DOes melatonin affect reproduction organs?

Question

My son, who has Tourette Syndrome , has been taking melatonin supplements for the past year, on advice from his neurologist, to help his brain settle in the evening so he can sleep better. I recently heard melatonin has a negative effect on the reproductive system of boys who under puberty age. Can anybody confirm this?

Answer 1

Melatonin is a complex molecule in that it is produced in many tissues (including reproductive organs) in the body.  And, many tissues are sensitive/respond to melatonin.

I just did a quick search of the biomedical literature on melatonin and the reproductive system using Pubmed.  Abnormal levels of melatonin are found in patients with certain developmental reproductive disorders.  However, it is not known what role melatonin may play in these disorders.  I did not find any evidence suggesting that melatonin supplementation in reasonable amounts adversely affects the developing reproductive system.

It would be appropriate for you to ask your prescribing doctor about this issue.  Overall, melatonin supplements in reasonable amounts (one to three milligrams per day) appear to be very safe.

Best wishes and good luck.