Association of vitamin D with depression and anxiety in polycystic ovary syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder linked to metabolic and psychological complications, particularly anxiety and depression. Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as contributing to mental health disorders, but its role within the PCOS population remains underexplored. This study aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Saudi women with PCOS. Additionally, socio-demographic and clinical factors affecting mental health in this population were examined. A cross-sectional study involved 120 Saudi women aged 18-45 years, including 60 women with PCOS and 60 healthy age-matched controls. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Serum vitamin D levels and other relevant biomarkers were also measured. The PCOS group had significantly lower vitamin D levels than controls. In PCOS patients, vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with higher odds of anxiety (odds ratio [OR] =8.50, <i>P</i> = 0.001) and depression (OR = 7.00, <i>P</i> = 0.003). Serum vitamin D levels showed strong negative correlations with anxiety (<i>r</i> = -0.79, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and depression (<i>r</i> = -0.56, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Anxiety was also linked to low education, obesity, and infertility, while depression was associated with obesity, hirsutism, and infertility. The findings reveal a significant association between low vitamin D levels and heightened anxiety and depression symptoms in Saudi women with PCOS. These results underscore the potential benefit of addressing vitamin D deficiency as part of mental health management strategies in PCOS patients.