Vitamin D is a crucial part of our bone and hormone health. For many women, the complications with hormone imbalance can be attributed to a lack of normal vitamin D levels. Without vitamin D, the promotion of hormone secretion and the use of calcium, in the body, can be minimized and lead to long term health complications (Holick 24-27).
Maximizing Vitamin D Intake
If you are concerned about your bone health or your hormonal imbalances, it is important to speak with a doctor about your need for vitamin D supplements. Depending on the degree to which your vitamin D levels are deficient, your doctor may recommend either a weekly prescription supplement of vitamin D or make recommendations that you spend an hour a day, or more, in the outdoors. For some women, however, the use of outdoor sunlight may not be feasible and, ultimately, the use of artificial light may be considered.
Role of Full-Spectrum Lighting
As a patient in need of vitamin D supplements or daily sunlight intervention, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders to ensure you get the right level of hormone secretion in your body. If you are unable to get the daily dose of outdoor sunlight – due to weather or your living situation – then artificial ultraviolet lights may be useful. To be effective, however, it will be necessary to purchase full-spectrum light bulbs.
What the Doctor Orders
To find the right kind of artificial ultraviolet light for your health needs, always speak with your doctor about the recommendations. In some cases, your doctor may be able to write a prescription for a UV light box, with full spectrum light bulbs, which can then be provided by a medical equipment supplier. When done this way, most health insurance companies will provide coverage for your UV light needs.
No matter what your hormone or bone health status is, artificial ultraviolet light can never replace a supplement of vitamin D and, to ensure optimal health, both types of alternative treatment should be used (Holick 134). When unable to use vitamin D, or when unable to get outdoor sun rays, always consider artificial ultraviolet light as a feasible alternative to the primary care recommended by your physician.
Sources: Holick PhD, MD, Michael. The Vitamin D Solution. Plume. 2011. Print
