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Melatonin helps to control the natural sleep-wake cycle of the human body. The natural levels of melatonin in the blood is highest at the time before bedtime. which can affect other processes inside the body. Persons at high risk of getting side effects from melatonin are those with liver disease, seizures, depression, kidney disease and high blood pressure. The long term side effects of Melatonin is still unknown. Melatonin’s long term safety has also not been established. There are some concerns about melatonin use being associated with retinal damage.
If you want to take melatonin supplements, melatonin side effects may include:
Melatonin may be able to lower blood pressure, this is should be considered for anyone taking medications to control blood pressure. The National Institute of Health also reports that melatonin may increase cholesterol levels. This means that people having high cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis and/or at risk for cardiovascular disease should be careful about taking melatonin supplements. There are individuals that experienced abnormal heart rhythms when they are are using melatonin. Melatonin supplements may also affect the clotting of blood. People that are taking anticoagulants and/or have blood clotting disorders maybe in danger if they use melatonin supplements.
There are type-1 Diabetic patients that developed high blood sugar levels when using melatonin supplements.
Decreased sperm count and motility is also reported as one of the side effects of melatonin in men. There are also reports of breast enlargement in men. Melatonin may decrease the fertility in women thus melatonin should not be used by anyone who are planning to become pregnant. Pregnant women should never take melatonin because of the risk of developmental disorders. Lactating women should not take melatonin because melatonin can be transferred to the baby via breast milk.
Hormonal effects are also associated with the use of melatonin supplements. This includes increase or decrease in thyroid hormone, growth hormone, prolactin, progesterone, estradiol, cortisol and others.
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