Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (2): 217-221.doi: 10.12280/gjfckx.20240977

• Gynecological Disease & Related Research: Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Relationship between Zinc and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

XU Shu-ying, XU Hai-peng, WANG Li-na, ZHANG Yang()   

  1. First Clinical College of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110847, China (XU Shu-ying, XU Hai-peng); Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, China (WANG Li-na, ZHANG Yang)
  • Received:2024-10-30 Published:2025-04-15 Online:2025-04-22
  • Contact: ZHANG Yang E-mail:zy172888@126.com

Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder mainly characterized by polycystic ovarian changes, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, which seriously affects women′s physical and mental health. However, its pathogenesis is still unclear and treatment options are limited. Oxidative stress is an important factor affecting the pathogenesis of PCOS and is closely related to insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, and chronic inflammation. Zinc is an essential nutrient with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Metabolically, zinc is also involved in the synthesis and storage of insulin and regulating insulin-related pathways. Clinical studies have shown that patients with PCOS exhibit lower serum zinc levels compared to non-PCOS populations and that micronutrient zinc supplementation improves oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients. The correlation between zinc and metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress in PCOS is summarized, to provide a reference for the preventive management and treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Zinc, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin resistance, Oxidative stress, Hyperandrogenism