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Does Melatonin have a Good Effect on Fertility?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Melatonin is a hormone, which aids in controlling our sleep and wake cycle. It is made in a small pea-sized gland called the pineal gland. The level of melatonin is highest at night. The levels start to rise once the sun is set and drops when the sun is up. This medicine is taken by people who have sleep issues, unusual work schedules and also help in overcoming jetlag. It may also be given for other medical and psychiatric disorders.

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Free radicals

But do you know it influences fertility too?

Let us address the following questions here. What effect has melatonin on fertility? Can melatonin help with getting pregnant? What can you do to maintain good levels of melatonin?

Yes! Good and healthy levels of melatonin are a must for optimal fertility. Before we understand why melatonin is essential for fertility, let us know what are free radicals.

Free radicals

They are molecules that are highly reactive with other cellular structures. This is because they have unpaired electrons. These unpaired electrons damage the parts of cells like DNA, protein, cell membrane by taking away electrons from them by a process called oxidation. They also damage eggs in this process.

So, free radicals damage the eggs.

How can the damage be prevented?

Melatonin comes to the rescue! It’s melatonin that guards these eggs by preventing free radicals from doing any harm, especially during ovulation time when the eggs are most vulnerable. In order to create healthier fertile eggs, optimal levels of melatonin are mandatory.

People working in shifts are more at risk from fertility issues because disrupted sleep cycle leads to irregular periods impacting fertility. If melatonin levels are not optimal, it can also affect foetal growth and development. It can impact the baby’s biological clock and cause health issues later.

Can melatonin help with fertility?

Now, let us find out whether melatonin helps with fertility. Yes! This is because healthy and balanced melatonin levels protect the egg and sperm from free radicals and thereby, ensure a healthy sperm and egg is available for fertilization. The good health of sperm and egg is the first step to conception, healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

How to ensure optimal levels of melatonin are produced?

Light is an important factor determining melatonin production. At night your body is trying to wind down to get you to sleep. If you expose yourself to light during that time, it can negatively impact melatonin production and hence, fertility.

The key is to ensure 8 hours of darkness at night while sleeping. More than sleep, it’s the darkness that will stimulate brain to produce melatonin. Avoid light from TV and other gadgets and outside light too. Besides, work on practising good bedtime routines which includes sleeping and getting up at the same time every day. Melatonin supplements are also available. Talk to your doctor before starting the pill.

Now, we know about melatonin and its impact on fertility. This is definitely one of the factors that is essential for conception and healthy pregnancy. Above all, work on your overall health by eating right and exercising regularly.

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