The role of vitamin D in reproductive dysfunction in women – a systematic review

Abstract

Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. There is also evidence of its strong association with fertility problems in women. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and diseases affecting women's fertility (polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in Scopus and PubMed for relevant English language publications since 1989. Vitamin D influences the functioning of the reproductive system in women and has been associated with PCOS, uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. However, further studies on larger groups of patients are needed to establish what role vitamin D plays in the treatment of female infertility.

Evaluation of vitamin D status and its correlation with gonadal function in children at mini‐puberty

“…31 Studies relating vitamin D to female hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal hormone levels reveal contradictory results as in males. There is a strong evidence that vitamin D could be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.…”

“…There is a strong evidence that vitamin D could be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. 31 Studies relating vitamin D to female hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal hormone levels reveal contradictory results as in males.…”

Vitamin D is associated with bioavailability of androgens in eumenorrheic women with prior pregnancy loss

“…4–6 Additionally, the vitamin has been implicated in a number of pathologies affecting women, 7,8 including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 9–11 yet little is known about how it affects androgen homeostasis in premenopausal, eumenorrheic women.…”

Miraculous Physiological Activities of Vitamin D and Its Role in Human Health and Diseases

“…In order to depict the recent interest on utility of vitamin D, a few current examples are being cited here. Vitamin D is involved in regulating the female reproductive system, and it has an important role in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) 34 . The use of vitamin D is being investigated to find new and effective avenues for the treatment of many infectious diseases including tuberculosis, respiratory tract infection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and sepsis 35 .…”