Melatonin | Laboratory research

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is the major hormone of the pineal gland and an intermediate metabolite of serotonin. Melatonin, in addition to the pineal gland, is produced by the retina and mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Maximum levels of melatonin in the blood are observed from midnight to 4 am. Melatonin secretion is mainly controlled by the sympathetic nervous system through norepinephrine. Its synthesis is strongly influenced by daylight, artificial lighting, electromagnetic energy, exercise, methionine metabolism and aging. It mainly regulates sleep time and duration and annual and circadian biorhythm. Melatonin is mainly metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Key Features:

• Regulates the activity of the endocrine system, blood pressure, sleep frequency;
• Participates in the functioning of brain cells and the digestive tract;
• Slows down the aging process;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Has antioxidant properties;
• Influences adaptation processes when changing time zones;
• Has anti-stress, immunostimulatory, anti-tumor effect.

Lack of melatonin secretion leads to increased production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and, consequently, follicular persistence, polycystic ovaries, and general hyperestrogenism. Against this background, uterine fibromatosis and dysfunctional uterine bleeding may develop. Epiphyseal hyperfunction, in turn, leads to hypoestrogenism and frigidity.

Maximum production of melatonin is observed in childhood, then it decreases, and in old age the hormone is almost not formed. Melatonin is responsible for the aging process - the rhythm of production of this hormone regulates the entire cycle of human life.

When to take a melatonin test?

We test for melatonin in the following cases:

• Sleep disorders;
• Depressive condition;
• Seasonal affective disorder;
• multiple sclerosis;
• Menstrual cycle disorders and
• Ischemic disease.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications or have any major medical conditions or allergies. Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding melatonin testing depending on your condition.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Low levels of melatonin in the blood are found in the following cases:

• Increasing age;
• Lack of sleep;
• Exposure to bright light or electromagnetic fields, including regular long-haul flights or night shifts;
• Excessive exercise at night;
• Decreased melatonin secretion or increase its metabolism;
• Stress, especially in the case of high cortisol;
• Certain medications, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensives, beta-blockers, adrenergic drugs, calcium channel blockers, and steroids;
• Consumption of coffee, alcohol and tobacco;
• Taking high-dose B12 supplement;
• In patients with pellagra, with impaired tryptophan metabolism.

High levels of melatonin in the blood are found in the following cases:

• Taking melatonin or tryptophan;
• Prolonged dark phase of the night;
• Taking certain medications such as MAO inhibitors, fluvoxamine and despiramine;
• Cannabis consumption;
• Decreased melatonin metabolism by the liver;
• Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Resources

https://spravochnik.synevo.ua/ru/Panelhyppitadrenhormones/melatonin.html

https://www.synevo.ro/shop/melatonina/

https://www.clinicallabs.com.au/functional-pathology-old/practitioners/functional-tests-arterial/melatonin-profile/

https://www.lybrate.com/lab-test/melatonin;