The effect of vitamin D replacement therapy on insulin resistance and androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

J Endocrinol Invest. 2010 Apr;33(4):234-8. doi: 10.1007/BF03345785. Epub 2009 Oct 9.

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the common features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and recent studies indicate the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of IR and glucose metabolism. Aim of this study was aimed to determine the effect of vitamin D replacement therapy on glucose metabolism, insulin, and androgen levels in obese, insulin-resistant women with PCOS. Eleven women with PCOS were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 23.6+/-5.7 yr, body mass index 33.9+/-5.1 kg/m(2). Six patients (54.5%) had acantosis nigricans and 10 (90.9%) oligoamenorrhea. The mean Ferriman Gallwey score was 14.1+/-4.6. Only 2 women were within the normal limits of vitamin D levels as >20 ng/ml. Three weeks after the administration of the single dose of 300,000 units of vitamin D3 orally, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 significantly increased from 16.9+/-16 ng/ml to 37.1+/-14.6 ng/ml (p: 0.027) and only 2 women were detected to have vitamin D3 levels <20 ng/ml. Although glucose and insulin levels were decreased non-significantly, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR significantly decreased from 4.41+/-1.38 to 3.67+/-1.48 (p: 0.043). No significant alterations were witnessed at the levels of DHEAS, total and free testosterone, androstenedione. No correlation was found between vitamin D with HOMA and other hormonal parameters. In conclusion, women with PCOS have mostly insufficient vitamin D levels, and vitamin D replacement therapy may have a beneficial effect on IR in obese women with PCOS.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Androgens / blood*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D