Vitamin D3 is well-known as a major regulator of calcium and
phosphorus homeostasis. A growing body of evidence highlights
its crucial role in the regulation of reproductive processes in
females. The role of vitamin D3 in the female reproductive tract
has been extensively investigated because its receptor is
abundant in reproductive organs, including ovary. Importantly,
besides expression of vitamin D3 receptor, the ovary is an
extrarenal site of vitamin D3 metabolism. The influence of vitamin
D3 on follicular development and ovarian steroidogenesis has
been investigated. Furthermore, vitamin D3 deficiency has also
been associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, premature
ovarian failure and ovarian cancer. The objective of this review is
to summarize our knowledge about the contribution of vitamin D3
to physiological and pathological processes within the ovary.