Estrogen increases the need for Vitamin B6.
“It seems that whenever there are increased levels of estrogen in the body, more B6 is required.” (Haas)
Excess estrogen increases the need for Vitamin B6. This makes sense when you learn that Vitamin B6:
⟿Is essential for the development of the corpus luteum
⟿Supports progesterone production
⟿Supports GABA production
⟿Helps break down estrogen in the liver
⟿Relieves histamine intolerance
⟿Decreases prolactin levels
It’s not far-fetched to speculate that women having period problems could potentially have a Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6’s hormone-supportive effects cover a lot of ground.
A side note, unfortunately, 75% of women on hormonal contraceptives are deficient in Vitamin B6. (Brighten) This makes sense when you know that most hormonal contraceptives serve up varying doses of synthetic estrogen. In fact, these medications increase the need for B6 by ~4,000%. (Hendrickson-Jack)
Some of you may be thinking, “I’m going to go supplement right now!”
It’s not that simple.
Just like all other nutrients, Vitamin B6 has many other partners and co-factors. Take magnesium for example, which is required to utilize B6.
Dr. Katharina Dalton, who coined the term PMS, has pointed out how B6 supplementation can lead to worse outcomes. Excess supplementation has been shown to cause peripheral neuritis and autoɪmmune dise@se.
A generally risk-free approach to getting more Vitamin B6 is through food. My favorite B6-rich foods?
😋Liver
😋Fish
😋Chicken
😋Banana
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Not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Briden, L. (2017). Period Repair Manual.
Dalton, K. (1999). Once a Month. Hunter House Inc., Publishers: Alameda, CA.
Haas, E. M. Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.
Hendrickson-Jack, L. (2019). The Fifth Vital Sign. Fertility Friday Publishing.
Naish, F. (2000). Natural Fertility. Bowral, AU: Sally Milner Publishing Pty Ltd.
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