Consultation of a doctor before taking dietary supplements for women’s health

Consultation of a doctor before taking dietary supplement for women’s health: a detailed guide

Section 1: The need to consult a doctor before starting a dietary supplement

Before including biologically active additives (dietary supplements) in your diet, especially when it comes to additives for women’s health, consultation with a doctor is absolutely necessary. Self -medication and an uncontrolled technique of additives can lead to unpredictable and even dangerous health consequences. This section examines in detail the reasons why a visit to a doctor is a mandatory step.

1. Individual characteristics of the body: Each female body is unique. Age, genetic predisposition, current state of health, the presence of chronic diseases, drugs taken, lifestyle and diet – all these factors affect how the body will respond to dietary supplements. What is suitable for one woman can be completely useless or even harmful to another. The doctor, having complete information about your medical history, will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits from taking specific additives, taking into account your individual characteristics.

2. Interaction with drugs: Bad, despite the fact that they are not medicines, can enter into undesirable interactions with the drugs taken. This can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug, increased its side effects or the development of new, undesirable reactions. For example, additives with iron can worsen the absorption of some antibiotics, and vitamin K can affect the effectiveness of anticoagulants. The doctor will be able to evaluate possible interactions and adjust the dosage of drugs or advise to refuse to take dietary supplements.

3. Masks of symptoms of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements to facilitate certain symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings or menstrual disorders, can disguise the symptoms of serious diseases that require immediate medical intervention. For example, fatigue can be a sign of anemia, thyroid diseases or even cancer. Reception of dietary supplements to increase energy can temporarily alleviate the symptom, but will not eliminate the main reason that will lead to the progression of the disease. The doctor will conduct the necessary examinations to exclude serious diseases and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

4. Lack of standardization and quality control: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not subjected to such strict control by regulatory authorities. This means that the quality and composition of dietary supplements can vary significantly from the manufacturer to the manufacturer. Some additives may contain the ingredients not indicated on the label, or contain impurities of heavy metals or other harmful substances. The doctor may advise choosing a dietary supplement from trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and undergo an independent quality test. Nevertheless, he will emphasize that even the most reliable manufacturers are still at the risk of inconsistency with the declared composition.

5. The risk of overdose and side effects: Even natural substances can be harmful in large doses. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can lead to serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, impaired liver and kidneys, and in some cases even to death. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause damage to the kidneys and cardiovascular system. The doctor will help determine the optimal dosage of dietary supplements based on your individual needs and health status in order to minimize the risk of side effects.

6. Individual intolerance and allergic reactions: Some women may have individual intolerance or allergies to certain ingredients contained in dietary supplements. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema, difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. The doctor will be able to evaluate your history for allergies and individual intolerance and advise you to choose dietary supplements that do not contain potential allergens.

7. Unreasonable expectations and marketing tricks: Many dietary supplements use aggressive marketing strategies to convince consumers of the effectiveness of their products. However, not all allegations regarding dietary supplements are confirmed by scientific research. The doctor will help you separate the scientific facts from marketing tricks and form realistic expectations from dietary supplements. He emphasizes that dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

8. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires special caution. Some additives can be toxic for the fetus or baby, while others can affect lactation. The doctor will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding and advise safe alternatives, if necessary.

9. Selection of dietary supplements, taking into account the results of the tests: General recommendations for taking vitamins and minerals often do not take into account the individual level of these substances in the body. Blood tests allow you to accurately determine the deficiency or excess of certain vitamins and trace elements. Based on these results, the doctor may prescribe specific dietary supplements in the necessary dosages in order to make up for the deficit or adjust the excess.

10. Alternative treatment methods: Before starting to take dietary supplements, the doctor can offer alternative treatment methods, such as a change in lifestyle, diet, physical exercises, psychotherapy or drugs. These methods can be more effective and safe than taking dietary supplements, especially in the long run.

Section 2: Preparation for a consultation with a doctor

To get the maximum benefit from a consultation with a doctor, it is important to prepare correctly for a visit. This section contains useful tips on how to collect the necessary information and formulate questions.

1. Make a list of all medications and dietary supplements: Prepare a complete list of all the drugs that you take, including prescription, over -the -counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, plant additives and homeopathic remedies. Indicate the dosage and frequency of taking each drug and additives. Take this list with you to an appointment with a doctor.

2. Write down your symptoms and complaints: Remember all the symptoms and complaints that bother you, even if they seem insignificant to you. Indicate when the symptoms began, how often they arise, what worsens or facilitates them. Describe the nature of the pain if it is, and its intensity on the scale of 1 to 10. Take these notes with you to an appointment with a doctor.

3. Collect information about your medical history: Remember all the diseases, operations, injuries, allergies, vaccination and hereditary diseases in your family. Prepare copies of medical documents, such as extracts from hospitals, test results and research. Take these documents with you to an appointment with a doctor.

