Melatonin and Menopausal Depression
In this recent study, menopausal women suffering with depression had high morning levels of melatonin (the sleep hormone). This suggested also that their internal "day-night clock" was switched. Because of this, if you have menopausal depression, try each of the steps below for a few weeks to see if they help. Also, read the article "Eliminate Depression—Naturally!" for more helpful information:
- Get bright light in the morning. Best way to do this is to go for a walk in the sun. If this is not feasible, use a bright light on your kitchen counter, desk or wherever you spend mornings (do a search on "seasonal affective disorder" for more info on light therapy). This will help shift your day night clock back to normal cycle.
- Take 200 mg of vitamin B6 a day for 6 weeks. High melatonin raises a hormone called prolactin. This can cause infertility, and also depression by lowering a "happiness molecule" called dopamine. High dose B6 (do not take over 250 mg/day) lowers prolactin.
Source: J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:54-60.
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
