Effect of Menopause on Vitamin D Deficiency and Covid-Related Health Outcomes in the Female Population of Georgia

Background: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in female patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Elderly female patients are characterized by higher values of hospitalization and lower values of survival. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of menopause on vitamin D deficiency and COVID-related health outcomes (hospitalization, transfer to ICU unit, requirement of oxygen therapy, and treatment with glucocorticoids). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, based on the data of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of Georgia. After obtaining the written informed consent, 291 persons registered in the NCDC database have been included in the study group. Study’s female subjects were divided into two age groups: group 1 – patients with menopause – n=123; group 2 – patients without menopause, n=168. Results: Mean levels of serum 25(OH)D in the study groups did not differ significantly. But these values were significantly lower in hospitalized female patients of both groups. The odds of hospitalization and oxygen therapy in group 1 were significantly higher compared to group 2. The odds of transfer to the ICU unit and treatment with glucocorticoids between the groups were not significant. Conclusions: Our study revealed significantly worse COVID-19-related health outcomes in patients with menopause compared to patients without menopause. Moreover, the difference between the mean 25(OH)D levels of hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients of both age groups was statistically significant. However, the effect of menopause on the mean 25(OH)D levels was not revealed.