Effects of melatonin on blood pressure, arterial stiffness and quality of life in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Studies suggest that melatonin may promote cardiovascular protection. Previous trials have primarily been performed on co-morbid patients. Little information exist on the effect in postmenopausal women with general good health.
DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION
In a double-blinded placebo-controlled study, we randomized 41 postmenopausal women to either 10mg melatonin per day or placebo for 3 months.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Outcomes of the trial was changes in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and quality of sleep evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
RESULTS
Thirty-nine women completed the study. Mean age was 63 years (range 55-75 years). In response to treatment, PWV changes did not differ between groups: Placebo 1.1% (IQR -2.1;9.9) vs. melatonin 0.0% (IQR-9.8;4.1), p=0.43). Ambulatory blood pressure (24hours) showed no nightly changes: Systolic -2.3% (IQR -9.6;11.5) in the placebo group vs. -1.9% (IQR-4.7;4.2) in the melatonin group, p=0.81. Diastolic changes in the placebo group: -0.7% (IQR -13.2;6.6) vs melatonin group: 1.8% (IQR -5.1;10.0), p=0.53. Both groups had a pour quality of sleep at baseline (placebo: PSQI 6.0 (IQR 3.3; 8.8) vs. melatonin PSQI 6.0 (IQR 3.0; 10.0), p=0.94), which did not change in response to treatment (p=0.87).
CONCLUSION
Melatonin was well-tolerated, but we did not observe cardiovascular improvements. In postmenopausal women with general good health, the additional cardiovascular gain by melatonin is sparse.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 41 participants or records.
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