Low Potassium Symptoms in Women

It is a common fact that potassium is an essential mineral that is required for the smooth functioning of the human body. Apart from maintaining the electrolyte balance of the body, potassium plays a key role in some of the cellular functions, including cell respiration. An electrolyte in itself, a major part of the potassium in our body is found inside the cells. Maintaining the right potassium levels in the body is very necessary, as it is needed for normal bodily functions, like, nerve function, muscle control (including that of the heart muscles) and maintaining normal blood pressure. So, abnormally low or high levels of potassium can result in some symptoms, some of which can be serious too. Potassium deficiency is a condition that is found to affect both genders equally, recent studies show that in certain cases, women are found to be more prone to this condition.

Low Potassium Levels ~ Hypokalemia

Blood tests are conducted to detect the levels of potassium. The normal potassium level in a human body ranges between 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). While a slight variation in this level can be rectified with potassium supplements and diet changes, abnormally low levels of potassium is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention. In normal cases, the daily intake of potassium is found to be around 70 to 100 mEq. Excess amounts of potassium is excreted mainly by the kidneys. So, certain health problems of the kidneys can affect the normal potassium levels as the amount of potassium excreted can be altered. These include chronic kidney failure, renal tubular acidosis, intake of diuretics, elevated corticosteroid levels, adrenal tumors and elevated levels of aldosterone (primary aldosteronism).

Low potassium levels can also be caused by incessant vomiting or diarrhea, excess use of laxatives, eating disorders and presence of villous adenoma, thereby leading to hypokalemia. Even intake of certain drugs, like, prednisone and amphotericin B, may lead to this condition. Vomiting during pregnancy is one of the causes of potassium deficiency in pregnant women. It has been observed that potassium deficiency rarely develop due to eating habits or a potassium-deficient diet.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Potassium in Women

Low potassium symptoms in women are similar to those experienced by men affected with this condition. In case of mild potassium deficiency, the symptoms may go unnoticed. But, a sharp drop may lead to a host of potassium deficiency symptoms, of which, some can be fatal. In mild cases, such symptoms include muscle cramps, pain, muscle weakness, constipation, tingling and numbness. The person may also experience palpitations of irregular heartbeats that can be seen in an electrocardiogram (ECG). Such potassium deficiency is also linked to nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping and bloating. But, in severe cases, the symptoms can be life-threatening. In severe potassium deficiency, the affected person may pass large amounts of urine and feel thirsty all the time. Some people may faint due to variations in normal blood pressure. It has also been noted that low potassium symptoms in women may include emotional problems, like, depression, confusion, delirium, hallucinations and psychosis. Dangerous arrhythmia, paralysis and breathing problems are also found to be caused by severe potassium deficiency.

All of the above symptoms may not be experienced by everyone who is deficient in this mineral. The symptoms may vary with the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Even potassium deficiency treatment may vary from one to another, on the basis of these factors. While those with potassium levels above 3.0 mEq/liter, are usually treated with oral potassium supplements, intravenous administration of supplements may be required if the levels drop below this mark. The mode of treatment varies with the patient's health condition.