Melatonin for fertility

On this page

1. What is melatonin?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, primarily at night. As well as regulating the sleep-wake cycle, melatonin is the most powerful antioxidant in the body — it crosses cell membranes, mitochondrial membranes and the nuclear membrane to protect DNA. High concentrations are naturally found in the female reproductive organs, particularly within the ovarian follicle, where it protects the developing egg from oxidative damage.

Melatonin production declines with age, contributing to age-related decline in egg quality. Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — in the UK and many EU countries melatonin is prescription-only, while in the USA and elsewhere it is sold over the counter.

2. Function and how it works

Melatonin supports fertility through:

1. Most powerful antioxidant. Melatonin neutralises free radicals at a rate higher than any other endogenous antioxidant, protecting eggs and sperm from oxidative damage.
2. Hormone regulation. Melatonin regulates the release of fertility hormones from the hypothalamus.
3. Sleep quality. By improving sleep, melatonin indirectly supports growth hormone, fertility hormone rhythms and stress recovery.
4. Egg quality. Research has shown that melatonin supplementation improves egg quality and IVF outcomes, particularly in older women.
5. Sperm protection. Melatonin protects sperm DNA from oxidative damage.

3. Fertility benefits

Melatonin is one of the most evidence-based supplements for women with poor egg quality, low AMH, repeated IVF failure, or those over 39. It is also useful for men with sperm DNA fragmentation. Anyone taking aspirin or NSAIDs should be aware that these reduce pineal melatonin production by up to 75%, so supplementation becomes more important.

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend the following daily dosing, taken at night before sleep:

1. 3 mg for general fertility support and sleep.
2. 5 mg for women over 39, those on aspirin or with poor sleep quality.

In the UK, melatonin is a prescription-only medicine; you would need to discuss with your fertility specialist or doctor. Some patients obtain it from elsewhere or via private prescription.

5. Sources

Small amounts of melatonin are found in tomatoes, walnuts, cherries, oats, rice, ginger and other foods. The body's main source is its own pineal gland production, which depends on:

1. Sleeping in complete darkness
2. Avoiding bright/blue light in the hour before bed
3. Going to bed before 10 p.m.
4. Adequate vitamin B6 for melatonin synthesis

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Melatonin should be taken at night before sleep, not during the day.
2. It can cause vivid dreams in some people — reduce the dose if this is troubling.
3. Discontinue once pregnancy is confirmed unless advised otherwise by your doctor — safety in pregnancy is not established.
4. Discuss with your doctor before combining with antidepressants or anticoagulants.
5. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Coenzyme Q10
• Ubiquinol
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Low AMH level
• Sperm DNA fragmentation