If you’re wondering whether you should take the hormone melatonin for a sleep disorder, bear in mind that melatonin is synthesized from the neurotransmitter serotonin (as described in this paper published in the journal Cell & Tissue Research). The functional approach avoids taking melatonin (except temporarily for extensive time zone travel) because of the possibility of suppressing native hormone pathways. This is only one of a number of factors that can cause or contribute to insomnia, but the possible need for physiological support with precursors and co-factors to normalize serotonin production and conversion to melatonin shouldn’t be overlooked since they can be depleted by stress.
Posts Tagged ‘serotonin’
Insomnia, melatonin and serotonin
Saturday, November 21st, 2009Progesterone Is Still Crucial After Menopause
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009Disturbingly, there are still doctors who misinform their patients by telling them that progesterone is not necessary after menopause. Progesterone is crucial for numerous functions throughout the body (for men too). The brain is rich in progesterone receptors, and it plays an important role in immune system regulation and nervous system health. Here are a few citations from the sciencific literature. There are many more:
- Progesterone modulates neuroendocrine functions in the central nervous system
- Progesterone’s role in inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious disease
- Progesterone regulates neuronal activities
- Progesterone protects against Parkinson’s disease
- Progesterone-neurotransmitter interactions
- Progesterone modulates serotonin transporter