Association of Vitamin D Status With Metabolic Markers in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This prospective cross-sectional case-control study aims to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness, and metabolic parameters in adolescents diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared to healthy controls. The study includes 70 adolescents with PCOS and 40 age-matched healthy adolescents, all aged between 12 and 19 years, who attended the adolescent gynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D \[25(OH)D\] levels, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profiles, anthropometric measurements, and ultrasound-based VAT thickness were assessed. The study seeks to explore potential associations between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic dysregulation in adolescent PCOS patients and to better understand the early cardiometabolic risks associated with PCOS during adolescence.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

13 Years

Maximum age

19 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female adolescents aged 13 to 19 years
* Having attained menarche at least two years prior to enrollment
* For PCOS group: Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome based on NIH criteria (presence of menstrual irregularity and clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism)
* For Control group: Regular menstrual cycles (cycle interval 21-35 days) and no clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of medications affecting vitamin D metabolism, insulin sensitivity, or androgen levels within the past 6 months (e.g., oral contraceptives, insulin sensitizers, vitamin D supplements)
* Presence of endocrine disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperprolactinemia, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid dysfunction.
* Chronic systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, severe liver or kidney disease).