Low vitamin d levels-what do I ask the doctor

[shutupaboutstarwars]

Been feeling beyond tired recently , can't concentrate, weight gain poor sleeping amongst others. Blood tests ordered by GP. Due to have a phone consultation on Friday to discuss the results. Called into doctors today to make sure that they have correct phone numbers and asked receptionist if she could give me any clues. I am really glad that she did although I suspect that she probably shouldn't. Thyroid results are great. The only issue that has shown up is low vitamin d and something to do with calcium. There doesn't seem to be as much info online as there is with other things as low vitamin d has only been recognised as much of an issue since 2000.
I work long hours indoors in a building with very few windows. I am so fair skinned that I use high factor sun cream regularly. I have even been burnt in the uk in April!
So when I actually do get to speak to the doctor what should I ask about treatment and potential long term issues.

Hi there. A fellow low vitamin d poster here. At this stage, the priority will be to get your vitamin d levels up. So the key question would be Will they give you a prescription or is it ok to get over the counter?

When I had my first shockingly low reading (this time last year) I was then prescribed a high dose daily tablet. Then re tested after 3 months, which showed levels back in normal range. Am now on a daily double dose of over the counter Vit D (from Holland and Barrett) to maintain the levels.

In sunny weather in the spring and summer, get out daily. For short bursts without sun screen if possible.

I think your key question would be if there is a link between the low Vit D and calcium and should you be taking a combined supplement.

I feel x100 better since taking the supplements. They took about 3 weeks to start kicking in. I hope you feel much better very soon.

Is your calcium high or low? If it is high vit D may not be the answer, if your calcium is over 2.6 ask for your Parathyroid hormone(PTH) to be tested as this can be a sign of an overactive parathyroid gland.

I have low vit D. It was discovered after a test showed low calcium. If you don't have enough vitamin D, your body can't absorb calcium efficiently. That's the link! Don't worry too much it's easily addressed. Good luck x

I have just been diagnosed vit d deficient but the GP didn't seem to know much about symptoms - internet also didn't say much. I have been v tired and achy... is it that? She is going to put me on a high dose for three months and retest..

I have low vit D and high calcium by the way.

Hopping that I start feeling better as soon as I start taking something. Trying to resist the temptation to start taking high dose vitamin d tablets before speaking to the doctor just in case she wants to do more tests. I would also like to find something more detailed online before speaking to the doctor. As I come from a science background I would actually find it easier if I could find some detailed information aimed at medical professionals

Thanks for that. I am either finding that I am on sites like Merck medical manual, or on the occasional site that gives lots of symptoms but is probably write by someone who seems to be making things up.

Low vit d can cause multiple symptoms but also levels vary widely on different days. Last late spring my level was 20 nearly deficient (

I am also feeling as though the carpal tunnel that I had in my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies might be thinking about coming back, but it might have been vitamin d issues all along. 3 big babies in 5 years and breastfed them all for 8-10 months. Looks as though I should have been taking vitamin d supplements then as well! Tempted to go and mainline Cheerios as the only fortified thing in the house at the moment....

Look up vitamin d council it's USA based but links to current research and has a discussion about levels and recommendation

There will be a treatment protocol for your area. Hopefully it will come up if you google ‘Vitamin D protocol + where you live’. If you’re of a scientific bent, the references on the protocol should keep you going for a while

I originally tested at 10 (>50) and had no help from the NHS whatsoever back in 2009. I now take a 2,000iu gelcap every day to keep my levels up over 100. I don’t know whether I feel any better, but I don’t seem to get so many colds.

I've just been tested due to excessive fatigue and memory problem. My Vit D came back at 25 which my GP said is on the edge of severely deficient. What dose of gel capsules should I be taking to get it up asap - really need to start functioning properly again!