Advanced Topics In Melatonin: Women's Health

Presented by Krista Anderson Ross, ND | May 1, 2024 at 9:30 AM and 12 PM Pacific

The use of supplemental melatonin as a signal to promote and maintain sleep and a healthy circadian rhythm is well documented in the scientific literature. In women's health, melatonin is long known for its uses as a potent antioxidant in breast cancer, and for temperature lowering and sleep promotion in perimenopause and menopause. More recently, a growing body of research suggests melatonin's clinical effects are far more reaching than its chronobiotic uses.

Of note, recent findings suggest that during sleep, the pineal gland only produces about 5% of the body's total production of melatonin; the rest is produced in the mitochondria, most notably in the GI tract. Given the documented decline in melatonin levels with age and reduced levels linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and diseases of aging, melatonin supplementation has surfaced as a potent mitochondrial regulator, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Melatonin has demonstrated clinical utility throughout a woman's lifespan, from reproductive impacts in PCOS, endometriosis, fertility and pregnancy, to the concerns of later life such as cognition, bone health and neurological disease.

Learning Objectives:

• Review of melatonin's "master regulator" effects including its chronobiological, hormonal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune and mitochondrial regulating properties
• Explore the impacts of supplemental melatonin in reproduction including pregnancy, fertility, PCOS and endometriosis; as well as concerns of later life - menopause, cognition and bone health
• Consider testing options to evaluate circadian rhythmicity and melatonin levels
• Consider melatonin dosing strategies, as well as review other naturopathic treatment approaches to support healthy melatonin production

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9:30 AM Pacific	12:00 PM Pacific