Fibromyalgia is a frustrating condition that currently has no known cure. Due to the complexity and number of symptoms that typically occur in fibromyalgia, you may feel depressed, anxious, irritable or just moody. Melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep patterns, may help with certain symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve your feelings of well-being. Talk to your doctor before using dietary supplements.
About Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain. It is mainly responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle known as your circadian rhythm. Melatonin secretion is affected by exposure to light. When it's dark outside, your production of melatonin increases. Conversely, when the sun rises or you're exposed to light, your production of melatonin decreases. Many people use melatonin supplements to improve symptoms of insomnia, as it can help to reset your body clock and make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, melatonin may also help strengthen your immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Melatonin may be a useful supplement for patients with fibromyalgia due to its immune-enhancing and sleep-promoting properties.
Moodiness and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be a frustrating condition for patients and doctors alike, due to the complexity and number of symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms you may experience include widespread bodily pain, sleep disturbances, mood swings, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders and headaches. Many patients with fibromyalgia suffer from mood changes, although it's not entirely clear what the cause is. In her book, "The First Year: Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed," author Claudia Craig Marek states that irritability and mood swings in fibromyalgia aren't well understood but may have to do with changes in neurotransmitters or abnormal hormonal levels. Whatever the cause, it's clear how you might be affected by feelings of moodiness when you suffer from the frustrating combination of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
There's not much specific clinical evidence on the benefits of melatonin for moodiness in fibromyalgia. However, alleviating some of the other troublesome symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as sleep difficulties and pain, may improve symptoms of moodiness. A study published in the August 1998 issue of the journal, "Clinical Endocrinology," found that patients with fibromyalgia have lower levels of nocturnal melatonin secretion than normal control study participants. The researchers suspect that low levels of melatonin in fibromyalgia patients may be a cause of fatigue, impaired sleep and changes in pain perception. One study, published in 2000 in the journal, "Clinical Rheumatology," evaluated the benefits of melatonin in 21 patients with fibromyalgia. The results found that melatonin improved sleep patterns and reduced pain and tender points in study participants after 30 days of treatment.
Considerations
While melatonin may improve certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should not rely on dietary supplements to self-treat your condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of fibromyalgia. A number of treatments may help improve your condition. Inform your doctor if you choose to use melatonin supplementation. Melatonin may cause certain unpleasant side effects and can interact with certain fibromyalgia medications, such as antidepressants.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin
- "The First Year: Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed"; Claudia Craig Marek; 2003
- "Clinical Endocrinology"; Fibromyalgia - A Syndrome Associated with Decreased Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion; J. Wikner, et al.; August 1998
- "Clinical Rheumatology"; The Effect of Melatonin in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study; G. Citera, et al.; 2000
