The effect of hormonal contraceptives combined with vitamin D3 supplements on sexual dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2025 Sep 6. doi: 10.1007/s00404-025-08159-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by reproductive and endocrine abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and vitamin D3 on sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS and vitamin D3 deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Iran between January and April 2019. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires were filled out for all participants and their serum levels of vitamin D3 were measured. Women with PCOS and vitamin D3 deficiency were divided into 2 equal groups (A and B) with a table of random numbers (n = 35/ each). Both groups were given vitamin D3 (50,000 IU/w) for 12 week. The case group was given low-dose OCP for 3 months and a similar placebo was given to the control group. Vitamin D3 level and sexual function were assessed in both groups at 3 and 6 months after taking OCP.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in demographic characteristic such as weight (69.54 ± 10.34 vs 70.17 ± 10.60, P = 0.803). Both groups treated with vitamin D3 exhibited increased sexual function scores at the beginning of the study (P = 0.03) and 3 months (P = 0.01) after taking OCP. Examination of sexual function variables showed that sexual desire in the control group was greater than in the OCP-treated group at 3 (P = 0.009) and 6 (P = 0.01) months after entering the study.

CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the score of women’s sexual performance increased in all areas, especially in the area of sexual desire, with the use of vitamin D3. The simultaneous use of OCP with vitamin D3 to improve sexual performance in these women had no significant difference with the use of vitamin D3 alone. According to the research findings, it is recommended that vitamin D3 supplementation can be used to increase the quality of life and improve sexual function in PCOS women.

PMID:40913650 | DOI:10.1007/s00404-025-08159-4