Endocrine regulation of the course of menopause by oral melatonin: first case report.

OBJECTIVE The pineal gland, through its hormone melatonin, is involved in the mechanisms that regulate the aging process involved in the onset of menopause. Considering the melatonin changes reported during pre-, peri-, and postmenopause, an influence of melatonin on the hormonal changes associated with menopause transition could be expected. DESIGN We report the first longitudinal case study, covering a 7.5-year period, on the effects of melatonin administration on the reproductive hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and 17[beta]-estradiol during that period of the reproductive life. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The data obtained in this case report show that melatonin administration was able to delay the characteristic endocrine changes that occur during the course of menopause.