Breast Cancer & Melatonin

[Ginagce]

I've been taking melatonin as a sleep aid off and on for the last few months. I've read several places that it is a good supplement for more than sleep and in some circles is considered a good antioxidant.

However, I just read that melatonin should not be used with estrogen driven cancers. Concerns me because I don't like the idea of having to take sleeping pills but arimidex has really upset my sleep cycles.

Anyone have any info on melatonin & breast cancer?

Thanks.

Ginagce

[CherylS]

I've been taking it too. I had read that the interruption of the natural melatonin cycle such as in women who work overnight increases the risk of breast cancer, but never anything about estrogen driven cancer. Where did you read that? I quess for now I'll take the heads up and quit taking it. I told my onc. I was and she didn't say anything. Anybody have more info?

[Barbara2]

I hope someone has information on estrogen positive breast cancer and melatonin, as there are probably quite a few of us taking both.

Anyone know?..........

[AlaskaAngel]

I have taken melatonin regularly since diagnosis. Here's one article:

http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol36/vol36n12/articles/BreastCancer.html (http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol36/vol36n12/articles/BreastCancer.html)

[AlaskaAngel]

My onc also has no problem with me using it.

Another article:

http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jnci;96/6/475 (http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jnci;96/6/475)

[jeff]

http://www.ralphmoss.com/html/cach376.shtml

Ralph Moss does a good job here, I think, of tracking what seems to be a scientific "urban legend" about melatonin and estrogen. It's based on a misunderstanding of the science, I think.

Best,
Jeff

[Rozebud]

I'd be interested in seeing what you've read as well Ginger. I've heard the opposite, that's it's helpful for estrogen positive cancers:


http://www.susanlovemd.com/takecharge/alternatives/supplements/melatonin.htm

[CherylS]

Hey guys,

Here is something for at least me to think about. About three years ago I was given a CAT scan of the head for unrelated reasons (ear drum burst). It was discovered that I had a cyst on my pineal gland. I was told that it was harmless and incidental. Since the pineal gland is the only source of melatonin in the body I had to ask myself after reading these articles, "Could this be what caused my cancer?" Does that cyst interfere with the production of melatonin?
Anybody have any thoughts, similar experience or info?