Vitamin D and Reproductive Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic, Hormonal and Fertility Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.48.67048Keywords
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Fertility, IVF, Insulin Resistance, Reproductive systemAbstract
Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting 15–20% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation, contributing to metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in PCOS, affecting up to 85% of patients, and is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing hormonal balance, glucose metabolism and fertility. Due to the presence of vitamin D receptors in ovarian, endometrial and metabolic tissues, vitamin D may play a role in steroidogenesis, follicular development, endometrial receptivity and insulin sensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D status may affect menstrual regularity and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Aim. To assess the relationship between vitamin D status, metabolic and hormonal parameters, and fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.
Material and methods. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database. Studies were identified using keywords related to PCOS, vitamin D, fertility, insulin resistance and IVF. Clinical trials, observational studies and experimental research were included. This study was conducted as a narrative literature review and did not involve original patient data.
Results. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with improvements in insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers, as well as reductions in androgen levels. Higher serum and follicular fluid vitamin D concentrations were linked to improved ovarian response, oocyte quality and IVF outcomes, although findings regarding ovulation and pregnancy rates remain inconsistent.
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