The Effects of Melatonin on Menstrual Characteristics, Prolactin and Premenstrual Syndrome-Like Symptoms During a Simulated Eastward Deployment

Abstract

In a previous study, we investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin (10 mg) given at bedtime (2300) for 7 consecutive days during the late follicular and early luteal phase of the monthly cycle, on menstrual characteristics. Our results showed that under our specific conditions, exogenous melatonin has little effect on menstrual characteristics. Since melatonin receptors likely up-and down-regulate depending on the availability of melatonin, 2300 would be during the nightly endogenous increase and receptors should be at a low level. The study reported here was double blind and placebo controlled and was undertaken to determine whether exogenous melatonin (10 mg), given earlier in the day when melatonin receptors are at a high level (1300), would have a greater effect on menstrual characteristics. This study also involved the use of bright lights to shift activity rhythms and simulate an eastward deployment across six time zones.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA350396

Entities

People

  • Albert W. Kirby
  • Carlos A. Comperatore
  • Melanie Clayton
  • Pik Rivera
  • Santiago Arroyo

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Availability
  • Body Temperature
  • Brain
  • Chemistry
  • Circadian Rhythms
  • Deployment
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Endocrine Glands
  • Health Services
  • Hormones
  • Mammary Glands
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Menstruation Disturbances
  • Nervous System
  • Pain
  • Peak Values
  • Pituitary And Hypothalamic Hormones And Analogues

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Women's Health and Cancer Risk Research: African American Women and Pregnancy Outcomes.