Melatonin Profile
Doctor's Data
Sample type: Saliva
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
The Melatonin Profile provides a snapshot of the sleep/wake cycle during a one day period. This profile (also can be added on to any saliva profile) is recommended for those experiencing sleep disturbances.
- Melatonin Evening
- Melatonin Morning
- Melatonin Night
Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 3 to 5 days after the lab receives samples.
Many people are familiar with melatonin because of its influence on sleep. Healthy melatonin curves help positively influence the initiation and maintenance of quality sleep cycles, and disruptions in melatonin curves, commonly referred to as phase shifts, may present clinically as disordered sleep patterns.
Melatonin and cortisol share an inverse relationship – when melatonin levels are low, cortisol levels should be high and vice versa. However, just as it is possible to see disruptions in cortisol curves, disruptions in melatonin curves may be noted and are influenced by several factors. For instance, declines in melatonin levels are seen with age, blue light exposure (as commonly emitted by TV and computer screens), and some medications including benzodiazepines and antihypertensives (beta blockers). Some antidepressants and anti-psychotics may shift melatonin curves, as can strenuous exercise. Melatonin supplementation can be particularly useful for people who engage in shift work or are jet lagged.
Melatonin and cortisol share an inverse relationship – when melatonin levels are low, cortisol levels should be high and vice versa. However, just as it is possible to see disruptions in cortisol curves, disruptions in melatonin curves may be noted and are influenced by several factors. For instance, declines in melatonin levels are seen with age, blue light exposure (as commonly emitted by TV and computer screens), and some medications including benzodiazepines and antihypertensives (beta blockers). Some antidepressants and anti-psychotics may shift melatonin curves, as can strenuous exercise. Melatonin supplementation can be particularly useful for people who engage in shift work or are jet lagged.
3–5 business days
- Add-on: DHEA
- Add-on: Estradiol
- Add-on: Estriole
- Add-on: Estrone
- Add-on: Progesterone
- Add-on: Secretory IgA
- Add-on: Testoterone
Before You Start
- Follow the test collection instructions here.
- If you are a menstruating woman, collect one day during days 19-23 of your menstrual cycle (assuming a 28-day cycle). Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period.
- If you are a man or a non-menstruating woman, collect on any day.
Hormone Use Instructions
- DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
- Topical hormones:
- Your last dose before sample collection should be 12-24 hours before collecting your first sample.
- DO NOT use on the day of saliva collection.
- Sublingual hormones or troches:
- Your last dose before sample collection should be 24-36 hours before collecting your first sample.
- Drink 2 full glasses of water (about 16 oz) after taking your last dose to clean the tissues.
- DO NOT take on the day of saliva collection.
- Hormone injections, subcutaneous pellets, or transdermal patches:
- Collect your samples at the halfway point between doses.
- Oral hormones (pills):
- Use as prescribed on the day of collection.
Melatonin and Serotonin Supplements
- If you are taking melatonin or serotonin-boosting supplements (such as 5-HTP or tryptophan), take your last dose at least 36 hours before your first sample collection.
- Consult your healthcare provider for guidance if you are taking an SSRI or SNRI, as these medications can influence melatonin levels.
Cortisol or Cortisol-Containing Products
- If you are taking a cortisol supplement, glucocorticoid, or cortisol-containing medication, consult with your healthcare provider before collecting your samples.
- It is recommended to stop using these products 5 days before sample collection.
Day of Collection
- Avoid supplements and non-essential medications. DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
- Avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
- Avoid anti-aging creams.
- Avoid the following for 1 hour before collecting each sample:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Avoid the following for 30 minutes before collecting each sample:
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing your teeth
- Having dental work done
- 10 minutes before each saliva collection, rinse your mouth with water.
Collection Schedule
- Sample 1: 30 minutes after awakening
- Sample 2: Before dinner
- Sample 3: Before bed
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
