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“Melatonin is a supplement known for its ability to help people sleep. Recent evidence suggests that it may also help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow tumor growth, and improve treatment outcomes.
Taking melatonin is considered safe for most people with breast cancer. However, it can interact with several prescription medications, so it’s best to ask a doctor before using it.
In this article, we take a closer look at what researchers have found about the link between melatonin and breast… read more
Answer Summary
Members discussed the question of whether melatonin is safe and helpful for breast cancer, sharing personal experiences with dosages ranging... Read more
Also add to the mix the mention that melatonin is a cancer preventative.
I always wonder if the benefit as a preventative, is due to increased/better quality sleep- vs the melatonin itself, as that is when our body is doing maintenance and repair. I took the melatonin for a few years, but have found as much succes with the magnesium and tart cherry supplements. Hugs!
@A MyBCTeam Member thank you so much. Did they happen to mention dose? I would imagine a lower dose would decrease any potential problems. I take a 5 mg extended release and I have never taken a higher dose. Unfortunately I can't sleep without it. I dont even slow down without it, although poor Tails, my cat, tries so hard. For example its 1:22 am and I have been telling the poor guy "just one more thing" since 9:30. Gratefully he doesn't hold it against me.
I only take 1 mg per night (I use the little kids grape-flavored melt away version, I let it dissolve under my tongue) I know it doesn't sound like much, but it seems to be helping me.
My nurse oncologist told me I could go up to 10 mg if necessary.
FWIW, taking higher doses of melatonin does not equal better or deeper sleep. Instead, flooding your system with a massive dose can: cause next-morning grogginess or headaches, trigger intense, vivid dreams or nightmares, or desensitize your brain's receptors over time, rendering the synthetic hormone less effective.
There's some recent studies saying long term melatonin use can be bad for your heart, including heart failure, and increased mortality rates. Long term use was considered to be a year or more.
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