There are thousands of articles on the internet which elaborate on why the presence of vitamin D is essential in the human body. During early research, scientists were able to conclude that human skin has the power to produce vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. The vitamin is then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Lack of this vitamin can cause brittle bones, nails, and teeth. If you do not have enough vitamin D in your body, then you will not have healthy bones and teeth. But that is not the only function this vitamin performs.

Vitamin D – A Vital Prohormone

Not many are aware of the fact that vitamin D is not just like any other vitamin, it is also a hormone. For those who are unaware of the term “prohormone,” it is a forerunner of a hormone. Under proper conditions, the prohormone will form a hormone or activate other hormones, which several organs produce. Vitamin D is such a prohormone that is produced primarily by the skin. Once it enters the blood, it reaches the liver. Here some chemical changes take places, and the resultant hormone is sent to the kidney, where the actual vitamin D is synthesized. Then on, it mixes with the blood and reaches all parts via the circulatory system.

Vitamin D and  Hormonal Balance

Almost everyone is aware of the general benefits of this vitamin. But did you know that it has a direct impact on several hormones? Here, you will acquire information about the role that vitamin D plays in hormonal balance in the human body and related effects.

Female hormonal balance

The male and female bodies are different and have a different set of hormones. These play an active part in the development of internal as well as external organs. Progesterone and estrogen are the two main hormones in the female body. Flawed production of these can hamper the breast development, reproductive organ formation, and overall female health. An imbalance of these two hormones may trigger breast cancer in females. An adequate amount of vitamin D in the female body can prevent an imbalance in the female hormone production, and thereby, puts a stopper on the chances of breast cancer.

Helps during menopause

When a woman crosses the age of 35, she advances towards a hormonal phase that is known as menopause in medical terms. During this age, the estrogen production decreases, creating an imbalance in the body. This hormonal upheaval has both mental and physical impact on a woman. Mood swings and hot flushes are common, and most women tend to gain weight, lose hair or have acne. Day by day, the ovaries lose their potential to produce estrogen in enough quantity to keep the body fit.  During this time, hormone specialists prescribe vitamin D as it assists the body to withstand change.

Strengthens the nervous system

Women need to maintain the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone in the bloodstream, as these hormones have multi-pronged benefits. Studies show that if the levels of these hormones fall dramatically, the brain and nerves cease to function properly. The lack of these female hormones damages the overall brain functions. When the brain cells get stimulus, they get overactive and release chemicals that increase the level of toxicity in the brain. These toxins damage nerves. It is the function of progesterone to prevent this from happening. But it requires assistance from vitamin D to perform this function. Thanks to the vitamin D hormone, the brain remains safe from any damage.

Regulates proper functioning of parathyroid glands

Without an adequate level of parathyroid hormones in the bloodstream, calcium regulation will be hampered. This hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands that are situated near the neck. The glands tend to function abnormally if there is a lack of vitamin D hormone in the body. Since all the sub-systems in the human body are interconnected, an imbalance of one hormone affects the overall functioning of the gland, and in turn, makes the body unwell. When vitamin D is low, there is nothing that can regulate the function of parathyroid glands. Thus, there will be either increased or decreased calcium levels in the body.

Correct operation of pituitary gland

Another gland that can malfunction in case there is an imbalance in the level of vitamin D hormone is the pituitary gland. Presence of vitamin D will disable this gland from overproducing hormones. An unprecedented pituitary cell growth, it will cause the formation of tumors in future. These can then develop into carcinogenic lumps. You can prevent these by maintaining a steady level of vitamin D in the bloodstream. If you suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin D, then it is better to see a doctor as soon as possible and take preventive measures.

You need not go for supplements to correct vitamin D deficiency. Proper diet and simple changes in the lifestyle can prevent this shortage. The sunlight allows the human skin to produce this vital hormone. So, spend some time outdoors, when the sun is out. Dairy products, fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms are some of the food items rich in vitamin D.  With age, the capability of the body to produce this hormone decreases. Then, you may require oral vitamin D supplements. It is better to consult with a physician and then start the course.