John Myers
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that has puzzled scientists to this day. Affected women tend to have an increased concentration of male hormones. The consequences include menstrual disorders, obesity, infertility, and depression. One study looked at whether vitamin D could help alleviate the depression associated with PCOS.
The polycystic ovary syndrome
Around ten to fifteen percent of women of childbearing age have hormonal imbalances. One of the most common hormonal disorders is caused by an excess of male hormones and is referred to as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Affected women suffer from a variety of symptoms that are often difficult to bear mentally. These include excessive hair growth on the body and face (hirsutism), menstrual cycle disorders, acne, and infertility.
The main cause of unwanted childlessness is usually the typical cysts on the ovaries, which give it its name.
Being overweight and having an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus often accompany the symptoms of PCOS.
Depression is a frequently observed consequence of these circumstances and occurs in about forty percent of those affected.
The women feel belittled in their femininity and are unhappy with their outward appearance. They withdraw from their environment because they no longer feel comfortable in society.
Vitamin D deficiency and PCOS
Vitamin D deficiency has been repeatedly linked to PCOS and depression in the past. A University of Connecticut study published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health examined the vitamin D status of 114 women suffering from PCOS.
The aim was to find out whether a vitamin D deficiency can promote depression, which is common in PCOS.
The researchers recorded all of the presenting symptoms of PCOS: the severity of excessive hair growth (beard, body hair), acne, and vitamin D status. In addition, the scientists collected personal medical histories in relation to depression and abnormalities in the family environment.
It turned out that 43 percent of the study participants suffered from depressive symptoms. The scientists were also able to determine that the severity of the depressive mood was greater, the lower the associated vitamin D level was.
However, this connection could only be noted in the participants who had a vitamin D deficiency of less than or equal to 30 ng/ml.
Vitamin D against PCOS depression?
The authors conclude that further studies have yet to show whether the intake of vitamin D could have a positive effect on the course of depression in PCOS or whether it could have a preventive effect on its development.
However, since vitamin D has extremely positive effects on so many ailments and many people also suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, it is always a good idea to replenish the vitamin D stores thoroughly, even in the case of depression associated with PCOS.
For example, it has been proven that vitamin D can alleviate depression that occurs independently of PCOS.
Vitamin D also strengthens bones and teeth, inhibits cancer, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Regardless of whether we are sick or healthy, it is necessary to be sufficiently supplied with vitamin D.
Replenish vitamin D stores
About one-tenth to one-fifth of the required amount of vitamin D can be covered through diet (fish, eggs, mushrooms, dairy products). In addition, in the months between March and October, daily exposure to the sun should do the rest to fill up the vitamin D stores for the dark winter.
For adults, the following rule of thumb applies to sufficient vitamin D formation from the sun:
Go out in the sun for 5 to 25 minutes a day with your face and hands uncovered and preferably with at least partially uncovered arms and legs.
Also, consider that the production of vitamin D in the skin is slower or limited in people over 65 and in people with dark skin.
Likewise, high sun protection factors in sun creams limit vitamin D formation, which is why you should always sunbathe for the minimum time required (5 – 25 minutes) without sun cream.
Of course, make sure you don’t get sunburnt and avoid the blazing midday sun. If you regularly go into the sun for a short time, the positive effects undoubtedly outweigh the negative ones and you can use the healing effects of sunlight for your health without any worries.
If you have a proven vitamin D deficiency or if you are unable to get sun and vitamin D every day in summer, it is advisable to take vitamin D in the form of a high-quality dietary supplement.
