There have not been a lot of articles (correct that to say articles worth noting) about hormone balance lately, but I did run across this one from the Huffington Post. I'm not shy about asking pretty much everyone if they have ever had their Vitamin D levels checked. I'm astonished at the number of people who have never had their levels checked, and often it's because their doctors tell them that their levels are "normal". I generally tell them that "normal" and "optimal" are two different things; its normal to have declining hormone levels as we age, but it certainly isn't optimal. I've also told people that if their doctor can just look at them and tell them their Vitamin D level is normal, without benefit of blood work, then their doctor is "extra-special" or just doesn't want to be bothered with the blood work.
I sometimes get asked how much Vitamin D I take daily, and jaws drop when I tell them that from October to May, I take 10,000 IUs of Vitamin D daily, and from June through September, I back it down to 5,000 IUs daily (mostly because I am out in the sun almost daily exercising in the outdoor pool.) Dr. Carr likes his patients to be between 70-100 ng/ml (blood work levels); mine usually runs about 75-80. My last blood work indicated that it had dropped to about 60, but it was taken in the middle of my arm surgery saga, and during that time my vitamins/supplements were off schedule. The anesthesiology department told me to stop all supplements 7 days preoperatively, and with two surgeries 3 weeks apart that blew my schedule out the door. I'm back on track now, and I am confident when my blood work is taken next time my Vitamin D level will be back to an optimal range. My point is that the article referenced above clearly shows that it is nearly impossible to get adequate Vitamin D through food. Bottom line, get your Vitamin D levels checked, and if your doctor gives you a hard time.....don't take no for an answer!
I've been hearing a lot about compounding pharmacies lately, mostly because of the botched executions a few weeks ago in Oklahoma. Most of the talking heads on TV are spewing out the same line about compounding pharmacies not being regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), in an effort to portray the compounding pharmacies as a bunch of rogue, lawless entities that have to be reined in. Compounding pharmacies, like all pharmacies, are regulated by state pharmacy boards. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating drugs, just as their name states. I saw an interesting post awhile back that said something to the effect that it's important to remember that every drug recalled by the FDA was once approved by the FDA. Think about the number of drugs the FDA has recalled or ordered stronger warnings for in the last few years (Lunesta, the sleep medication, is just the latest, it has not been recalled but the recommended dose has been ordered cut in half).
Finally, an update on my "arm saga". Still some pain if I use it too much, my fingers are moving pretty well, thumb still moving slower than my fingers. The scar is healing great:
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Although I know the plate inhibits absorption a bit, I am pretty much back to rubbing my progesterone cream on both forearms, which I am sure is also helping the scar heal. I can knit, but I am trying to be careful to not knit for too long a stretch and take breaks. I am anxious to have the outdoor pool at my condo development open up soon, since that is still the only exercise besides walking that I can do right now. My back really feels the lack of core strength :(
How did it get to be almost the end of May ------ next weekend is Memorial Day weekend! Around here that means lots and lots of extra traffic, as Charlotte Motor Speedway is holding a huge NASCAR race. I stay relatively close to home to get away from the madness. Have a great week, everyone!
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