Estrogen increases the need for Vitamin B6.

birth control estrogen vitamin b6

“It seems that whenever there are increased levels of estrogen in the body, more B6 is required.” (Haas)

Excess estrogen increases the need for Vitamin B6. This makes sense when you learn that Vitamin B6:

⟿Is essential for the development of the corpus luteum

⟿Supports progesterone production

⟿Supports GABA production

⟿Helps break down estrogen in the liver

⟿Relieves histamine intolerance

⟿Decreases prolactin levels

It’s not far-fetched to speculate that women having period problems could potentially have a Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6’s hormone-supportive effects cover a lot of ground.

A side note, unfortunately, 75% of women on hormonal contraceptives are deficient in Vitamin B6. (Brighten) This makes sense when you know that most hormonal contraceptives serve up varying doses of synthetic estrogen. In fact, these medications increase the need for B6 by ~4,000%. (Hendrickson-Jack)

Some of you may be thinking, “I’m going to go supplement right now!”

It’s not that simple.

Just like all other nutrients, Vitamin B6 has many other partners and co-factors. Take magnesium for example, which is required to utilize B6.

Dr. Katharina Dalton, who coined the term PMS, has pointed out how B6 supplementation can lead to worse outcomes. Excess supplementation has been shown to cause peripheral neuritis and autoɪmmune dise@se.

A generally risk-free approach to getting more Vitamin B6 is through food. My favorite B6-rich foods?

😋Liver

😋Fish

😋Chicken

😋Banana

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Not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider.


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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Briden, L. (2017). Period Repair Manual.

Dalton, K. (1999). Once a Month. Hunter House Inc., Publishers: Alameda, CA.

Haas, E. M. Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.

Hendrickson-Jack, L. (2019). The Fifth Vital Sign. Fertility Friday Publishing.

Naish, F. (2000). Natural Fertility. Bowral, AU: Sally Milner Publishing Pty Ltd.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.