The Significance of Measuring Vitamin D Serum Levels in Women with Uterine Fibroids

Reprod Sci. 2021 Aug;28(8):2098-2109. doi: 10.1007/s43032-020-00363-8. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors originating from smooth muscle cells and are considered a common pathology that affects numerous women which is a notable socio-economic problem. Several UF risk factors have been identified including black race, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is steroid compound with pleiotropic effects on the human body. Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health concern worldwide. Several studies have shown that the majority of UF patients experienced hypovitaminosis D. In addition, sufficient vitamin D serum levels are associated with the reduced risk of UFs. In this review, we present available data highlighting the importance of measuring vitamin D serum levels in women with UFs and women at a high risk for UF development. We proposed a preliminary clinical instruction of 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements and vitamin D supplementation for clinicians who are involved in the treatment of patients with UFs. Achieving sufficient serum levels of vitamin D might be of interest in patients with UFs. Screening, supplementation, treatment guidelines, and public health strategies for vitamin D deficiency in women with UFs as well as women at a high risk of UF development might be of potential importance as well.

Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D; Leiomyoma; Risk factor; Serum level; Uterine fibroid; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / blood*
  • Leiomyoma / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / etiology
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D