Role Of Vitamin D In Managing PCOS – All You Need To Know
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Meenakshi
on Jun 13, 2023
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Mar 18, 2024
Are you or anyone you know struggling with the symptoms
of PCOS? If so, take a sigh of relief! It is because there might be a powerful ally that can offer relief: Vitamin D. Vitamin D, aka Sunshine Vitamin, has been gaining all the attention in the medical community for all its benefits, including its role in managing PCOS. From hormonal balance to fertility and beyond, Vitamin D benefits those affected by this condition. Still, have some doubts? Worry not! Delve into this informative blog sharing impact of Vitamin D in tackling PCOS. So, let’s unlock a ray of sunshine in your PCOS journey.
What is PCOS?
PCOS also stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, excessive hair growth on the body, acne, unintended weight gain, and several other symptoms. To understand PCOD Vs. PCOS: its causes, symptoms, and treatment, this blog has all the answers.
The Link Between PCOS & Vitamin D:
While researchers are still looking for an exact cause of PCOS, a link between PCOS & Vitamin D deficiency has been identified. Unquestionably, Vitamin D is a vital vitamin that serves & supports various bodily functions, including bone health, immune system regulation, and hormone management. As per some studies, women with PCOS tend to have lower Vitamin D levels compared to those without the condition. Let's explore how Vitamin D deficiency relates to PCOS.
Effects Of Vitamin D Deficiency On PCOS Symptoms:
Vitamin D Deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance, a common PCOS characteristic. Insulin resistance disrupts your body's ability to respond to insulin, leading to increased insulin production, which worsens the hormone levels & exacerbates PCOS symptoms, like unintended weight gain & difficulty losing weight.
In addition, Vitamin D deficiency causes inflammation & oxidative stress, which often increases PCOS, further worsens the symptoms & increases long-term complications associated with the disease.
Importance Of Vitamin D For Alleviating PCOS Symptoms:
Here, we have elaborated on the ways Vitamin D benefits your health in the points below:
- Promote Hormonal Balance: Vitamin D Deficiency has often been linked to hormonal imbalance in PCOS, and optimizing its levels can improve this imbalance. While ensuring better hormonal regulation, thereby easing PCOS symptoms.
- Menstrual Regularity: Irregularity in periods is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS and is also linked with vitamin D deficiency. Meeting the vitamin D levels needs of your body helps regulate the menstrual cycle, promote ovulation & improve fertility health for women going through trouble or are trying to conceive.
- Inflammation Reduction: PCOS causes low-grade inflammation that makes the symptoms worse. Vitamin D, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce inflammation & potentially alleviate some symptoms linked with PCOS.
- Weight Management: Adding vitamin D to your diet if you are deficient and have PCOS can also help you manage weight if you are having difficulty losing it. Adequate levels of vitamin D support healthy weight loss & weight management.
While Vitamin D can help ease PCOS symptoms to some extent, it should always be incorporated into your routine in conjunction with ongoing treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
How Much Vitamin D Is Suggested For Women With PCOS?
The ideal levels of vitamin D that one with PCOS should maintain are unknown. It is always essential to consult your healthcare practitioner. They may suggest a Vitamin D Test to measure vitamin D levels, confirm deficiency (if any), and suggest appropriate preventive measures to help you improve and manage them effectively.
Tips To Keep Your Vitamin D Levels Up:
- Soaking the sun is the easiest & effective way to meet your body’s need for vitamin D. However, it should be done with appropriate safety measures.
- You can also get it through your food. Some of the most common foods rich in vitamin D are cereals, yogurt, fatty fish, milk, orange juices, and more.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is another way that optimally supports Vitamin D absorption and helps you balance its levels well.
- Engage in regular physical exercises to boost vitamin D levels & overall health.
- Take diagnosis on time and take medications as prescribed by your healthcare practitioner.
Redcliffe Labs – Forever Trusted Diagnostic Partner:
Being proactive about your health is the foremost step that helps you manage the condition well and improve health outcomes. Whether you are looking for a diagnostic centre for the PCOS Test, Vitamin D Test, or other preventive health checkups, Redcliffe Labs got you covered. With express slots facility, we bring diagnostic tests facility to your doorstep within 45 minutes. When it comes to health, delay no more and book your test now.