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How Vitamin D Impacts Women’s Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Low energy, mood swings, and frequent infections may signal a vitamin D deficiency. Learn how testing your vitamin D levels can support women’s energy, immunity, and well-being.

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Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam

Reviewed by Dr. J T Hema Pratima MBBS

Last updated on 10th Sep, 2025

vitamin d

Fatigue, frequent infections, and unexplained mood changes are often chalked up to a busy lifestyle or shifting hormones, but they may signal an underlying nutrient deficiency. Vitamin D plays a key role in supporting energy, immune function, and emotional balance, yet many women experience low levels without realising it. These subtle symptoms can persist and impact daily life if left unchecked.

In this guide, we will explore how low vitamin D levels affect women’s health, highlight common low vitamin D symptoms, and explain how a vitamin D test for women can provide clarity. Recognising the signs early and getting tested can help you take practical steps to restore balance and feel your best.

What is the Vitamin D Test for Women?

The vitamin D test is a blood test that measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (also called 25(OH)D) in your blood. This is the best way to understand how much vitamin D your body has because it reflects both what you get from food and supplements, as well as from sunlight.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones, supporting immune function, regulating mood, and promoting calcium absorption. Because vitamin D deficiency is common, especially among women, this test helps evaluate whether your body is receiving an adequate amount from food, supplements, and natural sunlight.

Why Is Vitamin D Important for Women?

Vitamin D, often known as the "sunshine vitamin," does much more than support bone health. It plays a key role in a woman’s overall wellbeing, affecting everything from energy levels to immunity and mental health.

  • Supports bone strength and density: Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, especially after menopause. Vitamin D helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of fractures.
     
  • Boosts immune function: Adequate levels help the immune system fight infections and may reduce inflammation linked to chronic conditions.
     
  • Regulates mood and mental health: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of depression, fatigue, and mood swings.
     
  • Supports reproductive health: Vitamin D may play a role in regulating menstrual cycles and improving fertility outcomes.
     
  • Reduces risk of chronic diseases: Research suggests that sufficient vitamin D may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
     
  • Important during pregnancy and menopause: During pregnancy, vitamin D helps reduce complications like gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Postmenopausal women need it to maintain bone mass and reduce fracture risk. 

Schedule a Vitamin D Test

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Who Should Consider a Vitamin D Test?

Vitamin D deficiency affects many women, and some are more at risk than others due to lifestyle, biological factors, or underlying health conditions. You might want to consider getting tested if any of the following sound familiar:

  • You spend most of your time indoors or have limited exposure to direct sunlight.
     
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing menopause, which can increase your nutritional needs.
     
  • You follow a vegetarian or vegan diet that may lack sufficient vitamin D-rich or fortified foods.
     
  • You have a darker skin tone, which naturally reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
     
  • You experience ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, frequent infections, or muscle aches.

Routine testing, guided by your healthcare provider, can help detect deficiencies early and support long-term wellness.

How to Prepare for the Vitamin D Test

  • You do not need to fast before the test. Eat and drink as you normally would unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
     
  • If you take vitamin D supplements, let your doctor know. They may ask you to stop taking them a day or two before the test to get accurate results.
     
  • Share your medical history, especially if you have bone, hormone, or kidney-related conditions. These can affect your vitamin D levels.
     
  • A small blood sample will be taken from your arm. The process is quick and usually causes little discomfort.
     
  • Always follow any specific instructions from your doctor or lab provider to ensure accurate results.

Understanding Vitamin D Test Results

Vitamin D levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre, written as ng/mL. This number tells you how much vitamin D is circulating in your blood.

Vitamin D Level (ng/mL)

Interpretation

What It Means

Less than 20

Deficient

Indicates a significant deficiency. May increase risk of bone loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Requires medical treatment.

20 to 29

Insufficient

Below optimal range. May not support long-term bone and immune health. Lifestyle changes or supplements are often advised.

30 to 100

Optimal

Considered a healthy range. Supports bone strength, immune function, and overall well-being. Maintain through diet, sunlight, and routine care.

Above 100

Excessive / Toxic

May lead to adverse effects such as nausea, kidney problems, or calcium imbalance. Requires medical evaluation and possible intervention.

What Happens Next

If your test shows low vitamin D levels, your doctor will guide you through a safe plan to improve them. This usually includes:

  • Getting more sunlight: Spend 10 to 15 minutes outside a few times a week. Morning or late afternoon sun is best to avoid skin damage.
     
  • Eating vitamin D-rich foods: Add foods like salmon, sardines, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified milk or cereal to your meals.
     
  • Taking supplements: Your doctor may prescribe vitamin D pills or drops. Always follow the recommended dose, as taking too much can be harmful.
     
  • Repeat testing: Your doctor may schedule another blood test in a few weeks or months to check your progress and adjust your treatment if needed.

How to Book a Vitamin D Test with Apollo 24|7

Booking your Vitamin D test with Apollo 24|7 is easy and convenient. Just follow these simple steps to get started:

  • Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or open the app.
  • Search for “Vitamin D Total (25-Hydroxy).” You can book this test alone or as part of packages like the Full Body Checkup for Women.
  • Pick the test or package that fits your needs and add it to your cart. Feel free to add other tests if you want.
  • Fill in your details such as name, phone number, and address. Choose a date and time that’s convenient for you.
  • Choose home sample collection if you prefer. Apollo’s trained staff will come to your home to collect the sample (available in most cities across India).
  • Make a secure payment online using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Apollo’s platform is safe and easy to use.

Once booked, you’ll get a confirmation via SMS or email. Your test results will be ready and uploaded to your Apollo 24|7 account within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is taken.

Conclusion

Feeling tired, emotionally drained, or frequently under the weather might seem like part of a busy lifestyle, but these can point to low vitamin D symptoms. Many women experience these issues without realising that low levels of this essential nutrient may be contributing to their discomfort.

A vitamin D test is a quick and reliable way to check your levels and take control of your health. With Apollo 24|7, testing is simple, accessible, and can be done from home. You receive fast results and can begin making informed decisions to support your well-being without disrupting your daily routine.

Schedule an Assessment and Get Your Health Checked

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