4. Prepare a list of questions: Write down all the questions that you want to ask a doctor. Feel free to ask questions that seem stupid or unimportant to you. It is important to get answers to all your questions in order to make a reasonable decision to make dietary supplements. Examples of questions:

   • What dietary supplements can be useful for my health, given my individual characteristics?
   • What risks and side effects are associated with taking these dietary supplements?
   • How will these dietary supplements interact with the medicines that I take?
   • What dosage of dietary supplements is optimal for me?
   • How long do I need to take dietary supplements?
   • Where can I get high -quality dietary supplements?
   • Are there any alternative methods of treating my problem?
   • What tests do I need to pass to evaluate my status of vitamins and minerals?
   • Do I have any contraindications for receiving dietary supplements?
   • How can I find out that dietary supplement works?

5. Be honest with the doctor: It is important to be honest with the doctor regarding your lifestyle, diet, bad habits and drugs taken. Do not hide the information that you consider unimportant or ashamed. The more information the doctor receives, the better he can evaluate your health status and give you the right recommendations.

6. Take a trustee with you (optional): If you feel uncomfortable or bewildered, you can take with you to an appointment with a friend, a family member or partner. They can help you remember information, ask questions and support you.

7. Write down the doctor’s answers: During a consultation with a doctor, write down answers to your questions. If you don’t understand something, ask the doctor to repeat or explain in more detail. It is important to have a clear idea of ​​the doctor’s recommendations in order to follow them correctly.

Section 3: Discussion with a doctor’s choice

Consultation with a doctor provides a unique opportunity to discuss the feasibility of taking specific dietary supplements for women’s health. This section considers in detail the factors that should be taken into account when discussing a doctor.

1. Discuss your goals: Explain to the doctor why you want to take dietary supplements. What bothers you? What symptoms do you want to relieve? What results do you expect to get? The more clearly you formulate your goals, the better the doctor will be able to choose the right dietary supplement for you. For example, you can say: “I feel tired and exhausted, especially after work. I would like to take dietary supplement to increase my energy and improve overall health.”

2. Present a list of dietary supplements that you consider: If you have already chosen several dietary supplements that you want to take, show them to the doctor. Give the doctor information about the composition of dietary supplements, dosage and manufacturer. The doctor will be able to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these dietary supplements, taking into account your individual characteristics and medical history.

3. Ask the doctor about scientific evidence: Ask the doctor about scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of the dietary supplements that you are considering. Ask the doctor to provide you with information about the clinical studies that were conducted with these dietary supplements. The doctor will be able to evaluate the quality and reliability of these studies and help you form realistic expectations from dietary supplements.

4. Discuss possible side effects and interactions: Ask the doctor about possible side effects and dietary supplements that you are considering. Find out what symptoms you should alert and when you should stop taking dietary supplements. Discuss with the doctor how dietary supplements can interact with the medicines that you take, and what precautions you should observe.

5. Ask the doctor about the dosage and duration of the reception: Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage and duration of dietary supplements. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can lead to side effects. Discuss with the doctor how long you need to take dietary supplements to get the desired result.

6. Discuss alternative options: Discuss with the doctor alternative options for treating your problem. Perhaps there are more effective and safe treatment methods than taking dietary supplements. The doctor may invite you to change the lifestyle, diet, engage in physical exercises, undergo psychotherapy or take medications.

7. Learn about the criteria for choosing a manufacturer: Ask the doctor to advise trusted dietary supplements. Find out what you should pay attention to when choosing a manufacturer in order to minimize the risk of acquiring low -quality products. Usually, a good sign is the availability of quality certificates (for example, GMP) and independent laboratory products of products.

8. Learn about the need to control effectiveness: Discuss with the doctor how the efficiency of dietary supplements will be monitored. Perhaps it will be necessary to periodically take tests or keep a diary of symptoms to evaluate how dietary supplement helps you achieve your goals.

Section 4: The most common dietary supplements for women’s health and their discussion with a doctor

There is a wide range of dietary supplements designed to maintain women’s health. This section considers the most common of them and issues that should be discussed with a doctor before taking them.

