Therapeutic implications of vitamin D and calcium in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To assess effects of vitamin D and Calcium (Ca) on hormonal and metabolic milieu of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Single arm open label trial.

METHODS

Twelve overweight and vitamin D deficient women with PCOS underwent a 2 hour oral glucose tolerance testing at baseline and following 3-month supplementation with vitamin D (daily dose of 3533 IU, increased to 8533 IU after the first five participants) and 530 mg elemental Ca daily.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Blood pressure (BP), plasma glucose, insulin, total testosterone (T) androstenedione (A), sex hormone binding globulin, lifestyle parameters were assessed at baseline and following 3-month intervention. Insulin resistance (IR) and area under the curve for glucose and insulin were computed; paired analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Improved serum 25OHD (p < 0.001) and reductions in total T (p = 0.036) and A (p = 0.090) levels were noted following 3-month supplementation, compared to baseline. Significant lowering in BP parameters was seen in participants with baseline BP ≥ 120/80 mmHg (n = 8) and in those with baseline serum 25OHD ≤20 ng/ml (n = 9). Parameters of glucose homeostasis and IR remained unchanged (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen and BP profiles improved followed three month intervention, suggesting therapeutic implications of vitamin D and Ca in overweight and vitamin D deficient women with PCOS.