Sexual Health Birth Control Taking Melatonin and Birth Control Together? Here’s what to know about the sleep hormone and female reproductive health By Mercedes Thomas, MSN, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC Mercedes Thomas, MSN, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC LinkedIn Mercedes has been in the nursing field for over a decade and has a true passion for educating through her words and digital content. Learn about our editorial process Published on October 05, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erika Prouty, PharmD Medically reviewed by Erika Prouty, PharmD LinkedIn Erika Prouty, PharmD, is a professional community pharmacist who aids patients in medication management and pharmacy services in North Adams, Massachusetts. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Sleep Effects Melatonin and Hormones Interactions Birth Control Alternatives Frequently Asked Questions Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain that influences sleeping and waking. The body produces melatonin on its own, but it can also be manufactured and sold as a sleep aid. Melatonin can impact the sleep-wake cycle (or circadian rhythm) and conception. This article will cover the effects of melatonin, the relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones, and how melatonin affects birth control. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi Sleep Effects of Melatonin The pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin. It is secreted at night, when it's dark outside, to tell your body it's time to go to sleep. Sleep is divided into these two major phases: Non-rapid eye movement (NREM): Three different stages make up NREM sleep, during which the body transitions from wakefulness into a deep sleep.Rapid eye movement (REM): REM is a period of deep sleep that occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep. This is the period during which dreams are likely to occur. Melatonin is usually taken by people who have difficulty sleeping for various reasons. These can include: Jet lag Short-term insomnia Overnight working or shift work Anxiety Small doses of melatonin (1–3 milligrams) are considered generally safe for use in adults, though there are exceptions, including individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Melatonin and Female Reproductive Hormones Hormonal changes throughout a woman's life are linked to sleep activity. Because melatonin is influenced by female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, hormonal shifts like menopause, as well as aging, can affect sleep function. Considerations During Your Period Menstruation is the process that allows for the production of eggs, which can then be fertilized by sperm, resulting in the conception of a fetus. On average, the menstrual cycle (a period) lasts for approximately 28 days if no irregularities exist. The four phases that occur during the menstrual cycle are: Menstrual phase: This is the first day of a new cycle.Follicular phase: Day one to day 13, when a person's period occurs (between day one and ovulation), during which time the uterine lining is shed.Ovulation: Ovulation occurs when the ovary releases an egg. This usually takes place around day 14.Luteal phase: Day 15 to day 28, when the uterine lining thickens again. In general, the data on the variation of melatonin levels during the menstrual cycle is not conclusive. However, women affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a mood disorder that affects women before their period begins, are more likely to have difficulty sleeping. Lower levels of melatonin have been found in women with PMDD. However, the correlation between PMDD and mood symptoms may be more connected to sleep disturbances during the luteal phase of the cycle than the melatonin levels. Individuals suffering from PMDD may find that their bodies are more responsive to melatonin during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle than the luteal phase. Other Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle In addition to estrogen and progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are also involved in the menstrual cycle. If You’re Planning a Pregnancy When planning a pregnancy, it’s important to consider how stress, sleep deprivation, and environmental factors will affect family planning. Melatonin is important in the development of a fetus and its own circadian rhythm cycle. It can also protect the fetus from stress that occurs during pregnancy. Lower melatonin levels have been linked to the following: InfertilitySemen samples that reflect poor fertilization ratesMiscarriageLow birth weightPremature birth However, some studies have demonstrated a possible connection between lower rates of conception and higher levels of melatonin. Higher levels of melatonin have also been associated with amenorrhea (consistently missing periods) and decreased sex hormone production in women. In men, higher melatonin levels have been linked to lower sperm count in semen samples. Melatonin Interactions with Birth Control Generally, melatonin and hormonal birth control are safe to take together, but you should still discuss this with your healthcare provider and review any side effects. Certain birth control types may have a minor interaction with melatonin, and increase the melatonin's effect, so be sure to start with low doses and monitor for excess sleepiness if you are taking both. While low levels of melatonin have been linked to infertility, there is also evidence that an excess of melatonin can impact fertility. If you are trying to become pregnant and want to avoid higher levels of melatonin as a result, then you should not take melatonin supplements with birth control, as birth control can increase the amount of melatonin secreted from the brain. The amount of melatonin is also increased due to birth control inhibiting melatonin absorption, so it remains in the body. It's important to note that current findings do not show that melatonin can be an effective method of birth control. Melatonin and Birth Control Alternatives If you want to avoid interactions between melatonin and your birth control, consider trying a nonhormonal birth control method. The Paragard copper IUD is the most effective nonhormonal form to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Other, nonhormonal birth control options have higher failure rates and can lead to unintended pregnancy, so they should be reviewed and discussed with your healthcare provider. Some of the nonhormonal birth control options to discuss with your healthcare provider include: Condoms (male or female) Contraceptive sponges Spermicides Cervical caps Diaphragms Natural family planning Abstinence Although melatonin may be a more natural option for people seeking help with sleep, many different sleep aids or practices can help improve sleep. You can consider more natural options to help you fall asleep, which include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia treatmentMeditationRelaxationRegular exerciseAvoiding screens and electronics before bedAromatherapyMassageYoga There are also prescription and over-the-counter medications that can be considered, such as: Antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) Benzodiazepines, like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan (note that these medications can be addictive and should not be used for long-term treatment of insomnia) Antidepressants Discuss your health status and expectations with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about birth control or sleep aids. A Word From Verywell Sleep is essential to your health, so it's important that you prioritize it. The same goes for sexual health. If you are taking melatonin as a sleep aid and hormonal birth control as your birth control method, discuss the possible interactions and side effects with your healthcare provider. Frequently Asked Questions Does melatonin affect all types of birth control? Melatonin does not affect all kinds of birth control. However, taking both hormonal birth control and melatonin together can lead to increased melatonin levels in the body. Some researchers have linked higher melatonin levels to infertility. How much melatonin should you take when you’re on birth control? In the United States, melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement, making it even more important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you plan on taking it in combination with hormonal birth control. For adults, the common melatonin dosage range is from 0.5 milligrams to 5 milligrams and should be taken approximately one hour before bedtime. Is weight gain a side effect of melatonin? Some research studies suggest that there may be a link between weight gain and lower levels of melatonin. A 2014 study found that lower levels of melatonin secretion in the winter can increase appetite and lead to weight gain. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 10 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Costello RB, Lentino CV, Boyd CC, et al. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutr J. 2014;13(1):106. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-106 Cleveland Clinic. Sleep basics. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 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