Efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of endometriosis: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin compared to placebo on endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain (EACPP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and sleep quality.
Results Summary
Melatonin significantly reduced daily pain scores by 39.80% and dysmenorrhea by 38.01%, improved sleep quality, reduced analgesic use by 80%, and lowered BDNF levels independently of pain effects. The study demonstrated melatonin's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in EACPP.
Population
Females aged 18-45 years with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain.
Effective Dosage
10 mg melatonin daily.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | daily pain scores | Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years | 39.80% | reduced | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | dysmenorrhea | Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years | 38.01% | reduced | #2 |
melatonin | increase | sleep quality | Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years | - | improved | #3 |
melatonin | decrease | risk of using an analgesic | Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years | 80% | reduced the risk of using an analgesic | #4 |
melatonin | decrease | BNDF levels | Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years | - | reduced | #5 |
Endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain (EACPP) presents with an intense inflammatory reaction. Melatonin has emerged as an important analgesic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory agent. This trial investigates the effects of melatonin compared with a placebo on EACPP, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, and sleep quality. Forty females, aged 18 to 45 years, were randomized into the placebo (n = 20) or melatonin (10 mg) (n = 20) treatment groups for a period of 8 weeks. There was a significant interaction (time vs group) regarding the main outcomes of the pain scores as indexed by the visual analogue scale on daily pain, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, and dyschezia (analysis of variance, P < 0.01 for all analyses). Post hoc analysis showed that compared with placebo, the treatment reduced daily pain scores by 39.80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.88-43.01%) and dysmenorrhea by 38.01% (95% CI 15.96-49.15%). Melatonin improved sleep quality, reduced the risk of using an analgesic by 80%, and reduced BNDF levels independently of its effect on pain. This study provides additional evidence regarding the analgesic effects of melatonin on EACPP and melatonin's ability to improve sleep quality. Additionally, the study revealed that melatonin modulates the secretion of BDNF and pain through distinct mechanisms.