Related Experiment Videos
The effects of exogenous melatonin on endocrine function in man
Clinical Endocrinology
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Melatonin supplements may improve sleep and reduce fatigue but do not affect most hormones. This study suggests melatonin is unlikely to cause endocrine issues for therapeutic use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal neurohormone, regulates sleep-wake cycles.
- Its potential therapeutic uses include treating insomnia and jet lag.
- Endocrine effects of melatonin supplementation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endocrine effects of oral melatonin supplementation in healthy volunteers.
- To assess the impact of melatonin on anterior pituitary hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and testosterone.
- To evaluate melatonin's influence on sleep, mood, and fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 12 healthy volunteers.
- Administered 2 mg melatonin or placebo daily for 1-3 weeks in spring and autumn.
- Measured plasma hormone levels (LH, PRL, GH, T4, cortisol, testosterone, melatonin) and subjective sleep/mood.
Main Results:
- Melatonin increased early evening fatigue and sleep duration but did not affect mood.
- No significant impact on luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH), thyroxine (T4), cortisol, or testosterone levels or rhythms.
- Observed an earlier decline in nocturnal prolactin (PRL) and advanced endogenous melatonin secretion in some participants.
- Overall PRL levels were higher in spring than in autumn.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin supplementation appears safe regarding major endocrine hormones.
- Potential therapeutic applications of melatonin for sleep disturbances are unlikely to cause significant endocrine side effects.
- Melatonin may influence prolactin secretion and endogenous melatonin timing.