Abstract
Zinc is an essential microelement that plays many important functions in the body. It is crucial for the regulation of cell growth, hormone release, immunological response and reproduction. This review focuses on its importance in the reproductive system of women of reproductive and postmenopausal ages, not including its well described role in pregnancy. Only recently, attention has been drawn to the potential role of zinc in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), dysmenorrhea, or endometriosis. This review is mainly based on 36 randomized, controlled studies on reproductive, pre- and post-menopausal populations of women and on research trying to explain the potential impact of zinc and its supplementation in the etiology of selected female reproductive system disorders. In women with PCOS, zinc supplementation has a positive effect on many parameters, especially those related to insulin resistance and lipid balance. In primary dysmenorrhea, zinc supplementation before and during each menstrual cycle seems to be an important factor reducing the intensity of menstrual pain. On the other hand, little is known of the role of zinc in endometriosis and in postmenopausal women. Therefore, further studies explaining the potential impact of zinc and its supplementation on female reproductive system would be highly advisable and valuable.
Highlights
36 studies were included: 17 articles concerned polycystic ovary syndrome, six articles referred to primary dysmenorrhea including one paper describing five case reports (Table 4), eight were about endometriosis and five about preand post-menopause
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder connected with symptoms of hormonal imbalances and ovarian dysfunction
The prevalence of PCOS is estimated to be as high as 20% of premenopausal women [42] and even up to 30% among obese women [43]
Summary
Zinc (Zn) is an essential microelement that is present in all body tissues and fluids, mainly intracellularly. The total amount of zinc in the human body is estimated at 2–3 g and less than 0.2% of it is found in plasma, where its concentration is about 15 μmol/L (100 μg/dL) [1,2,3,4,5]. Of the zinc content of the body (i.e., 2–3 mg) needs to be supplied daily [6,7]. The zinc status in humans depends on gender, age, physiological condition and diet.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
