Melatonin

I was browsing the IVF board and noticed that a couple of the ladies from here posted there. I think citypixie mentioned Melatonin. I was taking it too until someone on another forum I am a member of said that is was contraindicted during TTC and pregnancy. Here is the link from the mayo clinic site. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melatonin/NS_patient-melatonin/DSECTION=safety It explains that melatonin effects hormone production, especially the hormones. Hormonal effects have been reported, including decreases or increases in levels of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, estradiol, thyroid hormone (T4 and T3), growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Gynecomastia (increased breast size) has been reported in men, as well as decreased sperm count (both which resolved with cessation of melatonin). Decreased sperm motility has been reported in rats and humans. Melatonin supplementation should be avoided in women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant, based on possible hormonal effects. High levels of melatonin during pregnancy may increase the risk of developmental disorders. In animal studies, melatonin is detected in breast milk and therefore should be avoided during breastfeeding. In men, decreased sperm motility and decreased sperm count are reported with the use of melatonin. Those are the 2 relevant paragraphs from the site. They come from the safety section. Just thought you would like to be well informed. Wouldnt want you to have issues from something so easy to avoid. My doctor told me to use benedryl (diphenhydramine) if I needed help to get to sleep. Hope this helps!!