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Melatonin

Our Saliva Melatonin Panels:
Determine the Health of your Circadian Rhythm by Assessing Pineal Gland Function

Are you experiencing chronic stress, insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, fatigue, migraines, or depression? Our Saliva Melatonin Panels can help you determine if an abnormal melatonin level could be associated with or an underlying cause of your symptoms. Our Saliva Melatonin Panels measure your salivary melatonin levels at multiple time points over 24 hours and can be combined with our other test panels, including the Adrenal Stress Index Panel, for a complete assessment of your circadian rhythm. Testing your melatonin level in your saliva provides a direct measurement of your free melatonin level at specific time points.

DiagnosTechs was the first clinical testing laboratory to bring revolutionary saliva testing to market, so you can trust us for clinically accurate test results to help you move forward on your wellness journey.

If you are experiencing any of the health concerns listed above, please ask your healthcare provider about our Saliva Melatonin Panels. Your test results can give your practitioner the clinical information needed to build a personalized and effective treatment plan for you.

Symptoms and Conditions

Our Saliva Melatonin Panels can be helpful if you experience:

  • Insomnia, sleep disturbances, or difficulty waking
  • Narcolepsy
  • Chronic stress and stress-related health conditions
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Migraines
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • ADHD
  • MTHFR Gene Mutation
  • Elevated cortisol levels
  • Dysbiosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Osteopenia or osteoporosis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Hypertension
Man wiping brow

Why choose our Saliva Melatonin Panels?

  • Saliva is the best method for measuring free, active levels of melatonin at specific times
  • The collection process is noninvasive and painless
  • Samples can be collected anywhere (home, office or anywhere in between)
  • 24-hour measurement provides a more complete image of your circadian rhythm

Functions Influenced by Melatonin levels

Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone that is also known as the “hormone of darkness” since it is primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain in response to the absence of light. MLT production tends to be highest at night, around midnight, and at its’ lowest during daylight hours.

Melatonin as an Antioxidant

Melatonin (MLT) is not only a neurohormone but also a potent antioxidant. Research shows one molecule of MLT can scavenge and neutralize up to TEN reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Most antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can only quench a few ROS per molecule. MLT is now seen as a prominent guardian against oxidative stress and free radicals at the cellular and tissue levels.

In addition to lowering the number of free radicals in the body, MLT also favorably interacts with non-radical oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), singlet oxygen (1O2), and peroxynitrite (HNOO). MLT is also effective in blocking metal-induced oxidation. It inhibits oxidation by the redox-generating metal copper and is known to chelate iron, lead, and aluminum.

MLT reduces oxidative stress by many different mechanisms. In addition to directly targeting free radicals and chelating oxidative metals, MLT also inhibits pro-oxidative enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase, and enhances the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase.

Melatonin & Energy Production by Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the organelles in the cell that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is cellular energy. Mitochondria could almost be considered cellular batteries. Mitochondrial membranes are sensitive and can be damaged by many factors, especially oxidative stress.

MLT acts directly at the mitochondrial level within cells, where it supports the continuity of the electron transport chain, protects ATP synthesis, and significantly reduces free radical formation. MLT also protects mitochondrial DNA. MLT levels in the mitochondria are known to be much higher, even 100-fold higher, than the levels present in the blood.

MLT supports overall mitochondrial homeostasis and health at all ages. Mitochondrial dysfunction and declining MLT levels are both associated with aging and the diseases of aging.

Melatonin & Immune System Function

In addition to all the other physiologic effects, MLT also regulates the immune response. MLT is not consistently directly anti-inflammatory; rather, it modulates the immune system in a much more complex manner. Research suggests MLT initially supports a robust immune defense but then prevents harmful chronic inflammatory activity.

Melatonin & Bone Health

Melatonin (MLT) receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, including in bone tissue. There is an association between aging, a decrease in nocturnal MLT production, weakening of the bone structure, and an increased risk of bone fractures. MLT is so important for bone strength that clinical studies suggest that supplementation with MLT may reverse bone loss and support optimal bone health.

Melatonin & Sleep Quality

The ability to enter REM sleep cycles and to experience regenerative sleep requires optimal MLT levels. Chronic lack of REM sleep can induce depression and reduce a person’s mental vitality and vigor.

Melatonin & Fertility

Melatonin (MLT) receptors are widely distributed throughout the reproductive system in humans. In general, oxidative stress appears to negatively impact fertility in both men and women. Since MLT is a strong scavenger of free radicals, it is reasonable to suggest that it could improve the quality of sperm and oocytes (eggs), resulting in improved fertility.

In men, research suggests MLT supports male fertility by beneficially affecting the function of Leydig and Sertoli cells via its influence on cell proliferation and energy metabolism. Also, supplementation with MLT improves the cellular response in those with erectile dysfunction by increasing vasodilatory cytokines. Furthermore, research suggests MLT improves the penetration capacity of sperm to improve fertilization.

In women, research shows MLT supplementation is promising for effectively supporting those with advanced-age infertility and improving the outcome of in vitro fertilization. MLT also influences the onset of puberty, sexual maturation, follicular development, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Brain Function and Emotional Health

Abnormal MLT levels are associated with MTHFR polymorphisms, PTSD, depression, ADHD, anxiety, and other cognitive and mental health concerns.

Research shows MLT is highly neuroprotective via several biological mechanisms, including the regulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial homeostasis, and apoptosis. Animal studies show MLT induces all stages of neuroplasticity, including neurogenesis, dendritogenesis, axogenesis, and synaptogenesis.

Abnormal MLT levels could decrease the numerous cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects to negatively affect the brain regions involved in emotional regulation and cognitive processes.


Sample Reports

Adrenal Stress Index - Sample Report

Expanded Adrenal Stress Index - Sample Report


Patient Brochures and Information

Adrenal Stress Index Brochure

Carbohydrate Stimulation Test

Sources of Contamination in Cortisol Testing


Collection Instructions

Adrenal Stress Index

Expanded Adrenal Stress Index


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