Melatonin

Definition of Melatonin:

The only hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the pineal gland.  The hormone appears to inhibit numerous endocrine functions, including the gonadotropic hormones.  Research exists on the efficacy of melatonin in treating jet lag and certain sleep disorders.  Dosages greater than l milligram have been associated with drowsiness, headaches, disturbances in sleep/wake cycles and is contraindicated in those who are on antidepressive medication.  It also negatively influences insulin utilization.

Topics Related to Melatonin

(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects

...our question about Your melatonin level
“Some drugs, including NSAIDs, beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, steroids, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, can deplete melatonin levels.”

Alzheimer's Disease

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant and heavy-metal-chelating agent, has been shown to protect against heavy metal exposure which is in turn implicated in Alzheimer's Disease...”
...recommendation Test for Heavy Metals
“...See discussion of Melatonin for details.”
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More topics Related to Melatonin

Autoimmune Tendency

...recommendation against Melatonin
Melatonin enhances the immune system and therefore those with autoimmune diseases should use melatonin only in very low doses.”

Breast Cancer

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin has been shown to inhibit several types of cancers, especially hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer...”
...recommendation Vitamin A
“...Vitamin D3 works synergistically with tamoxifen (and melatonin) to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation...”

Cancer, General

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin has been shown to inhibit several types of cancer, especially hormone-related cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer...”

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

...recommendation Melatonin
“A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that melatonin supplementation (either alone or in conjunction with fluoxetine/Prozac) significantly reduced fibromyalgia symptoms.”

Cluster Headaches

...the condition
“...The hypothalamus is also involved in the regulation of many important hormones, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and cortisol (stress hormones), melatonin (related to sleep), and beta endorphins (involved with pain)...”
...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
“Low levels of melatonin have been linked to cluster headaches, and melatonin supplements reduce cluster headaches in some patients.”
...recommendation Melatonin
“A drop in nocturnal melatonin has been linked with cluster headaches, and melatonin supplementation has shown a low but significant preventive capacity for cluster headaches...”

Dehydration

...our question about Difficulty falling asleep
“...Dehydration also leads to a deficiency of melatonin, which is a major cause of insomnia because it regulates our circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle)...”

Depression

...recommendation Amino Acid Profile
“...Tryptophan is the body's source material for producing the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which also influence sleep patterns and mood...”
...recommendation against Melatonin
“On the basis of theoretical ideas about how melatonin works, some authorities specifically recommend against using it for depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases and other serious illnesses, and in pregnant or nursing women...”

Gallbladder Disease

...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
“There is evidence that a lack of melatonin could significantly increase the risk of developing gallbladder stones...”

High Total Cholesterol

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin helps to decrease total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.”

HIV/AIDS

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin slows HIV replication in cell cultures.”

Hormones

...related topic
“...Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.”

Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction

...the condition
“...The pineal gland produces a hormone called melatonin, levels of which are what directly influence the function of various brain centers (appetite, sleep, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland)...”

Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)

...the condition
“...pollutants, progesterone, prednisone, morphine, tobacco, cortisol (in high doses), HIV, candida albicans, HCV, E coli and many other pathogens, continuous stress, thalidomide, UV-B light, pregnancy, melatonin (conflicting research suggests that high levels induce Th2 cytokines while very small amounts induce Th1 cytokines), alcohol (animals studies show that ethanol definitely suppresses Th1...”

Insomnia

...the condition
“...Tryptophan, melatonin, 5-HTP, Valerian, and St. John's Wort may help with sleep...”
...recommendation Kava
“...Because it potentiates the effectiveness of melatonin, it is the ideal complement in a melatonin complex formula...”
...recommendation Melatonin
“The body uses the hormone melatonin as part of its normal control of the sleep-wake cycle: melatonin plays an important role in the induction of sleep...”
...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“Due to the fact that the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin within the brain is dependent on the availability of the amino acid tryptophan, supplementing the diet with tryptophan before going to bed may produce good results in relieving insomnia...”

Lack of Sleep

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin improves the quality of sleep.”

LDL/HDL Ratio, High

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin helps to decrease total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.”

Liver/Gall Bladder Flush

...as a treatment
“...You may need assistance in going to sleep – try ornithine or melatonin before bed...”

Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency

...recommendation against Melatonin
“Since melatonin helps to control excess cortisol production, those with low adrenal function and low cortisol levels need to be careful about taking too much melatonin: it can make them even more tired.”

Low Melatonin Level

...the condition
Melatonin is a hormone in the same category as estrogen and testosterone and should not automatically be used as liberally as its current availability suggests...”
...our question about Remembering or forgetting dreams
“Low melatonin levels can cause poor dream recall.”
...relationship to The Effects Of Overtraining
“Exercise impairs the production of melatonin and exercising in the evening decreases melatonin for up to 3 hours afterwards.”
...relationship to Cancer, General
“People with higher levels of melatonin might be less likely to develop cancer, and people with lower levels seem to be more likely to develop at least some forms of cancer...”
...relationship to Endometrial Cancer
“A 1998 study found an extraordinarily strong correlation between melatonin level and endometrial cancer...”
...relationship to Breast Cancer
“...One theory is that decreased levels of the brain hormone melatonin are responsible, since this chemical is known to regulate daily sleep-wake cycles...”
...relationship to Caffeine Intoxication
“Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine deplete melatonin levels.”
...relationship to Alcohol-related Problems
“One of the things that impair melatonin production is alcohol.”
...relationship to Premature/Signs of Aging
Melatonin declines rapidly as we age, with levels generally minimal by age 70.”
...relationship to Stress
“Chronic stress causes the production of too much cortisol, which in turn lowers melatonin.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation Alcohol Avoidance
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”
...recommendation Calcium
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation Marijuana
“Marijuana significantly stimulates melatonin production...”
...recommendation Increased Sleep
“Regular and adequate sleep is the major controlling factor in maintaining normal melatonin levels.”
...recommendation Smaller, More Frequent Meals
“Eating regular meals in the recommended hearty breakfast / medium lunch / modest dinner pattern can improve melatonin production...”
...recommendation St John's Wort
“St. John's Wort can increase melatonin levels.”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”
...recommendation Sunlight Exposure
“Proper exposure to light and dark can improve melatonin production by 50-200%...”
...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation against Aerobic Exercise
“Exercising in the evening decreases melatonin levels for up to 3 hours afterwards, at precisely the time of day when they should be rising...”
...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
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More topics Related to Melatonin

Melatonin

...as a treatment
Melatonin is a key hormone in the body's regulation of daily, monthly, yearly and possibly even life-long bodily functions...”

Migraine/Tension Headaches

...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
“Migraines sufferers often are found to have reduced blood levels of melatonin.”

Motherhood Issues

...recommendation against Melatonin
“On the basis of theoretical ideas about how melatonin works, some authorities specifically recommend against using it for depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases and other serious illnesses, and in pregnant or nursing women.”

Night Eating Syndrome

...the condition
“...They found that the night eaters – both normal and overweight – had significantly lower melatonin levels during the night than did the controls...”
...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
Melatonin levels were found to be generally lower in patients with Night Eating Syndrome.”

Oxitriptan

...as a treatment
“...Serotonin is also the precursor to the pineal gland's production of melatonin.  Oxitriptan's anti-aging benefits may include the prevention and treatment of depression, maintenance of serotonin levels as the body ages, prevention and treatment of compulsive disorders...”

Parkinson's Disease

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the brain, and can help to gradually slow down chronic degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinsons.”

Pineal

...related topic
“...Darkness signals the pineal gland to release melatonin.  This important hormone has been found to play a role in sexual function and energy levels in general...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...recommendation against Melatonin
“On the basis of theoretical ideas about how melatonin works, some authorities specifically recommend against using it for depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases and other serious illnesses, and in pregnant or nursing women.”

Premature/Signs of Aging

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin helps to restore metabolic function and 'reset the metabolic clock' that has been disrupted by aging.”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
Melatonin can exhibit strong effects on the reproductive system, and the activity of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone is closely tied with its regulation of the sleep-wake cycle...”

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
“...Studies have shown that the protective, estrogen-reducing effects of melatonin are significantly reduced by excessive exposure to light (including late night TV viewing) and probably electromagnetic fields, chemical pollutants such as pesticides and fungicides, and...”

Prostate Cancer

...recommendation Melatonin
“The body produces the most melatonin at night, when it is dark...”

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

...as a treatment
“...Serotonin, adrenalin, melatonin and dopamine are but a few of these substances that are produced because of SAMe and its effect on methylation...”

Sarcoidosis

...recommendation Melatonin
“At least two cases of sarcoidosis have been successfully treated with 20mg of melatonin per day.  These were chronic sarcoidosis cases unresponsive to long-term steroidal therapy...”

Seizure Disorder

...recommendation Melatonin
“In a preliminary study, 6 children with severe intractable seizures were given a 3mg tablet of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime in addition to their usual anti-seizure medication for three months...”

Stress

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin can protect against stress by controlling overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Tardive Dyskinesia

...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“See the link between Tardive Dyskinesia and Melatonin.”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“See the link between Tardive Dyskinesia and Melatonin.”
...recommendation Melatonin
“A double-blind study demonstrated that 10mg of melatonin given at 8pm for 6 weeks is an effective treatment for tardive dyskinesia, although the magnitude of the effect was only modest...”
...recommendation Manganese
“See the link between Tardive Dyskinesia and Melatonin.”

Tendency Toward Postpartum Depression

...recommendation against Melatonin
“On the basis of theoretical ideas about how melatonin works, some authorities specifically recommend against using it for depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases and other serious illnesses, and in pregnant or nursing women.”

Test Melatonin Levels

...as a treatment
“Determining melatonin levels can be a critical tool for accurately diagnosing endocrine dysfunctions, effectively treating mood and sleep disorders, and revealing contributing factors in the pathology of various...”

Tinnitus

...relationship to Insomnia
“In a double-blind study of people who had difficulty sleeping because of tinnitus, supplementation with 3mg of melatonin per night for one month resulted in improved sleep.”

Tryptophan / 5HTP

...as a treatment
“...Tryptophan is metabolized into niacin, melatonin and serotonin and has relaxing and calming effects...”

Tryptophan Need

...the condition
“...Those who commit suicide during the night have lower levels of melatonin than those dying in the night from other causes; tryptophan is a precursor to melatonin.”

Unresolved Chronic Pain

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin can help to reduce pain.”

Weakened Immune System

...recommendation Melatonin
Melatonin is an immune system enhancer and modulator.”
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