Anyone tried Melatonin to increase platelet count?

[heblaj01]

From readings, among the many possible effects of supplementation with Melatonin I noticed the mention that in some cases it can help increase platelet count. If true,this might be helpfull in somewhat counteracting one of the major side effects of many aggressive chemos.
I would like to know if anyone has tried it & with what results in blood tests & QOL (fatigue).

[tousled1]

I am only aware of using Melatonin as a sleep aid.

[heblaj01]

Kate,

Here is an extract of a long article at the Mayo Clinic web site on melatonin limited to its potential effect on platelet count:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:t2nrI_CsEb0J:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mel...n&ct=clnk&cd=1

Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

Increased platelet counts after melatonin use have been observed in patients with decreased platelets due to cancer therapies (several studies reported by the same author) (115; 113; 120; 121; 122; 130; 131). Stimulation of platelet production (thrombopoeisis) has been suggested but not clearly demonstrated. Additional research is necessary in this area before a clear conclusion can be drawn. Cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) treated with melatonin have been reported (244; 245).

You can get to the listed bibliographic references at the end of the full article which appears exhaustive in reporting the various functions of melatonin & the validity of the research results.

[Lolly]

I've been using melatonin for years as a sleep aid. I looked at my CBC reports for this spring/summer while on Navelbine/Herceptin and now Xeloda/Herceptin, and I can report that my platelet counts have remained in the high normal range. Don't know if this is related to melatonin use. I'm also on low-dose aspirin therapy to keep fibrin sheaths from developing around my port catheter and my platelet counts don't seem to suffer from this.
I'd be careful about self-dosing with melatonin or any supplement while on chemo; I always check with my onc before adding anything new.

<3 Lolly

[heblaj01]

Lolly,

There is an other symptom besides higher platelet count to guess if melatonin is active: some women taking 20 to 30mg per day have observed increased growth & darkening of hair (if grey in the first place) .
These large doses may be necessary since it has been shown that on the one hand exogenous administration tends to reduce endogenous secretion & on the other hand bioavailibility is said to be only 15% of oral intake.

[Carol.hope]

My Naturopath had me start on 20 mg Melatonin at bedtime as soon as I got cancer dx. I'm still on it a year later and she says to stay on it. Right now (because of chemo-brain) I can't remember exactly why, but it's to fight cancer, I remember that. I still have fatigue, and it doesn't put me to sleep (I take Ambien, too). Good luck! - Carol