Vitamin D is associated with bioavailability of androgens in eumenorrheic women with prior pregnancy loss
Daniel L Kuhr, Lindsey A Sjaarda, Zeina Alkhalaf, Ukpebo R Omosigho, Matthew T Connell, Robert M Silver, Keewan Kim, Neil J Perkins, Tiffany L Holland, Torie C Plowden, Enrique F Schisterman, Sunni L Mumford, Daniel L Kuhr, Lindsey A Sjaarda, Zeina Alkhalaf, Ukpebo R Omosigho, Matthew T Connell, Robert M Silver, Keewan Kim, Neil J Perkins, Tiffany L Holland, Torie C Plowden, Enrique F Schisterman, Sunni L Mumford
Abstract
Background: Prior studies have reported mixed results regarding relationships between vitamin D, androgens, and sex hormone-binding globulin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, less is known regarding these associations in eumenorrheic, premenopausal women.
Objective: Our objective was to study the relationships between serum vitamin D and androgen biomarkers in eumenorrheic women with a history of pregnancy loss who were attempting pregnancy.
Study design: This was an analysis of a cohort of 1191 participants from the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction trial (2006-2012). Participants were attempting to conceive, aged 18-40 years, with 1-2 documented prior pregnancy losses and no history of infertility, and recruited from 4 academic medical centers in the United States. Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and hormone concentrations were measured at baseline.
Results: Vitamin D concentration was negatively associated with free androgen index (percentage change [95% confidence interval, -5% (-8% to -2%)] per 10 ng/mL increase) and positively associated with sex hormone-binding globulin (95% confidence interval, 4% [2-7%]), although not with total testosterone, free testosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, race, income, education, physical activity, and season of blood draw.
Conclusion: Overall, vitamin D was associated with sex hormone-binding globulin and free androgen index in eumenorrheic women with prior pregnancy loss, suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the bioavailability of androgens in eumenorrheic women. We are limited in making assessments regarding directionality, given the cross-sectional nature of our study.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00467363.
Keywords: androgens; premenopausal women; sex hormone–binding globulin; vitamin D.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors have no conflicts to disclose.
Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Source: PubMed