How Low Melatonin Can Impact Fertility
Ladies, you're not alone if you've ever questioned why your body's "reproductive engine" begins to falter as the years pass. Although aging is a normal part of life, it can seem like your biological clock is running faster and faster when it comes to fertility. The good news? This process can be slowed down and it has nothing to do with expensive supplements. Your body's own tiny fertility defender, melatonin, has a secret weapon: it shields your eggs, from the aging process (some studies suggest it’s even more effective than Co-Q10 at low doses - and it’s less expensive).
Women with higher melatonin levels tend to have higher AMH levels and more follicles. Some studies suggest a link between higher melatonin levels and more high-quality embryos in an IVF.
Melatonin is like the engine oil in your car. Your engine operates friction-free and smoothly when you have enough. However, things can get a little squeaky when it starts to run low since your body may find it difficult to maintain fertility.
How does melatonin affect your ovaries, and how can you use this information to increase your chances of getting pregnant?
Melatonin as a Crucial Antioxidant Hero
There is more to melatonin than merely the well-known sleep hormone. Additionally, it is a potent antioxidant that combats reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful particles that resemble tiny rust spots on your car. These "rust spots" have the potential to erode your eggs and ovaries over time, making conception more difficult. We also naturally produce less melatonin as we get older. When our melatonin levels are lower, oxidative stress leads to higher rates of infertility and poorer quality eggs.
But here’s the kicker - your brain produces melatonin at night, but your mitochondria, which are the cells' powerhouses, also produce it during the daytime. When these mitochondria are healthy, they act as tiny batteries that power your eggs to grow healthy. Melatonin is like a little team of repairmen that maintain and restore these batteries. Your eggs can eventually lose their charge if you don't have it.
Mitochondria and Melatonin: A Powerful Pair
It’s fascinating to learn that melatonin functions inside the mitochondria of your egg, (where energy is produced). Melatonin is like a tiny booster pack that keeps your eggs charged and ready to go, and your mitochondria are the batteries. This is important because aging causes mitochondrial function to deteriorate, which deprives your eggs of the energy they require to properly grow, ovulate, and implant.
Imagine attempting to start a car with a dead battery; it won’t turn over. However, when melatonin is added, it's like giving those worn-out batteries a much-needed boost.
SIRT3: The "Superhero" Protein Melatonin Activates
Melatonin has another trick up its sleeve: it wakes up a protein called SIRT3. Think of SIRT3 as a superhero that swoops in to de-stress your mitochondria, fixing oxidative damage and ensuring they continue to function properly. This superhero action helps your eggs stay healthy longer and improves their chances of fertilization and pregnancy. No wonder melatonin’s been hailed as a fertility booster!
How Can You Benefit from Melatonin?
"This sounds fantastic, but what does it mean for me?" is probably what's on your mind. According to research, women who use melatonin supplements report better-quality eggs, particularly those undergoing IVF treatments. Researchers found that melatonin supplementation improved fertilization rates and resulted in healthier pregnancies for women who struggled with low-quality eggs.
The best part is that melatonin is an easy-to-take, natural supplement. It helps you remain fertile for longer by lowering oxidative stress (those little rust spots) and safeguarding the mitochondria in your eggs. If you've been attempting to conceive later in life then knowing about the benefits of melatonin is essential.
The Bigger Picture: Melatonin & Red Light Therapy
Red light treatment helps your mitochondria rejuvenate and increases cellular energy, just like melatonin does. Red light treatment and melatonin may be the powerful combination you were unaware you needed to safeguard your eggs and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Ready to Jumpstart Your Fertility?
So, whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or you’ve been trying for a while, know this: melatonin isn’t just about getting more sleep. It’s your body’s natural defense against aging and oxidative stress. By boosting your melatonin levels, you can give your eggs the support they need, and when combined with therapies like red light, you could be setting yourself up for fertility success.
Take care of those ovarian batteries and give your fertility the energy boost it deserves. Your body has the tools—it’s just a matter of tapping into them.
(Apologies in advance to those women who need a prescription for melatonin) :(
Tracy
A quick PS.
Other than aging - what other factors contribute to a lack of melatonin?
Too Much Screen Time: Blue light from phones, laptops, and TVs messes with your melatonin, especially at night.
Shift Work: Odd hours? Working nights? Your body gets confused and melatonin takes a hit.
Stress Overload: High stress = high cortisol, which can block melatonin production.
Bad Sleep Habits: Inconsistent sleep schedules or not getting enough natural light during the day can throw off your internal clock.
Jet Lag: Especially if traveling across time zones.
Caffeine, Alcohol, & Smoking: These can disrupt melatonin's natural flow—so watch your intake.
Medications: Some meds like beta-blockers or antidepressants can lower melatonin levels.
Mental Health: Anxiety and depression can interfere with melatonin, impacting your sleep.
Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like autoimmune diseases can drain your melatonin reserves.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Lacking in tryptophan, magnesium, or vitamin B6? Your body may struggle to make melatonin.
