How do vitamin and mineral deficiencies affect women’s health?

Stating that vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies need to stay healthy and that they have various roles including blood clotting, nervous system, vision functions, skin structure and immune system, Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Özlem Özyılmaz made important statements about which vitamin deficiency paves the way for which disease. Vitamin D deficiency paves the way for the formation of chocolate cysts and fibroids. Dr Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Vitamin D is vital for human health. Vitamin D is produced and stored in the organism to a limited extent. Ultraviolet B rays from the sun are the strongest source of vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D in women; It can cause a wide variety of gynecological conditions, including menstrual pain (primary dysmonorrhea), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis (chocolate cyst), uterine fibroids, premature ovarian failure (POF), infertility (subfertility), and ovarian (ovarian). cancer. Especially when vitamin D deficiency and obesity come together, the frequency of uterine fibroids increases. B12 deficiency causes urinary incontinence and sexual reluctance. Dr. Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the growth of nerve cells and the repair of all cells. The most obvious harm of vitamin B12 deficiency is that it causes serious damage to the nerves and causes permanent nerve problems. In severe cases of B12 deficiency, urinary incontinence can occur as a result of this damage to the nervous system. In addition, loss of sexual performance and irregular periods are other problems caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Iron deficiency can be the cause of irregular periods and fatigue. Dr. Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough iron in the body. This leads to a decreased number of red blood cells (red blood cells) and a condition we call “anemia” or “anemia.” Decreased iron content in the body; It can be attributed to abnormal and severe menstrual bleeding, as well as causes such as decreased iron absorption. Therefore, when investigating the cause of anemia, abnormalities in the menstrual cycle of women should be questioned and the correct treatment procedure should be applied.

In treatment, methods such as hormonal contraception and iron supplementation may be recommended, as well as some surgical procedures to be performed in utero in severe cases. Vitamin C protects against sexually transmitted diseases “Vitamin C, one of the antioxidant vitamins, plays an important role in protecting against infectious diseases and cancer, as well as strengthening the immune system,” said Op. Dr. Özlem Özyılmaz, and continued as follows: “Vitamin C with antioxidant properties. It reacts with free radicals and neutralizes them. As a result, free radicals are prevented from causing genetic damage to cells. Its importance for women’s health is its protective effect against gynecologic cancers and sexually transmitted diseases.In addition, recent studies show that vitamin C helps prevent pregnancy poisoning (pre-eclampsia) and contributes to the formation of the amniotic fluid.

Vitamin A deficiency is the cause of premature birth, calcium deficiency is the cause of early menopause. Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Vitamin A helps in the formation of teeth, skin and soft tissues. It also plays an important role in eye health, as it produces pigments that give color to the retina of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency, on the other hand, can do much more damage to the systems and organs we mentioned. Many people experience infertility problems when they don’t get enough vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency, especially in childhood, is a serious obstacle for many couples to have children in the future. On the other hand, vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and liver failure. Claiming that women with calcium deficiency are at risk for early menopause, Op. Dr Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Early menopause, the final cessation of the menstrual cycle before the age of 40, can lead to serious long-term health problems such as infertility, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and paralysis. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions against early menopause to delay this devastating effect. Studies show that early menopause is observed 13 percent less in women who get the most calcium from food sources. It would be good to consume foods rich in calcium and take supplements when needed. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to birth defects. Claiming that folic acid has many important functions in the body, Op. Dr Özlem Özyılmaz said: “Folic acid occurs naturally in many foods or in various supplements. Since it plays an important role in cell division, it is an extremely important vitamin to consume enough during rapid growth periods such as pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. Especially in pregnant women, folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube irregularities such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Consumption of legumes, asparagus, eggs, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, dried fruits, beef liver and tropical fruits, which are rich in folic acid, are important for maintaining folic acid levels.