Letisha Hodges
- Jun 17, 2022
- 3 min read

What's the Best Vitamin for PCOS?

If you're dealing with PCOS, then you know that your health is a top priority. You're likely always looking for ways to improve your condition and alleviate your symptoms.

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So which vitamin is the best for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

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Turns out, it might be something you're already taking every day!

In this post, we'll explore the benefits of taking a common vitamin supplement and how it can help improve your PCOS symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more!

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common hormonal and reproductive condition that involves multiple organs as well as a part of the brain, the hypothalamus.

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects ~6-10% of women and typical PCOS symptoms as insulin resistance, irregular periods, infertility, high androgen levels, as well as cysts on the ovaries.

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Other polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms

Other pcos symptoms may include hair loss, fatigue, acne, excess hair growth, and mood changes.

It can also make it harder for people to get pregnant and can negatively affect their mental health if left untreated.

It’s vitamin D!

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Figure 1 (Thomson, 2012).

Vitamin D for PCOS

Low vitamin D status is very common in women with PCOS

There are a few studies examining vitamin D levels in women with polyovary syndrome which found an inverse relationship between vitamin D and metabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance or higher BMI.

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What is the cause of low vitamin in women with PCOS?

We do not know exactly why this happens and it is a chicken or the egg question right now.

Vitamin D is involved in insulin sensitivity but it is not known whether low vitamin D levels are the result of a higher BMI or a higher BMI causes low vitamin D levels.

Which PCOS Symptoms Does Vitamin D Improve?

Outside of insulin resistance, low levels of vitamin D are also involved with other aspects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome such as heart disease risk factors, weight gain, chronic inflammation, infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and higher levels of free testosterone causing acne and excess hair growth.

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More interventional studies are needed to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy outcomes, menstrual cycle, and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) before we can confidently prescribe a treatment dose or protocol.

Who Should Take vitamin D Based on Types of PCOS?

I often recommend vitamin D supplements to my clients with PCOS symptoms, especially since many of my clients struggle with insulin resistance, facial and body hair, chronic inflammation, and higher androgen levels.