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The usefulness of melatonin in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Pharmacological research
September 1, 2019
Rafael Genario et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to investigate the therapeutic and preventative potential of melatonin supplementation in gynecology, focusing on its effects on fertility, oocyte quality, and gestational outcomes.

Results Summary

Melatonin supplementation (2-18 mg daily) showed potential to improve fertility rate, oocyte quality, and embryo maturation in short-term studies (up to six months), but evidence on gestational outcomes remains scarce.

Population

Women and animal models in gynecological studies.

Effective Dosage

2-18 mg daily

Duration

Up to six months

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin supplementation
neutral
disorders of the female reproductive system
animal models and women
-
suggests a therapeutic and preventative potential
#1
melatonin supplementation
increase
fertility rate
-
-
may have the potential to improve
#2
melatonin supplementation
increase
oocyte quality
-
-
may have the potential to improve
#3
melatonin supplementation
increase
maturation
-
-
may have the potential to improve
#4
melatonin supplementation
increase
number of embryos
-
-
may have the potential to improve
#5
Abstract

Disorders of the female reproductive system, including those associated with hormone regulation, fertility rate and fetal health, are issues of great concern worldwide. More recently, melatonin supplementation has been suggested as a therapeutic approach in gynecological practice. In both animal models and in women, melatonin supplementation suggests a therapeutic and preventative potential, effects attributed mainly to its antioxidant properties and action as hormone modulator. The aim of this literature review is to further investigate the evidence available on the effects of melatonin supplementation in animal and human studies, focusing on its potential application to gynecology. Melatonin-containing supplements are easily found in online and high street retailers, and despite its supplementation deemed to be relatively safe, no consensus has been reached on effective dosage and supplementation period. Short term supplementation studies, of up to six months, suggest that a daily posology of 2-18 mg of melatonin may have the potential to improve fertility rate, oocyte quality, maturation and number of embryos. However, the evidence available so far on the effects of melatonin supplementation covering gestational age and gestational outcomes is very scarce. Clinical trials and longer-term supplementation studies are required to assess any clinical outcome associated with melatonin supplementation in the field of gynecology.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AnimalsAntioxidantsBiomarkersDietary SupplementsFemaleGynecologyHumansMelatoninObstetricsOvaryOxidation-ReductionPregnancyReproduction
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety75
Efficacy65/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations27
Citations/Year4.5
Relative Citation Ratio1.81
NIH Percentile71.5%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.07
Normalized Score0.70
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