I Am 49 And Perimenopausal. Getting Spotting. Started Taking Vitamin C. Could It Be Cancer?

Posted on Fri, 27 Jul 2012

Question: I have been taking vitamin D due to deficiency for about 4 months and will begin taking vitamin C 500 mg everyday after dinner. Are there phosphorus tablets? If so what are they called and how should I take them. I am going to have my vitamin D rechecked next week, is that too soon or did I wIt to long? I am 49 and perimenousal. Is Estrogen, under what circumstances should I take it. Who or where should I go to discuss the vaginal bleeding that comes and goes and is scant? I am worried about cancer. My face is very oily too.
Hope there are answers to my questions

Answered by Dr. Anantharaman (9 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.

1. This is the right time to get your vitamin D level done. It usually normalises with 2 months of treatment, but there is no harm in waiting a little longer to get it done.

2. There is absolutely no need to take phosphorus tablets unless you have a condition which causes your kidney to leak phosphorus (this condition is extremely rare). All our diets contain enough phosphorus.

3. Estrogen replacement perimenopausally can be started if there are hot flashes that are troublesome.

4. You can XXXXXXX a gynaecologist to evaluate your vaginal bleeding - they will usually do an ultrasound of the pelvis to look at the endometrial thickness. It is also useful to get a TSH (thyroid function test) for the irregular cycles.

Irregular cycles and excessive bleeding are very common but most of the time it's not cancer. It's mainly because your ovary is not functioning properly before it shuts down completely. But you should always get evaluated.

If your gynaecologist or endocrinologist wants to start you on estrogens for menopause they should usually get a satisfactory diagnosis for any abnormal vaginal bleeding and then start the Hormone Replacement Treatment.

Hope I have answered all your queries. Let me know if you have any additional concerns.

Regards
Anantharaman

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Anantharaman (2 hours later)

Thank you so much Dr. Anantharaman,
I will see an OB/GYN and get my Vit. D checked. Is an over the counter women's formula multivitamin sufficient instead of a calcium 500 mg tablet. I went to the store today and all they had was calcium 500mg with vit D, but I really like taking my vit B complex stress formula with zinc and C. Are there calcium only tablets of 500mg each.

Answered by Dr. Anantharaman (12 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in. Over the counter preparations typically contain 400 IU of vitamin D with 500 mg of calcium. What you need is 2000 IU per day dose which I think is a prescription drug in the US. Another way you can take the vitamin d is 0000 IU twice a month, for which you will definitely need a prescription. If your vitamin D turns out fine you can probably maintain the levels using 1000 IU of vitamin D
Regards
Anantharaman

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli