This episode explores the evidence on vitamin D and its role in the pathophysiology and clinical management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a focus on metabolic and reproductive outcomes. We break down proposed biological mechanisms, key findings from recent trials and reviews, and practical considerations for screening and supplementation in clinical practice. Designed for dietitians and women’s health professionals, this episode supports evidence-informed decision making when caring for individuals with PCOS.

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References:

1. Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Narrative Review (2025): [Akhter, D.S., Hannan, D.K., Chowdury, D.S., & Nasrin, D.S. (2025). Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Narrative Review. Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences.]
2. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial (2024): [Wen, X., Wang, L., Li, F., & Yu, X. (2024). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ovarian Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01473-6
3. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial (2024)(2025): [Tóth, B. E., Takács, I., Valkusz, Z., Jakab, A., Fülöp, Z., Kádár, K., Putz, Z., Kósa, J. P., & Lakatos, P. (2025). Effects of vitamin D3 treatment on polycystic ovary symptoms: A prospective double-blind two-phase randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 17(7), 1246. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071246]
4. The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized control trials: [Yu, M., Chen, S., Liu, X., Dong, H., & Wang, D.-C. (2025). The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-01920-5]
5. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, and hormonal function in polycystic ovary syndrome: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis (2024): Tony Yin et.al.,: [Yin, T., Lin, W., Ming, K., Lv, H., Wang, Y., Yuanchao, L., Zhen, H., Yuan, J., & Asadi, H. (2024). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, and hormonal functions in polycystic ovary syndrome: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, 175, 106913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106913]

In the episode, we discuss changes in appetite, cravings, energy intake and energy expenditure across different phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstrual Cycles and Disorders Couse for Dietitians:https://whnlearninghub.thinkific.com/courses/menstrualhealth

Women's Health Nutrition Learning Hub:

www.whnlearninghub.com

References:

1. Gorczyca AM, Sjaarda LA, Mitchell EM, et al. Changes in macronutrient, micronutrient, and food group intakes throughout the menstrual cycle in healthy, premenopausal women. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(3):1181–1188.
   
   
   
2. Tucker JAL, McCarthy SF, Bornath DPD, Khoja JS, Hazell TJ. The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024;83(3):e866–e876.
   
   
   
3. Rogan MM, Black KE. Dietary energy intake across the menstrual cycle: a narrative review. Nutr Rev. 2022;81(7):869–886.
   
   
   
4. Salem AM, Latif R, Rafique N, et al. Variations of Ghrelin and Obestatin Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle of Women of Different BMIs. Int J Women’s Health. 2022;14:1297–1305.
   
   
   
5. Reed SC, Levin FR, Evans SM. Changes in mood, cognitive performance and appetite in the late luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMDD. Horm Behav. 2008;54(1):185–193. (Control group details cited here).
   
   
   

Lorenz TK, Gesselman AN, Vitzthum VJ. Variance in Mood Symptoms Across Menstrual Cycles: Implications for PMDD. Women’s Reprod Health. 2017;4(2):77–88. (Mood-focused; not directly used for appetite but included as provided.)

In this episode, we explore the role of inositol in gestational diabetes prevention—what it is, how it works, and what the research says. Drawing from a recent comprehensive review, I break down the evidence on supplementation, dosage, safety, and the key limitations dietitians should be aware of. If you’re supporting clients through pregnancy, this episode will give you practical, evidence-based insights to guide your practice.

References and blog post:

https://www.whnlearninghub.com/post/does-inositol-help-prevent-gestational-diabetes-a-comprehensive-review-for-dietitians

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