The role of melatonin in polycystic ovarysyndrome: A review

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine disorder,affecting approximately 20% of women within reproductive age. It is associatedwith hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularity, and anovulatory infertility.Melatonin is the main pineal gland hormone involved in the regulation of the circadianrhythm. In recent years, it has been observed that a reduction in melatonin levelsof follicular fluid exists in PCOS patients. Melatonin receptors in the ovary and intrafollicularfluid adjust sex steroid secretion at different phases of ovarian follicularmaturation. Moreover, melatonin is a strong antioxidant and an effective free radicalscavenger, which protects ovarian follicles during follicular maturation.Objective: In this paper, we conducted a literature review and the summary of thecurrent research on the role of melatonin in PCOS.Materials and Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web ofScience, Scopus, and Reaxys were searched from their inception to October 2018 usingthe keywords Melatonin AND Polycystic ovary syndrome OR PCOS. Results: Based on the data included in our review, it was found that the administrationof melatonin can improve the oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS patients. It may alsohave beneficial effects in correcting the hormonal alterations in PCOS patients.Conclusion: Since metabolic dysfunction is the major finding contributing to theinitiation of PCOS, melatonin can hinder this process via its improving effects onmetabolic functions.

Keywords:

Hyperandrogenism , Infertility , Melatonin , PCOS