The effect of correction of serum level of vitamin D on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and hypovitaminosis D

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among female of reproductive age. Vitamin D may involve in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the symptom of PCOS through precipitating insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, subfertility, hyperandrogenism, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine whether normalization of vitamin D level in women with PCOS and hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical) would result in improvement in the parameters of hyperandrogenism. Materials and Methods: One hundred one women with PCOS and vitamin D deficiency were involved in the study, BMI, and Gallwey-Ferriman score were estimated, 25 (OH)vitamin D, total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured and pelvic ultrasound was performed. Forty-nine of these women received weight reduction and lifestyle modification advice and metformin only, while the remaining 52 women received vitamin D in addition, after six months all parameters were re-examined. Results: Adding vitamin D did not result in significant reduction in the Ferriman-Gallwey score or in total testosterone level, also normalization of vitamin D had insignificant effect on the level of sex hormone binding globulin and ovarian polycystic morphology, however it was associated with significant reduction in LH level. Conclusion: Despite the fact that correction of vitamin D deficiency is important for general health, however it is of limited beneficial effect on the biochemical and clinical parameters of hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.