Jan 01 2001 - Physiology Web Site

Vaspressin, Vasotocin and Melatonin are Endogenous Antipyretics : Do Menopausal “Hot Flashes” and Melatonin Have a Conection ?

J. Anim. Morphol. Physiol., Vol 48, Nos. 1 & 2, pp 1 to 10, 2001

By J.C. George
Department of Zoology , University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Fax: (519) 767-1656; email: jgeorge@uoguelph.ca

ABSTRACT

Evidence is provided to show that vasopressin and melatonin in mammals and vasotocin and melatonin in non-mammalian vertebrates are main endogenous antipyretics. The low melotonin levels at midcycle in women with regular menstrual cycles, are regarded to be conducive for ovulation to take place whereas higher levels could block ovulation. Hot flashes usually occur in women when melatonin levels are low. The high luteinizing hormone (LH) surge found to occur synchronously with hot flashes could be reduced with melatonin treatement. This would also ensure lowering of the thermoregulatory set-point. It is suggested that melatonin therapy should be tried before estrogen therapy is initiated foer the alleviation of menopausal hot flashes.

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