Vitamin D deficiency and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.64.73750Keywords
PMS, vitamin D, menstrual cycle, sex hormonesAbstract
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a widespread condition affecting millions of women of reproductive age globally. In recent years, there has been growing interest in identifying therapeutic strategies that are accessible, safe, cost-effective, and associated with minimal side effects for managing PMS symptoms.
Aim: The aim of this publication is to examine the role of vitamin D in severity of PMS.
Materials and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including clinical trials, case-control studies, and cross-sectional research.
Results: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by physical and emotional symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving hormonal fluctuations, neurotransmitter imbalances, lifestyle factors, and genetic predisposition. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that vitamin D supplementation or a diet rich in this nutrient can alleviate PMS symptoms, potentially through hormonal regulation, neurotransmitter modulation, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that low serum levels of calcium and vitamin D during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may contribute to or worsen PMS symptoms. Therefore, supplementation with vitamin D or adherence to a diet rich in this nutrient may restore serum levels and reduce or alleviate PMS symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended as an affordable, safe, acceptable, and readily accessible approach to managing PMS. Although findings are promising, current research is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs. Nevertheless, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels appears to be a safe, accessible, and cost-effective strategy for managing PMS, warranting further large-scale, well-controlled studies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dominika Cholewa, Dominik Jaklik , Natalia Guzik, Wiktor Słaby, Radosław Starzyk, Julia Florek, Sara Śmiałek, Adrian Groele, Patrycja Dębska, Marcin Miczek
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