PCOS and vitamin D: a clinical appraisal

Abstract

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-reproductive disease linked not just to infertility but also to serious comorbidities. There is a reported association between low vitamin D levels and multiple health conditions including PCOS. This narrative review aims to analyze the role of vitamin D in PCOS development, use of the vitamin D in the treatment of PCOS, and the molecular basis of these observations. Methods: A Medline and PubMed research was performed, during the years 1990–2023, using a combination of keywords on such topic. According to the author's evaluation and target, papers were identified and included for a narrative review. Results: There are associations between lower levels of vitamin D and PCOS, as well as with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hyperandrogenemia, metabolic and endocrine disorders as well as the onset of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory milieu, in PCOS women. Conclusion: Vitamin D has a role in pathologic changes linked to PCOS. Molecular and clinical investigations which give new information about the role of vitamin D in the development of PCOS and related endocrine and metabolic disturbance are further needed. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.