Is melatonin a hormone?

Nowadays, everyone knows that melatonin is a health product, but is melatonin a hormone? This is a question that many people want to know. In fact, melatonin is indeed a hormone, but it is not a medicine but a health product, which is very effective for human health. Since it is a health product, it cannot be taken as a medicine. Many people feel that they sleep better and their body immunity is greatly improved after taking it.

Is melatonin a hormone drug?

Melatonin is a hormone, but it is not a hormonal drug.

Melatonin, also known as melanocyte lectin, is an amine hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in mammals and humans. It is different from hormone drugs and does not belong to the hormone category. Melatonin has many physiological functions, including promoting sleep, anti-aging, and regulating immunity. Melatonin is different from hormones in the general sense. The melatonin products currently available on the market are just health foods and cannot replace drug treatment. They will be excreted from the human body through metabolism and will not produce toxins, so they can be taken.

Does melatonin work?

1. The effect is not very good for primary insomnia caused by non-environmental and disease-related reasons. The time it can shorten to fall asleep is relatively short, and it cannot improve sleep efficiency overall.

2. It is effective in improving certain symptoms caused by jet lag, but it is basically ineffective in curing jet lag.

3. It is more useful for the blind and those suffering from sleep disorders caused by certain diseases.

4. The effect is better for the elderly than for the young.

What are the side effects of melatonin?

1. Melatonin is metabolized quickly in the body, with a half-life of only about ten minutes. A few hours after eating, the melatonin level in the body will be the same as before eating.

2. Based on the existing evidence, it should be safe for most people to take it orally in the short term. Existing trials have shown no problems with taking it for two years in a row. Documented side effects include headaches, short-term depression, gastrointestinal reactions, etc. Reliable long-term data is still insufficient.

3. Melatonin is a hormone after all. It is possible that long-term, large-scale, and irregular use may lead to endocrine disorders.

4. It is worth noting that it is especially not recommended for pregnant women, infants, children, people with coagulation disorders, hypertension (melatonin may affect the efficacy of the drug), depression, epilepsy, and organ transplant patients to take melatonin. Of course, do not drive right after taking melatonin.