There is so much research that is needed to be done on melatonin how much it effects us. It does prevent ovulation. It isn't recommended for people with allergies, immune disease, and it is not recommended for children either.

It is a hormone, not an herb, and I have read that in an animal research study some of the animals suffered the effects of a melatonin shot even after pregnancy, such as failure to lactate. It does seem that there are many benefits to using melatonin and it is safe when used as instructed, however there is no solid evidence that it actually does help with what it may be used for. No matter what benefits it has, they don't outweigh the risk that it might put to a mother and baby, or a woman trying to conceive.

Oh my gosh, I am so happy that I came across this post. I have been taking melatonin every night for sleep for about 3-4 months and my cycles have been so messed up. I feel like I havent ovulated for at least 3 months. Could the melatonin also be a cause of late or missed periods?

Could very well be. It could also be because of stress. The only way to know would be to stop taking it and see if you go back to your normal self.

Why are you using this remedy? Maybe there is something else that will provide the same benefits?

I've found these post to be very helpfull. I have been taking 1 mg. melatonin every night for just about three months now. My periods have always been consistant and it wasn't until i began taking melatonin that i noticed a huge difference. The first month i got my period a week early, the second month i didn't get my period at all, and not this month i am a week late. I just stopped taking it to see if i will even get my period this month. Your probably thinking i'm pregnant.....I'm NOT. It's the melatonin. I'm upset that i have to stop taking it because it did help me sleep a sold 8-9 hrs every night. Any suggestions or herbal supplements that might help with my sleep?

thanks

I was recently recommended to try something called Mama Calm. It worked very well for my cousin who is a mom of 4, and she wanted me to try it because I haven't yet found a safe and effective sleep remedy yet after years of searching. You can find it online or probably a health food store.

I only heard about it a few days ago, so I can't give you a personal experience, but it is supposed to work! If you do try it, let me know how it is I'll probably getting some for myself soon.

Melatonin is fine is very small doses, I would seek a 0.5mg dose if you are trying to conceive and still have trouble sleeping, or cut a 1mg dose in half

There is no evidence that it prevents ovulation, and the sheer fact that people post things without proof is going to cause someone who is ovulating to stop.

The mind is a very powerful thing.

If you want a non hormone version of a sleep aid that wont hurt a baby try herbal teas, choose one with no known profile for causing birth defects. chamomile is one type of tea.. avg tea bags needed for sleep affect is 3-4, I am 6ft2" and a fairly big guy so I take 4 bags to knock my butt out. I would not start at 4 bags You can also just drink more tea. (non caffeinated!!) as caffeine interrupts your sleep cycles.

Actually, there is a lot of evidence, but I can't seem to find a link that does not go against the no advertising policies of this website.

If you want more info, you should google infertility melatonin. Everyone responds differently, but why play with fire?

Taking a daily whole foods multivitamin, plus an additional supplement of calcium and magnesium will do wonders. It did for me.

There is also a product called Mama Calm which some moms I know absolutely love for relaxation and rest.

Here is a link to the University of MD medical center...should be legit with the rules of this site...

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melaton in-000315.htm


Precautions:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, people should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Some people may experience vivid dreams or nightmares when they take melatonin. Overuse or incorrect use of melatonin may disrupt circadian rhythms. Melatonin can cause drowsiness if taken during the day. If you experience morning drowsiness after taking melatonin at night take a lower dose. Additional side effects include stomach cramps, dizziness, headache, irritability, decreased libido, breast enlargement in men (called gynecomastia), and decreased sperm count.

Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin as it could interfere with fertility.




Here is another site:

http://www.sltbr.org/melfaq.htm

How safe is melatonin?

Current research suggests it probably is safe to use melatonin if you are:

* over 18 years old, and healthy
* not pregnant
* not breast-feeding
* not taking other medications except for minor analgesics and oral contraceptives


And there are many sites more that you can find on your own. Please do not assume that other posters don't know what they are talking about. If you have reasonable information for this site, do give it without targeting other posters' knowledge and/or expertise.