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.