Lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with irregular menstrual cycles in a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundIn animals, low levels of vitamin D are associated with estrus cycle disturbances, but there are virtually no human data. We examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (a biomarker for vitamin D status) with menstrual cycle characteristics.MethodsWomen aged 35-44 were randomly selected from a Washington D.C. health plan and invited to participate in the Uterine Fibroid Study (1996 – 1999). Our analysis includes 636 women (57% were African-American) who provided a blood sample and completed a telephone interview that included gynecologic history. Women were asked their usual cycle length in the preceding year. Women who reported it was “too irregular to estimate” were classified as having irregular cycles (N = 48). Women were excluded if they currently or recently used hormonal contraception or any other medication that influences menstrual cycles. 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay in stored plasma samples.ResultsThe median 25(OH)D level was 12.0 ng/mL (interquartile range: 7.6, 19.7 ng/mL). After controlling for age, race, BMI, education, age of menarche, current smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity, a decrease in 25(OH)D of 10 ng/mL was associated with 1.9 times the odds of irregular cycles (Odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.9 (1.0, 3.4), p = 0.04). 25(OH)D was not associated with the occurrence of short cycles (OR(CI): 1.08 (0.79, 1.48, p = 0.6) or long cycles (OR(CI): 1.31 (0.66, 2.60), p = 0.4).ConclusionsLower levels of 25(OH)D were associated with irregular cycles, but not with short or long cycles. Vitamin D may play a role in regulating ovulatory function. Further investigation of potential mechanisms is warranted.

Increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with reduced odds of long menstrual cycles in a cross-sectional study of African American women

“…In the only previous study of 25(OH)D and menstrual cycles, increasing 25(OH)D was associated with a reduced odds of irregular cycles (but not with long menstrual cycles)(11). The differences between these two studies could be the result of the disparate study populations, as the women in the previous analysis were older (35-44 years).…”

“…Despite the growing PCOS literature, data regarding vitamin D and menstrual cycle function in healthy women are sparse. Only one previous study has examined the association between concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the accepted biomarker of vitamin D status, and menstrual cycle length and regularity (11). This previous study, in 35-44 year olds (N=636), reported that decreasing 25(OH)D was associated with an increase in the odds of irregular menstrual cycles.…”

Vitamin D and Uterine Fibroids—Review of the Literature and Novel Concepts

“…Vitamin D is also known to affect cycle regularity through its effect on hormones such as insulin or androgens. Various studies have confirmed that lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with irregular menstrual cycles [ 87 ]. Vitamin D may also influence the ovarian reserve and is inversely related to FSH level, as was demonstrated by Jukic et al [ 88 ].…”

High dose vitamin D supplementation can improve menstrual problems, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome in adolescents

“…Although infrequent cycling is not generally associated with adverse health outcomes, irregular cycles or amenorrhea may be associated with infertility, which puts the social burden of childlessness on women specially in developing countries [36]. Jukic et al have reported that low plasma levels of 25(OH) D are associated with a high risk of having irregular cycles [37]. In another study, an increase in 25(OH)D was related with a low odds of long menstrual cycles [38].…”