Melatonin usage while on estradiol

[Ltl89]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to know if anyone knew about any interactions between melatonin and estradiol.  I have read some things about these two, but I don't really know what to believe.  Does anyone have any experience?  I have asked my doctor about this and she didn't seem to think there was a concern.  It's just that I have to use this to get to sleep because I have been under so much stress with my unsupportive family, my impending homelessness and never ending unemployment, I just can't get to sleep lately without a little aid.  So don't judge me or tell me not to take anything on principal because right now I need help falling asleep to combat my anxiety induced insomnia.  Besides it's just melatonin,lol.  I just want to know if it can effect estrogen or cause side effects when used with hrt.  If it does, does anyone have suggestions for other sleep aids that work for those feeling under siege with stress and anxiety?

[Flan]

melatonin does not have any known interactions with estradiol.

I use a prescription drug for sleep but the usual suggestions apply for sleep hygiene (avoiding stimulation from caffeine or certain activities; exercise is good in the evening for burning off energy). Basically don't work yourself up before winding down.

[Ltl89]

Good to know.   I have heard different things about Melatonin effecting estrogen receptors, so I wanted to play it safe.  Also, I've read something about clotting, so I want to be aware of that as well.  But it's likely that it shouldn't be an issue.   I haven't taken anything the past few nights in order to fast for my blood test, but I usually take 5-10 mgs in order to get good sleep.  I don't do anything taxing on my body to make myself feel wound up, but I have been having a lot of anxiety and depression lately.   

Hi LTL, As far as I know, Melatonin is pretty benign.  There is also an over-the-counter herb known as Valerian Root, and perhaps St John's Wort.  All are garden variety herbals to the best of my knowledge, I doubt they would have any harmful interaction with much of anything.

Valarie Root is way to weak for me.  I can't take St.John's wort as I am on a medication for depression which hasn't been doing much of anything,lol.

melatonin does not have any known interactions with estradiol.

I use a prescription drug for sleep but the usual suggestions apply for sleep hygiene (avoiding stimulation from caffeine or certain activities; exercise is good in the evening for burning off energy). Basically don't work yourself up before winding down.

I've considered trying a prescription drug like ambien, but it's habit forming.  For me, that is a big no no.

[jamielikesyou]

The only possible effects I could think of would be with the liver. Melatonin as I understand is metabolized by the liver.  But that doesn't mean you can't take it, just be aware and talk with your Dr./Pharmacist to be sure of safety.  I take a med that's fairly hepatotoxic as well as Estrace and my Dr. doesn't have concerns as my liver function tests are good. Just avoid taking the two together to reduce strain on what your liver has to process and you should be fine (I take my E/Spiro together in the am, my other med at noon.) If you take E in the am and Melatonin at night, you should be fine?

After typing that, I searched a bit and interestingly enough there was a study that showed that Melatonin can protect the liver from alcohol-related injury, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299909005779, and oxidative stress, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20520979. But again, I have to stress, your doctor and pharmacist are your best resource.

[Ltl89]

The only possible effects I could think of would be with the liver. Melatonin as I understand is metabolized by the liver.  But that doesn't mean you can't take it, just be aware and talk with your Dr./Pharmacist to be sure of safety.  I take a med that's fairly hepatotoxic as well as Estrace and my Dr. doesn't have concerns as my liver function tests are good. Just avoid taking the two together to reduce strain on what your liver has to process and you should be fine (I take my E/Spiro together in the am, my other med at noon.) If you take E in the am and Melatonin at night, you should be fine?

After typing that, I searched a bit and interestingly enough there was a study that showed that Melatonin can protect the liver from alcohol-related injury, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299909005779, and oxidative stress, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20520979. But again, I have to stress, your doctor and pharmacist are your best resource.

Well, I take my estrogen sublingually in the morning, so hopefully I'm in the clear. 

[Oriah]

melatonin raises prolactin levels which can interact with estrogen levels, but I believe the interaction is more in relation to endogenous estrogen.  Also, melatonin has a protective effect on the cytochrome p450 liver enzymes which are involved in the metabolism of estrogen and other hormones.

so using supplemental melatonin shouldn't hurt, but rather be a positive if used alongside hrt.....that is, if you're using good clean melatonin.  Some supplement companies put some awful things in their pills though.  Do your research.....know your brands