Managing polycystic ovarian syndrome can be troublesome and challenging due to its multifaceted nature. While the name suggests that it is only related to the ovaries, PCOS is instead a hormonal condition that has systemic manifestations.
Consequently, patients are often frustrated because recommended therapies are always targeted at managing a smaller and limited component of PCOS, while ignoring the systemic issues that often negatively affect quality of life. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that can affect mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, skin health, fertility, and risk of various endocrine disorders like diabetes.
Equally challenging can be finding the actual cause driving the polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms that are presenting for an individual. If you were to review five patients with similar symptoms of PCOS, the underlying physiological mechanism driving their symptoms could be vastly different.
A newly published systematic review evaluated for over 800 patients in a total of 13 randomized clinical studies and found that improving vitamin D status in patients with PCOS significantly improved various hormonal parameters and and caused positive physiological changes.
The researchers found that supplementing with vitamin D obviously improved vitamin D levels on a blood test, but also increased the thickness of the endometrial lining for patients (if trying to conceive this is an important factor), it helped to reduce markers of systemic inflammation, it help to reduce total cholesterol levels, and very importantly, it help to reduce total testosterone levels as well.
These are fascinating findings as one simple vitamin was able to target multiple pathophysiological processes that could help with the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Patients with PCOS are at higher risk of elevated inflammation, elevated testosterone levels, cardiometabolic disease, including elevated cholesterol levels, and are more likely to have a thin uterine lining if trying to conceive. While vitamin D status is not the one and only cause of PCOS symptoms, it is important to consider this in the evaluation and management of PCOS to help patients succeed in their reproductive goals.
This article is being shared as educational content and is in no way a replacement for medical advice or medical care, it is advised that anyone concerned about their Health should speak with their Naturopathic Doctor. Please discuss with your healthcare provider and only make changes to your medications regimen if recommended by your doctor and under their guidance and supervision.
Reference:
Zhang, B., Yao, X., Zhong, X., Hu, Y., & Xu, J. (2023). Vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Heliyon, 9(3).