Is There a Connection between Melatonin and Fertility?

There is no easy answer when it comes to the connection between melatonin, a hormone some people take as a supplement, and fertility. Some studies show that melatonin supplement use, in certain concentrations, can actually impair a person's efforts to conceive. Others, however, show that melatonin may be useful for improving a woman's egg quality, which in most cases would improve her chances of conceiving and having a healthy child. Even if this supplement doesn't interfere with a person's fertility, it can cause adverse side effects. As such, a person may do well to discuss its use with a doctor before taking it.

An individual may have difficulty getting definite information about the connection between the use of melatonin and fertility. This is because some studies have produced evidence one way or another, but this evidence might not be enough to provide an across-the-board answer. As such, people are often advised to take care when using melatonin, as well as other supplements, when they are trying to conceive. In general, an individual may do well to speak with a medical professional before beginning any sort of supplementation.

The results of some studies of the connection between melatonin and fertility reveal that using this supplement may prove a poor choice for individuals who are hoping to conceive. The supplement can interfere with ovulation, which has an adverse affect on conception efforts. It could also affect the levels of a range of hormones that are important to a woman's ability to conceive and carry a child, including luteinizing hormone and progesterone.

The potential adverse connection between melatonin and fertility doesn't only affect women — it can prove a problem for men as well. For instance, some studies have shown that use of this substance can cause low sperm motility, which means it can reduce the number of sperm capable of swimming in the correct direction and at the right speed toward a waiting egg. It may even interfere with sex drive in some men.

The news regarding melatonin and fertility isn't all negative, however. Some studies show that it may help improve egg quality. This can prove to be an important consideration for women who have difficulty conceiving because of low-quality eggs. Egg quality issues can affect women of any age group, but are often a matter of concern for females over 35. Melatonin might prove particularly effective for improving egg quality when taken along with a supplement called myo-inositol.

If a person does decide to use melatonin while trying to conceive, he may do well to avoid high doses, as higher does might prove more likely to interfere with reproduction rather than helping it along. He may also do well to stay alert for side effects, such as the worsening of symptoms of depression. Likewise, this supplement can adversely affect thyroid hormones and cause drowsiness at inopportune times.