To evaluate vitamin D, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels in postmenopausal women attending gynecology outpatient department in Lady Goschen and Kasturba Medical College Attavar hospitals.

To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the studied group. To correlate vitamin D levels with diet and environmental factors.

The study was conducted in 100 postmenopausal women attending Lady Goschen hospital and Kasturba Medical College Attavar hospital, Mangaluru. It was a hospital-based, prospective cross-sectional study conducted over the period between August 2014 and June 2016. Levels of vitamin D and serum calcium and phosphorus were assessed in them.

A total of 11% were found to have vitamin D deficiency, 38 and 48% had insufficient levels and sufficient levels of vitamin D respectively, 53% had normal levels of serum calcium, and 47% had inadequate levels. About 70% were found to have normal levels of serum phosphorus and 24% had inadequate levels. Dietary intake was found to be inadequate in 61% of the studied population. Serum calcium and phosphorus deficiency had significant corelation with vitamin D deficiency. Also significant corelation was noted with sun exposure and dietary intake in relation to vitamin D. No corelation was established between hypertension, diabetes and vitamin D.

This study helped us to assess basal levels of vitamin D, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus among postmenopausal women, giving us an idea regarding prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among South Indian postmenopausal women. We should consider counseling all postmenopausal patients regarding the benefit of vitamin D supplementation, adequate dietary intake, and sun exposure.

Jayakumar NP, Rao B, Shetty N. Study of Vitamin D Status among Postmenopausal Women. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):28-34.