Image symbolizing the connection between sunlight, vitamin D, and women's health.

PCOS and Vitamin D: What Every Teen Girl Needs to Know

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unraveling the Connection Between Vitamin D Levels and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent Girls"

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting many adolescent girls and young women. It can lead to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and even fertility problems later in life. While the exact cause of PCOS isn't fully understood, research suggests that several factors, including genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation, play a role.

In recent years, scientists have been exploring the connection between vitamin D and various health conditions, including PCOS. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and even hormone regulation. Some studies have indicated that women with PCOS are more likely to have low vitamin D levels, sparking questions about whether vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the development or severity of PCOS.

This article breaks down a research paper investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and PCOS in Turkish adolescent girls. We'll explore the study's findings, what they mean for young women with PCOS, and what steps can be taken to ensure adequate vitamin D levels.

Decoding the Study: Vitamin D and PCOS in Turkish Teens

Image symbolizing the connection between sunlight, vitamin D, and women's health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology explored the link between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and PCOS in Turkish adolescent girls. Researchers analyzed data from 31 girls with PCOS and 35 girls without PCOS, looking at various clinical and biochemical parameters.

Here's a breakdown of the study's key findings:

Vitamin D Levels: The study found no significant difference in average vitamin D levels between the PCOS group (14.58 ng/ml) and the control group (16.02 ng/ml).
Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency was common in both groups.
No Correlation: The researchers found no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and other clinical or metabolic parameters in either group.
Other Factors: The study did find significant correlations between BMI and HOMA-IR, LAP index and QUICKI in PCOS group.

In essence, while vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among all participants, this study didn't establish a direct link between vitamin D levels and the presence or severity of PCOS in these adolescent girls.

What This Means for You: Taking Charge of Your Health

It's important to remember that research is ongoing, and one study doesn't provide all the answers. While this particular study didn't find a direct link between vitamin D and PCOS, vitamin D remains crucial for overall health, especially during adolescence.

Here are some actionable steps you can take:

<ul> <li>Check Your Vitamin D Levels: Talk to your doctor about getting your vitamin D levels tested. This is a simple blood test that can identify any deficiencies.</li> <li>Consider Supplementation: If you are deficient, discuss appropriate vitamin D supplementation with your doctor. The recommended dosage varies depending on individual needs.</li> <li>Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. These habits are beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms and promoting overall well-being.</li> <li>Work with Your Healthcare Team: PCOS management often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Consult with your doctor, a registered dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jpag.2017.07.008, Alternate LINK

Title: Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels In Turkish Adolescent Girls With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And The Correlation With Clinical/Biochemical Parameters

Subject: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal: Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Esra Isci Bostanci, Sibel Ozler, Nafiye Karakas Yilmaz, Huseyin Yesilyurt

Published: 2018-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is PCOS and why is it a concern for teen girls?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting adolescent girls and young women. It's characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, acne, potential weight gain, and can even lead to fertility issues later in life. The precise cause of PCOS is still under investigation, but factors such as genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation appear to play significant roles in its development.

What were the main findings of the vitamin D and PCOS study conducted with Turkish teens?

The *Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology* study involving Turkish adolescent girls revealed that while vitamin D deficiency was common in both the PCOS group (with an average of 14.58 ng/ml) and the control group (16.02 ng/ml), there was no significant difference in average vitamin D levels between the two groups. Furthermore, researchers found no direct correlation between vitamin D levels and other clinical or metabolic parameters in either group.

Did the study find any correlations between vitamin D and other health factors in teens with PCOS?

The study found no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and PCOS. However, it did find correlations between BMI and HOMA-IR in PCOS group. There were significant correlations between LAP index and QUICKI in the PCOS group. This suggests that, at least in the studied group, other factors might have a stronger influence on PCOS than vitamin D levels.

If the study didn't find a direct link between vitamin D and PCOS, why is vitamin D still important for teen girls?

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining overall health because it supports bone health, strengthens the immune system, and contributes to hormone regulation. Even though the research discussed didn't find a direct link between vitamin D levels and PCOS, maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels is essential for adolescent girls, especially for bone development and immune function.

Given the complexities of PCOS and the mixed findings regarding vitamin D, what further research is needed?

While this study focused on vitamin D, PCOS is a multifaceted condition influenced by several factors. Further research should explore the interplay between genetics, insulin resistance, inflammation, and other nutrients or lifestyle factors. Longitudinal studies tracking vitamin D levels and PCOS development over time would also provide valuable insights into potential causal relationships and help determine how to tackle PCOS.