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REVIEW ARTICLE

Research progress on selenium and polycystic ovary syndrome: A review

Xin Dong1† ,  Jianfeng Huang1† ,  Weiqing Huang1 ,  Xu Liu1 ,  Daiyu Zhu1*
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1 Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Occurrence and Intervention of Rheumatic Diseases, Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, China
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
EJMO, 025440457 https://doi.org/10.36922/EJMO025440457
Received: 30 October 2025 | Revised: 10 December 2025 | Accepted: 18 December 2025 | Published online: 19 January 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, marked by irregular ovulation, high androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. These symptoms are often accompanied by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation. However, the precise causes of PCOS are not well understood. Selenium, a vital trace element, is involved in the formation of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases, which influence redox balance, insulin sensitivity, and reproductive endocrine function. Recent studies have extensively explored the link between selenium and PCOS. This review examines the potential mechanisms of selenium in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Furthermore, it explores the potential benefits of selenium supplementation in managing this condition. By examining existing research, this article aims to offer novel perspectives that may advance our understanding of the causes and treatment options for PCOS, ultimately paving the way for more effective clinical interventions.

Keywords
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Selenium
Reproductive endocrinology
Oxidative stress
Inflammatory response
Funding
This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (Project No. 2023AFD070) and the “Selenium Introduction Project” of Enshi Prefecture Science and Technology Plan (Project No. D20230086).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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