Relationship between vitamin D levels and depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background/Aim. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disorder in women of reproductive age. Depression is a common PCOS-related comorbidity that affects women’s mental state. Although vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been associated with affective dysregulation through immuno-inflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways, evidence in PCOS remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores in women with PCOS. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 80 women with PCOS who completed the BDI on the same day when their fasting serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. Multivariable models were prespecified to compare depressive symptom (DS) severity across vitamin D status, adjusting for key confounders such as age, body mass index, sea-son, and insulin resistance. Results. Women with VDD experienced a greater burden of DSs than women without VDD (p < 0.05). This association persisted after adjusting for covariates in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion. Among women with PCOS, VDD was associated with greater DS severity. However, causal relationships cannot be established, and further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed.