Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Medical Journal of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences 2783-2031 29 1 2007 03 22 Comparison of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Women of Childbearing Age, Oral Contraceptive Users, Postmenopausal and Who Take Hormone Replacement Therapy 43 47 EN RAFRAF M RASHIDI MR MAHDAVI R MESGARI M Journal Article 2010 05 23 Background and Objectives: There is a growing awareness that vitamin D sufficiency is required for optimal health, and also the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption and metabolism for bone health is well known. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum vitamin D level in childbearing age and postmenopausal women and comparing with women who use oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Material and Methods: Ninety-seven healthy non pregnant-non lactating women with a mean age of 32.67±5.14 years old (50 OCP users and 47 non- OCP users) and 56 healthy postmenopausal women, with a mean age of 51.42±3.22 years old (29 were taking HRT and 27 were not taking HRT) were studied using biochemical procedures ( measurement of serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D), anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and completing 24-hour recall questionnaire for determining daily dietary calcium intake. Results: No significant differences were found between either OCP and non- OCP users or HRT and non- HRT groups in terms of mean body mass index (BMI) , and dietary intakes of calcium. Mean daily calcium intake in all groups was lower than recommended daily allowances. There was no significant difference in serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D levels between OCP- users and non-OCP users, However the mean serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D level in HRT group was significantly higher than that of non- HRT group (P<0.01).The majority of subjects in OCP and non - OCP, and HRT groups had serum vitamin D levels lower than normal limit. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was common in the study subjects, which may have important health consequences. Using low- dose OCP had not resulted in altered Vitamin D metabolism compared to non -OCP users. However, in postmenopausal women, taking HRT had positive effect on serum vitamin D level. It is suggested to emphasize for overcoming vitamin D deficiency in community as one of the health priorities.