Melatonin And Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The excess secretion of thyroid hormones can damage cells and cause cell death. Melatonin, a hormone that controls the circadian rhythms, your 24-hour biological cycle, can reduce the damage to cells. Melatonin also controls your thyroid gland's secretion of thyroid hormone.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants

When we breathe, oxygen reacts with molecules in our bodies. These reactions result in the production of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can cause cell damage and cell death. This condition is called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is directly linked to serious diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Sickle cell disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Antioxidants can prevent free radicals from causing cell damage. Many vitamins and minerals function as antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, selenium, copper, zinc and manganese.

Hyperthyroidism and Oxidative Stress

Hyperthyroidism increases the secretion of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 into the bloodstream. These hormones are essential to the development and maintenance of organs; but when the thyroid gland secretes them in excess, they increase the body's metabolic rate. A higher metabolic rate requires more oxygen. Since oxygen's reaction with other molecules can lead to the production of free radicals, the increased oxygen production may trigger oxidative stress.

Melatonin

When it occurs naturally in the human body, melatonin regulates our sleep patterns and other processes that take place over 24 hours. Doctors commonly prescribe synthetic melatonin for delayed sleep phase syndrome and jet lag. When taken at bedtime, melatonin functions as a mild hypnotic and advances sleep. When taken several hours before bedtime, it can help advance the stage of sleepiness. Both naturally occurring and synthetic melatonin functions as an antioxidant and can prevent cell damage, including cell damage associated with hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Control

A further role of melatonin is to regulate the secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. Melatonin is correlated with a reduction in both the size of the thyroid gland and its activity. How melatonin regulates the production of thyroid hormone is unclear. Melatonin may directly reduce the size and activity of the thyroid gland in all individuals, regardless of their health condition. Alternatively, it may simply prevent oxidative stress in the thyroid gland that would otherwise result in hyperactivity and abnormal growth of the gland.