Biotin, Menses And Regularity

Doctor,

Please I want you to answer these few questions for me. What does vitamin H (biotin) gives in the body and its deficiency? What is irregular menstruation (details needed)? Whenever I take my bath my body will be scratching me and I want to know the cause and how to tackle it. I am having a short menstrual cycle -- it is on the 26th day I do see my menses and it stops 3-4days is there anything wrong in it ?
I would be grateful if my request is granted
Thanks Eva

Dear Eva,
What a question!
Well, Vitamin H or biotin is also called a times Coenzyme R. It is one of the 12 B complex vitamins and works closely with Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B 5 and there is really usually no deficiency of these vitamins to be seen in adult humans simply because the diet usually contains enough of them and even the intestines produce some of the stuff--so it’s really pretty esoteric stuff--this your interest in Biotin.
However, the job of this co factor in the body is for the proper production and maintenance of skin, hair and nails; for to aid the use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and to help against diabetes; some also claim that it aids the immune system.
Skin rashes, pellagra--rough, painful skin or dermatitis tiredness, not enough blood(or anemia)depression, anxiety, muscle pains and sleepy lassitude are some of the effects of lack of this vitamin.
All ladies who can get pregnant (--menstruating --like you) should not lack the B complex vitamins especially B12 and Folic acid so as not to have deformed babies and biotin deficiency in animals has been also linked with cleft palate-- a deformity of newborn babies where the upper lip and roof of the mouth open up in a cleft and refuse to close up; although this finding has not been corroborated in humans.
Where can you find biotin?
Liver, soya, eggs --a balanced and good diet. If you are afraid of a deficiency--which I've told you is rare; then take multivitamin supplements or B Complex every day. Read the label on the pack of the brand you buy to make sure it contains biotin.
Irregular menses is not what you have --26 days is alright; not every woman has 28 days-- okay?
Some have 22; others up to 45 and they are still normal. The important thing is that the particular number of days be consistent in your case. That is, you regularly have your menses every 26 days or thereabouts. It's not something rigid -- one or two days off the mark is nothing; okay? And bleeding for the number of days you do--so long as it's regular is okay. People bleed anywhere from just 2 to 7 days and it’s still alright. Okay?
Cheers

Dr.Caleb Bibbi Oluranti