Is There a Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency Status and PCOS in Infertile Women?

Abstract

Introduction It is still unclear in the literature whether low vitamin D levels play a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially with respect to the regulation of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there could be a relationship between vitamin D deficiency status and PCOS. Materials and Methods A total of 146 infertile women were divided into two groups according to their ovarian reserve patterns: (i) normal (NOR), and (ii) high (PCOS). The participants were also categorized into two groups according to vitamin D concentrations: (i) Group A < 10 ng/mL, and (ii) Group B 10-20 ng/mL. Samples were obtained and analyzed for estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and AMH. Results In the NOR group, there were significant differences between Group A and Group B in terms of anthropometric characteristics (p < 0.05, for all). The women in both Group A and Group B had similar AMH concentrations (p > 0.005). Only the NOR group showed a significant though moderate negative correlation between 25(OH) D levels and anthropometric parameters. AMH levels were not correlated with 25(OH) D levels in the NOR or the PCOS group (r = -0.112, p = 0.008; r = 0.027, p = 0.836). Multivariate regression analysis showed no impact of 25(OH) D on other study parameters. Only AMH measurements were significant enough (p < 0.001) to differentiate between PCOS and NOR patterns. Conclusion We found no difference in serum 25(OH) D and AMH levels between women with and women without PCOS. No correlation could be demonstrated between 25(OH) D and AMH in the PCOS group or controls.