IMPACT OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY ON THE CLINICAL COURSE OF MENOPAUSE: A CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CORRELATION STUDY

Abstract

Menopause is a critical physiological transition in women, often accompanied by diverse and sometimes severe symptoms. Recent studies highlight that vitamin D deficiency—commonly found in postmenopausal women—may aggravate both physical and psychological manifestations of menopause, including hot flashes, bone pain, mood disturbances, and fatigue. The relationship between hypovitaminosis D and menopause remains insufficiently explored in Central Asian populations. The transition into menopause represents a profound physiological and endocrinological shift in a woman’s life, often accompanied by an array of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms that can significantly impair daily functioning and overall well-being. With global demographic trends showing an increasing number of women entering postmenopausal age, understanding the factors that influence the severity of menopausal symptoms has become an urgent public health priority. One such factor is vitamin D deficiency, which is alarmingly prevalent among middle-aged and older women due to reduced sun exposure, dietary inadequacies, and impaired skin synthesis. This micronutrient is not only vital for maintaining bone integrity but also plays an emerging role in neuroendocrine regulation and immune modulation. Deficiency of vitamin D may contribute to heightened vasomotor instability, increased risk of osteoporosis, mood fluctuations, and chronic fatigue, thereby intensifying the challenges faced during menopause. Despite its potential impact, the connection between vitamin D insufficiency and menopause-related symptomatology remains under-investigated, particularly in Central Asian populations. This study seeks to address this gap and offer insights that can refine therapeutic guidelines and preventive strategies for women’s health during the menopausal transition.