Recent literature has stressed the importance of vitamin D (VD) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are deficient in VD, particularly those with a higher weight. Hypovitaminosis is a risk factor for glucose intolerance, and reduced levels of VD is associated with insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk. Since women with PCOS and hirsutism seem to have lower levels of VD than women with PCOS without hirsutism, a correlation between VD deficiency and hyperandrogenism may be suggested. Interestingly, VD is crucial for many human physiological functions, including to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress. Some studies evaluated effects of VD supplementation on glucose homeostasis variables, hormonal status, lipid concentrations, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among VD-deficient women. Moreover, VD has been shown to play a role in egg quality and fertility. This review aims to show the relationship between VD and the endocrine and metabolic profile of PCOS patients, as well as its implications for their fertility. The supplement of VD to the common therapy can lead to an improvement of the insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, a reduction of circulating androgens, as well as a better response to the induction of ovulation in PCOS women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of the population of women. The exact etiology of PCOS remains unclear, but it is believed to result from complex interactions between genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. The spectrum of its symptoms such as hirsutism, skin problems, obesity and finally infertility has a huge negative impact on the individuals’ psychological and interpersonal functioning. PCOS symptoms can lead to significant deterioration in quality of life and be highly stressful negatively affecting psychological well-being and sexuality. Fear symptoms like palpitation, being out of breath and tension might be caused by many somatic diseases. Moreover, detection and continuous thinking about illness can lead to significant negative impact on individual functioning in society. PCOS may be a factor potentially favoring the occurrence of mood disorders and depression. Biological, social and psychological consequences of PCOS among women of reproductive age are opening a new perspective on management of women’s health in these patients.

Endometriosis is a condition defined as presence of endometrium outside of the uterine cavity. These endometrial cells are able to attach and invade the peritoneum or ovary, thus forming respectively the deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and the ovarian endometrioma (OMA), the ectopic lesions feature of this pathology. Endometriotic cells display high invasiveness and share some features of malignancy with cancer cells. Indeed, the tissue remodeling underlining lesion formation is achieved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. Therefore, these molecules are believed to play a key role in development and pathogenesis of endometriosis. This study investigated the molecular profile of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in healthy (n = 15) and eutopic endometrium (n = 19) in OMA (n = 10) and DIE (n = 9); moreover, we firstly validated the most reliable housekeeping genes allowing accurate gene expression analysis in these tissues. Gene expression, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP10 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 demonstrated that these enzymes are finely tuned in these tissues. In OMA lesions, all the investigated MMPs and their inhibitors were significantly increased, while DIE expressed high levels of MMP3. Finally, in vitro TNFα treatment induced a significant upregulation of MMP3, MMP10, and TIMP2 in both healthy and eutopic endometrial stromal cells. This study, shedding light on MMP and TIMP expression in endometriosis, confirms that these molecules are altered both in eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions. Although further studies are needed, these data may help in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the extracellular matrix remodeling, a crucial process for the endometrial physiology.

Perimenopause represents a transition period of a woman’s life during which physiological, affective, psychological, and social changes mark progression from a woman’s fertile life to menopause, with wide sexual hormones fluctuations until the onset of hypergonadotropic hypogonadic amenorrhea. Contraception during menopause should not only avoid unwanted pregnancies, but also improve quality of life and prevent wide range of condition affecting this population. Hormonal contraceptives confer many noncontraceptive benefits for women approaching menopause: treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, relief from vasomotor symptoms, endometrial protection in women using estrogen therapy, musculoskeletal protection, and mood disorders protection. The main point remains selecting the most adequate contraceptive option for each woman, considering her risk factor, comorbidities, and keeping in mind the possibility of continuing contraception until reaching menopause and even further, creating a bridge between perimenopause and menopause hormonal therapy. Correct perimenopause management should rely on individualized medical therapy and multidisciplinary approach considering lifestyle and food habits as part of general good health of a woman.

The diagnosis of breast cancer elicits diverse emotional responses in patients and partners. Surviving cancer has raised new needs and caretakers must understand the medical and psychological latent effects of oncology therapy. Improving patients’ well-being is crucial as 19 million survivors are expected in the next decade in the United States alone. In general, sexuality contributes to one’s well-being but when it is disrupted by the occurrence of cancer, women withdraw emotionally, no longer feel desirable due to esthetic damage, and become overwhelmed by the thought of sex. Alopecia and mastectomy elicit feelings of unattractiveness affecting even some women with nipple sparing mastectomy. Couples who share the psychological distress of experiencing cancer should be logically included in survivorship interventions. Hence, any support offered to the couple improves their ability to cope significantly. Treatments causing premature ovarian failure as well as adjuvant endocrine treatments deepen the effects of hypo-estrogenism on the genital modifications of arousal. Sexual rehabilitation with vaginal dilators and sensate focus exercises help to lessen pain, and reduce the couple’s anxiety toward sex. In conclusion, caregivers must realize that surviving women are often reluctant to voice their needs, thus, efficient interventions must be available to everyone.