What Causes Abnormal Melatonin Levels?

To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of abnormal melatonin levels we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow abnormal melatonin levels to develop?"

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Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind abnormal melatonin levels consists of three steps:

Step 1: List the Possible Causative Factors

Identify all disease conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors that can lead to abnormal melatonin levels. Here are eight possibilities:

Stress
Lack Of Sleep
Cigarette Smoke Damage
Alcohol Consequences
Caffeine Intoxication
Drug Side-Effects
Overtraining
Premature Aging

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

Identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

waking up with dry eyes

craving for salt

sexual abuse during childhood

taking naps

bags under eyes

severe muscle weakness

moderate caffeine supplementation

a very enlarged nose

being anxious/nervous

greatly reduced skin elasticity

arrhythmia

low energy/stamina

... and more than 100 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of abnormal melatonin levels:

Cause	Probability	Status
Alcohol Consequences	90%	Confirm
Drug Side-Effects	19%	Unlikely
Stress	12%	Unlikely
Overtraining	5%	Ruled out
Cigarette Smoke Damage	1%	Ruled out
Premature Aging	1%	Ruled out
Caffeine Intoxication	1%	Ruled out
Lack Of Sleep	0%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

What are your melatonin levels when you are not using supplemental melatonin?

Possible responses:

→ Don't know
→ Very low
→ Low
→ Normal
→ Elevated

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate having very low melatonin levels, having low melatonin levels, having normal melatonin levels or having elevated melatonin levels, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects

Certain drugs, for example MAO inhibitors, Fluvoxamine and Desipramine, can increase melatonin levels. Some drugs, including NSAIDs, beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, steroids, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, can deplete melatonin levels.

Alcohol-related Problems

One of the things that impair melatonin production is alcohol.

Caffeine Intoxication

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine deplete melatonin levels.

Cigarette Smoke Damage

Premature/Signs of Aging

Melatonin declines rapidly as we age, with levels generally minimal by age 70.

Stress

Chronic stress causes the production of too much cortisol, which in turn lowers melatonin.

The Effects Of Overtraining

Exercise impairs the production of melatonin and exercising in the evening decreases melatonin for up to 3 hours afterwards.

Lack of Sleep