Study Finds Significant Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal Women
Pelvic organ prolapse results from weak pelvic floor supportive tissues, possibly due to vitamin D deficiency in women after menopause. The condition brings several challenges in daily routine, compromised quality of life, and personal and societal embarrassment.
The present study determined the association between vitamin D levels and pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women (N=100) above 40 years, who were classified as cases and comparison groups based on the presence or absence of pelvic organ prolapse. Their demographic details, including age and years since menopause, were reviewed, and clinical assessments regarding vitamin D levels and degree of prolapse were recorded.
There was a significant difference in mean vitamin D levels of patients in the Case (17.08±10.96 ng/dl) and Comparison groups (21.37±14.63 ng/dl), respectively. Moreover, negative linear correlation existed between vitamin D levels and the duration of menopause. A lower vitamin D level was associated with a higher degree of prolapse in the Case subjects.
Inadequate vitamin D levels have received much attention because of their association with several skeletal and extra- skeletal disorders, mainly in the elderly and children. This study demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women results in increased incidences and extent of pelvic organ prolapse. Educating women about the necessity of vitamin D supplementation and dietary consumption of vitamin D-rich or fortified foods should be a key component of a conservative approach to preventing and treating pelvic organ prolapse.
Source: Murthi and Rai / Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research 2026;13(2):376–381
