541-323-3833While melatonin is best-known as a sleep aid, it also regulates the immune system.
For people with cancer, melatonin has many important benefits:
- Activates the “self destruct” process in tumor cells. Doctors call this apoptosis.
- Blocks estrogen receptors, like the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.
- Decreases the creation of estrogen, like the breast cancer drug Arimidex.
- Protects bone marrow cells during chemotherapy, reducing the likelihood of a chemotherapy dose reduction or chemotherapy-related infection.
- Protects the lining of the stomach during chemotherapy or radiation. Supports healing of gastritis, esophagitis, and stomach ulcers.
- In end of life care, can decrease agitation and support a more peaceful transition.
- Helps maintain normal body rhythms. This is especially important if your chemotherapy includes steroids.
- Helps some people with lung cancer to live longer.
Before using melatonin, talk with your naturopathic physician. The wrong dose can stimulate tumor cell growth in certain cancer types. Also, melatonin is contraindicated with some cancers, with some sleep or anti-anxiety medications, and in people who have some psychiatric conditions.