final form in the body). Studies show that magnesium can help reduce hot flashes too. Because insufficient magnesium is so common, I believe that RBC Magnesium should be run on nearly everyone as part of a thorough annual physical check-up.
I hope these tips helps you to use functional medicine know-how competently *and* confidently.
Wildly satisfied clients and patients build wildly successful practices!
Warmly,
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The lab results from a recent physical showed I was very low in Vitamin D…. 18 was the result. My doctor prescribed
50,000 IU of Vitamin D once a week and 800 Vitamin D daily. The doctor did not say anything about Magnesium.
After I take the weekly pill I have intense hot-flashes for a couple of days. What type of Magnesium would you
recommend I use to help? Thank you.
Hi,
Your link is the first one to help explain why I experience a “hot flash” early afternoon while taking vit D. I’ve tried ALL types of vitamin D (with or without oil, with or without K2, with or without magnesium, D2 or D3, etc) and have asked a handful of docs (psychiatrist, PCP, derms, etc) about this with no answers!! I am in my early 30’s, and didn’t even know it was a “hot flash”. Severity would correspond to the dosage. Thank you! Curiously, the same exact feeling (which I now realize to be like a hot flash) happened a few hours after I would take off my birth control patch.
I am in my early 30’s + healthy. However I get painful burning hot face every evening. This had a sudden onset after I quit estrogen/progesterone birth control. The burning intensity correlates to high estrogen times in my menstrual cycle. Curious if you had any thoughts on this — over a dozen world-class MD’s are stumped.
Hi Tracy,
So what would you recommend for a perimenopausal client who is struggling with overall low hormones and low mood? Initially her D was very low but now is better since she started supplementing. She needs to continue with D supplementation, right? But maybe at moderate levels to minimize the effect on hormones? She is working with her doctor to balance hormones and thyroid. Any thoughts or recommendations in this scenario?
Thanks for everything you do!
Aimee
Practitioner clarification questions are welcome! Please do not post personal case inquiries.
Hi, I’m on 50,000 units of vitamin d it’s my first week and I have hot flashes really bad and I have had a complete hysterectomy when I was 32yrs old I am now 52, how do I handle hot flashes and is it normal to be hungry from taking this large dose of vitamin d. Thank you