Correlation between Antral Follicles Count and Serum 25(OH)D Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo- or anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D) plays a role in the steroidogenesis process in the ovarian theca cells and regulates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression in granulosa cells. In 25(OH)D deficiency there is a decrease in FSH activity that the follicles become small and the antral follicles count in the ovary increases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antral follicles count and serum 25(OH)D levels in PCOS patients. A cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in September 2017- June 2018. Subjects of this study were 52 PCOS patients diagnosed by obstetricians and gynecologists of the hospital. Blood vein samples were collected to examine scrum 25(OH)D levels using ELISA method. Scrum 25(OH)D level of <= 20 ng/mL was found in 55.8% of the subjects in this study. Analysis using Spearman's correlation test showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.867, p <0.001) between antral follicles count and scrum 25(OH)D level in patients with PCOS. Lower levels of 25(OH)D serum in PCOS patients correlates with higher number of antral follicles count. There is a negative correlation between antral follicles count and serum 25(OH) D level in PCOS patients.