Skip to content
Cart
    • Shop
    • All Products
    • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
    • Bundles
  • Clinic
  • Articles
  • Recipes
    • Get Started
    • Take the Assessment
    • Get Started
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Podcasts
    • Our Groups
    • The Team
    • Support
    • Our Vision
  • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • RSS
Change your site location
Currently shipping from our AUS site
Australia Stay on the Australian & NZ site Australia Go to the USA & Canada site
Contact My Account Log in
  • Shop expand
    • All Products
      All Products
    • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
      Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
      Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
    • Bundles
      Bundles
  • Clinic
  • Articles
  • Recipes
  • Get Started expand
    • Take the Assessment
    • Get Started
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Podcasts
    • Our Groups
    • The Team
    • Support
    • Our Vision
Why Vitamin D is Important for Hormonal Health

Why Vitamin D is Important for Hormonal Health

While generally considered a nutrient, Vitamin D in dietary form also functions as a precursor and building block of a powerful steroid hormone in the body called calcitriol.

Vitamin D is the only nutrient that acts as a hormone and belongs to a fat-soluble nutrient group called sterols. Vitamin D works with other nutrients and hormones in your body to support healthy bone renewal — an ongoing process of mineralization and demineralization.

Researchers are discovering that Vitamin D also promotes normal cell growth and differentiation throughout the body, working as a key factor in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system. Studies show that calcitriol actually becomes part of the physical composition of cells, assisting in the build-up and breakdown of healthy tissue. Vitamin D also helps regulate the processes that keep you healthy by monitoring your immune system.

The sunshine vitamin

The human body isn’t able to make Vitamin D on its own. It can be derived from food sources or as a result of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light. The best natural source of Vit B is sunlight, as the sun’s rays activate a form of cholesterol and convert it to cholecalciferol. This compound travels to the kidneys and liver where it is further converted to two active forms of circulating Vitamin D. (This is the reason why you can have lower Vit D levels if you’re on cholesterol medication.)

As previously mentioned, sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D. Ideally, you should spend up to half an hour daily in the early morning or late afternoon sun (the safest sunlight hours). Remember that applying sunscreen prevents Vitamin D absorption and exposing larger skin surfaces will absorb more Vitamin D. Also keep in mind that Vitamin D is absorbed for up to 48 hours after sun exposure and washing with soap decreases absorption.

Vitamin D benefits

Vitamin D offers an amazing range of health benefits, foremost of which is protection against serotonin depletion. Serotonin is a compound that helps regulate your body temperature (among many other things). This means Vitamin D can reduce hot flushes and alleviate night sweats. Serotonin is also crucial for improved moods and motivation.

Vitamin D also helps your body absorb calcium, making it essential for building and maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Along with oestrogen and progesterone, Vitamin D is essential for improving bone health especially as we approach midlife. Declining oestrogen levels during menopause can encourage Vitamin D deficiency and exacerbating symptoms such as loss of bone mass, so make sure your Vit D levels are optimal during this transition.

Vitamin D helps the body use insulin more efficiently and prevent diabetes, as well as lower blood pressure readings for people who have hypertension (high blood pressure). Vitamin D is also excellent for mental health as it has a positive effect on low mood and cognitive performance. Did you ever notice how going out in the sun can quickly elevate your mood and lift your spirit? Hence, the theory that winter can make you depressed!

Vitamin D can also improve a host of other symptoms associated with the following:

  • glucose intolerance
  • multiple sclerosis
  • osteoarthritis
  • heart disease
  • obesity
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • muscle weakness
  • celiac disease and other autoimmune diseases
  • fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • chronic pain
  • asthma and allergies

Vitamin D and hormones

Vitamin D in your body interacts with and has an effect on the secretion of hormones from the parathyroid glands. These butterfly-shaped glands located in the neck secrete the parathyroid hormone (PTH), a messenger molecule that helps to regulate calcium. PTH promotes the activation of vitamin D within your cells, which in turn leads to calcium regulation. A deficiency in Vit D can lead to the abnormal release of PTH because the parathyroid glands need to produce very large amounts of the hormone to compensate. Over time, this can lead to a hormonal imbalance due to high levels of circulating PTH.

Vitamin D deficiency can also have an effect on your pituitary gland, a small hormone in your brain that produces a range of other hormones. One crucial aspect of regulating pituitary function is control over pituitary cell growth. Abnormal pituitary growth can lead to the development of tumours, which in turn can disrupt normal pituitary function and cause a hormonal imbalance. In some cases, treatment with Vit D supplements can help to relieve the symptoms associated with rapid changes in hormone levels.

Foods rich in Vitamin D

  • Shitake mushrooms
  • Maitake mushrooms
  • UV-exposed Portobello mushrooms
  • Chanterelle mushrooms
  • Halibut
  • Sardines
  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Herring
  • Oysters
  • Caviar
  • Trout
  • Tuna
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
  • Milk products
  • Fortified milk alternatives (e.g. rice milk and nut milk)
  • Organ meats
  • Bonemeal
  • Fish-liver oils
  • Eggs

Summary

Now you see how Vitamin D is important in maintaining optimum hormonal health. It’s always best to get a blood test to determine if you are deficient in Vitamin D. Talk to your health care practitioner to learn more about how to measure your Vit D levels. We also recommend you take our FREE online assessment so we can assist you in your journey towards wellness and better hormonal health. The Happy Hormones 8-Week Program is designed to give you everything you need to heal yourself the natural way.

REFERENCES

National Institutes of Health. Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements. 2020 March.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

Jorde, M. Sneve, Y. Figenschau, J. Svartberg,  K. Waterloo. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Internal Medicine. 2008 November.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02008.x

Mitsuyoshi Urashima, Takaaki Segawa, Minoru Okazaki, Mana Kurihara, Yasuyuki Wada, Hiroyuki Ida. Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2010 May;91(5):1255-60.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20219962/ 

 

 

Rachel Enright

Rachel has 28 years experience as a holistic lifestyle coach. She completed her B.H.Sc. in Nutritional Medicine and has been a whole foods vegetarian chef for close to 30 years, working in the USA, Central America, Mexico, and Thailand. Rachel loves healing through a whole foods diet, has specialised in working with kids with spectrum disorders, and women's health.

bone health Conditions depression fatigue vitamin D
Featured Articles
  • The Optimal Skin Guide
    The Optimal Skin Guide
  • What is the Lymphatic System?
    What is the Lymphatic System?
  • What to Expect in an HHY Consultation
    What to Expect in an HHY Consultation
  • What happens when you take Happy Hormones?
    What happens when you take Happy Hormones?
  • How to Strengthen your Immunity Naturally
    How to Strengthen your Immunity Naturally
  • The Happy Hormones Cleansing Phase
    The Happy Hormones Cleansing Phase
Recent Articles
  • Endometriosis & Fertility
  • Grilled Spicy Grapefruit
  • Parmesan Asparagus Salad
  • Lentil Pesto Pasta Salad
  • What to Expect in a Lifestyle Consultation
  • Preconception Self-Care: How to Improve Fertility
  • Perimenopause and Menopause
  • Happy Collagen Rose Lemonade
  • Why Collagen is Essential for Bone & Joint Health
  • Watermelon Collagen Spritzer
  • 5 Skin Care Routine Steps to Aid Menopause Symptoms
  • Why You Need Collagen in Menopause
  • What are Collagen Peptides?
  • How Stress Affects Collagen Production
  • What Makes Happy Collagen So Special?
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Related Articles

What to Expect in a Lifestyle Consultation
Top 10 Skin Super Nutrients
Why We LOVE the Antioxidant Face Cleanser

Recommended Products

Happy Greens 500ml
Happy Greens 500ml
369 reviews
Regular price $29.95
Happy Hormones Capsules 240
Happy Hormones Capsules 240
1656 reviews
Regular price $99.95
Happy Turmeric 500ml
Happy Turmeric 500ml
273 reviews
Regular price $29.95

Invalid password
Enter

Join our Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest news, updates & special offers.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS
Happy Shop
  • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry™
  • Happy Hormones
  • Happy Calm
  • Happy Collagen
  • Happy Liver
  • Happy Turmeric
  • Happy Greens
  • Happy Bladder
Happy You
  • Happy Weight
  • Happy Reset
  • Menopause
  • Bladder Bundle
  • Assessment
Happy Us
  • Contact
  • Clinic
  • Our Groups
  • Reviews
  • Shipping & Delivery
Happy Info
  • Podcasts
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Articles
  • Recipes
  • Affiliates

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.

© 2022 Happy Healthy You Design by Stead Lane
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Refunds
  • Referral Terms
★ Reviews

Our Customer Reviews

10802 reviews
Write a review
94%
(10151)
3%
(341)
1%
(88)
1%
(57)
2%
(165)
S
Happy Healthy You
Shirley (Sydney, AU)
Happy Hormones

In 2020 I started loosing a lot of hair from my crown. It was so distressing to see almost half of my thickness disappear in the last 2years. Then I started taking happy hormones at the beginning of this year and my crown has grown hair as have the sides of my temples which were empty. To say I am happy is an understatement I am forever grateful to have come across this incredible product. View the pictures now and before shots. Thankyou Happy Hormones your product is exceptional!

