Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

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Melatonin

RedBec7
RedBec7 Posts: 42 Member
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I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis which means I'm mostly hypothyroid. My new doctor who is not a thyroid expert, suggested I take melatonin to help me sleep. I got some (6mg) and it does seem to work. I fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. But I've just read that melatonin can interfere with the thyroid so it can make hypothyroidism worse. Does anyone have any experience with taking melatonin?

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  • janlee_001
    janlee_001 Posts: 309 Member
    This explains the endocrine system. http://leavingbio.net/endocrine system/endocrine system.htm

    I've been taking melatonin to sleep for several years. I'm glad you brought this up as according to this article http://www.livestrong.com/article/533642-melatonin-thyroid-disorders/ melatonin can reduce cell damage, BUT make hypothyroidism worse.
  • RedBec7
    RedBec7 Posts: 42 Member
    Thank you for the links. I've stopped taking the melatonin. I'd rather not do anything that might make my thyroid issues worse. I'll talk to my doctor about it when I see her next month. She's not that knowledgeable about the thyroid but I've yet to find a doctor that is.
  • janlee_001
    janlee_001 Posts: 309 Member
    Y.W. After reading this I'm going to stop taking my melatonin unless I just cannot fall asleep. An endocrinologist would be very knowledgeable regarding your thyroid and your entire endocrin system including the pineal gland which produces melatonin.
  • RedBec7
    RedBec7 Posts: 42 Member
    I've been to two endocrinologists. The should be knowledgeable about the thyroid but the two I saw were not and from what I've read not many are.

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