1. Vitamins and minerals:

   • Vitamin D: It is important for the health of bones, the immune system and overall well -being. Discuss with the doctor the need to take vitamin D, especially if you rarely visit the sun or you have osteoporosis. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage and form of vitamin D (D2 or D3). Discuss the feasibility of passing the analysis to the level of vitamin D in the blood.
   • Calcium: It is necessary for the health of bones and teeth. Discuss with the doctor the need to take calcium, especially if you are in menopause or you have osteoporosis. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage and form of calcium (calcium carbonate or calcium citrate). Discuss potential side effects of calcium, such as constipation and formation of kidney stones.
   • Iron: It is important for the transfer of oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia. Discuss with the doctor the need to take iron, especially if you have abundant menstruation or you are pregnant. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage and the shape of iron (hemic iron or non -meter iron). Discuss potential side effects of iron, such as constipation, nausea and abdominal pain. Ask how to take iron correctly to improve its absorption (for example, with vitamin C).
   • Folic acid (vitamin B9): It is necessary for the healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy. Discuss with the doctor the need to take folic acid, if you are planning a pregnancy or pregnant. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage.
   • Vitamin B12: It is important for the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Especially important for vegetarians and vegans. Discuss with the doctor the need to pass the analysis to the level of vitamin B12 in the blood and its possible intake.
   • Magnesium: He plays an important role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Discuss with the doctor possible signs of magnesium deficiency (muscle cramps, fatigue, sleep disturbance) and the appropriateness of its intake.

2. Plant additives:

   • BLOPOGOGON BOLACE (Black COHOSH): It is used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as tides, night sweating and mood swings. Discuss with the doctor the safety and efficiency of taking a cystic clopogon, especially if you have liver diseases or you take hormonal drugs.
   • Соя (I’m isoflavones): Contains isoflavons that can simulate the effect of estrogens and relieve symptoms of menopause. Discuss with the doctor the safety and effectiveness of soybean, especially if you have hormone -dependent diseases, such as breast cancer.
   • Everalnaya primrose oil (Evening Primrose Oil): It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as chest pain, bloating and mood swings. Discuss with the doctor the safety and effectiveness of oil intake of the evening, especially if you take anticoagulants.
   • Dudnik Chinese (Dong quai): It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat female diseases, such as irregular menstruation and PMS. Discuss with the doctor the safety and effectiveness of taking the Dudnik of Chinese, since its safety and effectiveness are not scientifically proven.
   • Holy Vitex (Chasteberry): It is used to treat PMS, irregular menstruation and problems with fertility. Discuss with the doctor possible side effects and interactions with other drugs.

3. Probiotics:

   • Lactobacteria and bifidobacteria: Useful for the health of the intestines and the immune system. Discuss with the doctor the need to take probiotics, especially if you take antibiotics or you have digestive problems. Ask the doctor about the recommended probiotics and dosage strains. Learn about the ways to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora with a diet.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids:

   • EPA and DHK: Important to the health of the heart, brain and eyes. Discuss with the doctor the need to take omega-3 fatty acids, especially if you do not consume enough fish in your diet. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosage and source of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, linseed oil or algae). Discuss potential side effects of omega-3 fatty acids, such as blood thinning.

5. Antioxidants:

   • Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium: Protect cells from damage by free radicals. Discuss with the doctor the need to take antioxidants, especially if you are exposed to toxins or you have chronic diseases. Ask the doctor about the recommended dosages.

Section 5: After consulting a doctor: making a reasonable decision

After consulting a doctor, you will have more information necessary to make a reasonable decision on dietary supplements. This section offers recommendations on how to use the information received and make the right decision.

1. Review your notes: After consulting a doctor, carefully review your notes. Make sure you understand all the doctor’s recommendations and answers to your questions. If you have any questions left, contact your doctor to clarify.

2. Study information about dietary supplements: Study information about the dietary supplement that the doctor recommended to you. Read scientific articles and reviews to get more information about the effectiveness and safety of these additives. Pay attention to potential side effects and interactions with drugs.

3. Choose high -quality dietary supplements: Choose a dietary supplement from trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and undergo an independent quality test. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates (for example, GMP). Avoid dietary supplements with suspicious ingredients or unclear statements.

4. Start with a low dose: Start taking a low dose dietary supplement and gradually increase it, if necessary. This will help you evaluate the tolerance of dietary supplements and minimize the risk of side effects.

5. The Vedas Diary: Keep a diary to track your symptoms and side effects after the start of dietary supplements. Write down how you feel what changes you notice and what side effects you have. This will help you evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements and identify possible problems.

6. Visit the doctor regularly: Regularly visit a doctor to control your health and discuss the effectiveness of dietary supplements. The doctor can adjust the dosage of dietary supplements, replace them with others or cancel them, if necessary.

7. Do not rely only on dietary supplement: Remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Adhere to a healthy diet, do physical exercises, get enough sleep and avoid stress.

8. Be critical: Be critical to the information you get about dietary supplements. Do not believe everything that you see in advertising or read on the Internet. Trust only the verified sources of information, such as scientific articles and reviews of doctors.

9. Feel free to seek help: If you have any questions or doubts about the admission of dietary supplements, do not hesitate to seek help from a doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to provide you with additional information and support.

10. Conscious solution: Make a decision to take dietary supplements consciously, based on information received from the doctor and from other reliable sources. Do not give in to the influence of advertising or the recommendations of friends and acquaintances. Your health is in your hands.