User picture User picture
T
Happy Healthy You
T.M.M. (Christchurch, NZ)
Thank you

Thank you. I really notice the differenc. My moods are more balanced, the urgency and discomfort associated with the need to be has reduced. I will definitely be continuing thank you.

User picture
Reviewer avatar
Happy Healthy You
Kylie B. (Melbourne, AU)
Thank Goodness I Found You!

I’ve been having hot flushes for about 4 years or so but am still only peri menopausal. My flushes have pretty much stopped, I probably chose the wrong time of year to start taking these wonder capsules as now I’m feeling the cold here in Melbourne…this time last year I was still walking around in t-shirts and Havi’s! Another amazing benefit is that I was still taking the contraceptive pill to regulate and to prevent severe cramping not only during my cycle but also during ovulation. I decided to stop taking the pill to see if my cycle had stopped naturally as I turned 50 in January, it hasn’t, so the ovulation pain that came 2 weeks later was excruciating and I was effectively bed ridden for 5 days! I was DREADING my period! Whilst ovulating I had starting taking Happy Hormones and lo and behold, when the period arrived, NO PAIN!! I had told my Dr that I had planned on restarting the pill….no longer necessary! I’m so extremely grateful to have found HH and that I took the chance to try something natural…it’s been a complete game changer for me!

User picture
A
Happy Healthy You
A.R. (Brisbane, AU)
Some cant live withouts :)

Love these products but what I love more is the support and the groups! At least you find out that that weird sensation, or itch or weight gain or something is just not you alone! I take a few of the HH products and really like them all. HH, HL, HC, HG, GT...........lately been taking HC twice a day...I think its working ...my husband is still alive :)
Pis is me and the gand waiting on the HH order :) lol

User picture
S
Happy Healthy You
Stephanie (Cheviot, NZ)
Keep Calm and Carry On

Have been taking HH for about 5 years now and they truly work. The formula of HH is the best I have ever come across. I feel calmer taking them and they keep the hot flushes to either nothing or very mild. I take two capsules twice daily which seems to be the best maintenance dose. Go on try them, HH really work.

User picture
J
Happy Healthy You
Jodie L. (Brisbane, AU)
Amazing

I have been taking HH for over a year and each time i think I can go without them I notice such a decrease in energy and mood. They have made a significant difference to my life and mood. I am a shift worker and I highly recommend for any women peri menopausal and low energy levels.

User picture
S
Happy Healthy You
Sheena H.H. (Sydney, AU)
I wish I'd tried HH sooner.

100 Happy Hormone tablets later and WHAT a difference. I cant imagine not taking this little supplement of sanity every day. If you are tossing up needs v's wants .... HH are a need, do this for yourself. I wish I had've ordered sooner.

User picture
S
Happy Healthy You
Suzanne F.F. (Millendon, AU)
Happy Hormones is my life saver

I started going through peri menopause and am having a period every 3-5 months. My biggest symptom beside insomnia is hot flushes. I was having one every 10 minutes and I became a very horrible person as I just couldn't stand them. Enter Happy Hormones, I was having 2 morning and night and it wasn't doing anything and then someone on the FB page suggested 3 morning and night and for that I am forever grateful as now I am not grumpy all the time and the hot flushes are like maybe 5 a day now. I am sure my husband and kids thanks you more :)

User picture
A
Happy Healthy You
Angela B. (Perth, AU)
Mother's Little Helper

My great friend Lori Woodhouse recommended I take Happy Hormones almost four years ago. It is the only supplement I have really noticed a significant improvement in my well being. I haven't gone without it since! I went from struggling to cope with being a working mum to enjoying parenting, and being able to balance life. I returned to uni whilst still working, finished my degree, and accepted a new job which is interesting, family friendly and challenging. I don't believe I could have managed all that in the past 4 years without my daily dose of Happy Hormones, and of course the support of my wonderful friend Lori Woodhouse. Lori also landed her dream job in that time, which combines her skills as a Registered Nurse with a passion for health at Happy Healthy You! This is us at my 50th Birthday Lunch just four weeks ago!

User picture
D
Happy Healthy You
Denise B. (Melbourne, AU)
Thank goodness for your products

I use both Happy hormones and happy liver, although I am 68 I still get hot flushes, my recent blood test my liver is great
And I am very happy to say my hot flushes are gone Tks to your wonderful products, they travel all over Australia with me and I have spread the word about them. Tks sooooo much

User picture
123
Powered by Judge.me