By Mary Kundert

The Corner Pharmacist

Dear Mary,

I’m 38 years old, a mother of two, and I’ve recently been experiencing changes in my monthly cycle. My doctor started me on birth control pills to regulate things. After reading your last column, I’m curious if hormones such as birth control pills deplete nutrients?

Debra

Dear Debra,

Oral Contraceptives deplete several nutrients, including folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 & B12, vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Few people realize the important roles that folic acid plays in the body, and the serious health problems that result from it’s depletion. Folic acid deficiency is very, very common. Not only is it depleted by many drugs, but it’s likely that you don’t get enough from your diet. This is one vitamin truly worthy of your attention.

Folic acid plays a crucial role in cell division. Inadequate levels have been scientifically linked to birth defects, anemia, various forms of cancer, cervical dysplasia, depression and cardiovascular disease. By taking a high quality multivitamin with added folate, women on oral contraceptives can help to protect their heart, while also alleviating symptoms such as weakness, fatigue or mild-depression.

Folic acid can be found in many foods, including dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, rice, brewer’s yeast, beef liver, beans, asparagus, kelp, soybeans and soy flour. However, few of us eat an adequate amount of these foods. In addition, like many vital nutrients, folic acid gets destroyed during cooking, food processing and storage. For these reasons, folic acid supplementation is beneficial to many people, not just those taking oral contraceptives.

Dear Mary,

Did nature really intend for women to enter menopause at the same time that our daughters enter puberty? With all the hormone changes going on in my home, things can get pretty tense! Is there a nutritional supplement that is useful for both me and my daughter?

Beth

Dear Beth,

I’m glad you asked, because this gives me a chance to introduce an important class of supplements: essential fatty acids. EFAs are good fats that are extremely important to overall health, including hormone regulation. There are several types.

We’ve all heard of the benefits to cardiovascular health from fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids. These fish oils are also helpful in treating a wide range of other problems. Another group is the omega-6 fatty acids, derived from borage, evening primrose or black current seed. Omega-6s help with general PMS, cyclic mastitis and skin problems. Many women find taking an oil supplement does wonders for creating more balance with their hormone changes.

EFAs have proven to be as essential to our health as vitamins, but they aren’t adequately obtained in our diets. Be careful to choose oils free of environmental pollutants. Talk to your doctor before starting fish oils if you are taking blood thinners.

Kundert is a registered pharmacist and works part time at Los Altos Pharmacy.