Vitamin D and your fertility

Dear Coach Monique,

I’ve been trying to get pregnant for almost a year now, and I was recently told I might have low vitamin D. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and I don’t spend much time in the sun because of my office job. Could this really be affecting my chances of getting pregnant? Please advise.

You are asking a very important question.

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin”, but its role goes far beyond just supporting your bones. While it helps your body absorb calcium, it also quietly supports many of the systems involved in fertility.

Here’s where it gets interesting: your ovaries, uterus, placenta, and even your brain all have vitamin D receptors. That means vitamin D is actively involved in supporting ovulation and pregnancy.

For women with conditions like PCOS, this becomes even more important. New research suggests that low vitamin D levels may contribute to insulin resistance which is a key trigger of PCOS and makes ovulation less predictable.

Additionally, lifestyle plays a role. If you have darker skin, spend most of your day indoors, or carry excess body weight, your risk of vitamin D deficiency is higher. So your situation is more common than you might think.

So what can you do to improve fertility outcomes?

Start simple. Safe sun exposure can help, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. You can also include foods like fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, and fortified products. But keep in mind food alone usually provides less than 10 per cent of what you need.

If you’re deficient, supplementation may be necessary especially if you have PCOS, insulin resistance, or higher body weight. But this is not something to guess. The best next step is to speak with your health-care provider about testing your levels and creating a plan tailored to you.

Fertility is rarely about one single factor it’s about balance. And sometimes, small adjustments like correcting a vitamin deficiency can make a meaningful difference.

You’re on the right path. Keep going.

Monique Allen is a certified holistic nutritionist and PCOS fertility coach dedicated to helping women with PCOS restore hormonal balance, enhance their well-being, and optimise fertility. Through her online practice, she provides expert guidance, personalised support, and valuable resources tailored to each client’s unique journey. Follow her on social media @themoniqueallen, or e-mail hello@themoniqueallen.com.

Monique Allen .