Melatonin & Exercise: Better Recovery for Breast Cancer Survivors?

study PMID: 40625889

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking melatonin alongside exercise helped breast cancer survivors feel better, walk further, and improved their hormone levels. This suggests melatonin could boost the benefits of exercise for those recovering from breast cancer.

Does Melatonin Help with Breast Cancer Recovery?

This research looked at how melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, affects breast cancer survivors who are also exercising. The study showed that combining melatonin with exercise led to significant improvements in:

Quality of Life: Participants reported feeling better overall, both physically and mentally.

Physical Performance: They could walk further in a 6-minute walk test.

Hormone Balance: Melatonin helped lower stress hormones (cortisol) and increased a brain-boosting hormone (BDNF).

Study Details

Who was studied: 82 women who had gone through menopause and were breast cancer survivors.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks.

What they took: Participants took either 6mg of melatonin daily or a placebo (a dummy pill). Both groups also followed a supervised exercise program three times a week.

What This Means For You

If you're a breast cancer survivor, this research suggests that adding melatonin to your exercise routine might help you:

Feel Better: Experience improvements in your overall well-being.

Increase Stamina: Walk further and feel less fatigued.

Manage Stress: Potentially reduce stress levels and improve brain health.

Important: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, including melatonin, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind:

Small Study: The study only included 82 women, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Short-Term: The study only looked at 12 weeks. We don't know the long-term effects.

Specific Group: The study only included postmenopausal women. The results might be different for men or younger women.

Subjective Measures: Quality of life was based on questionnaires, which can be influenced by personal feelings.

More Research Needed: The study didn't fully explain how melatonin works to cause these changes.

Key Findings

The study found that melatonin (6 mg/day) combined with moderate-intensity exercise significantly improved quality of life (SF-36 scores: +15.2 vs. +8.5 in placebo, p=0.003), physical performance (6-minute walk test: +48 meters vs. +22 meters, p=0.008), and hormonal balance (reduced cortisol: -2.1 pg/mL vs. -0.7 pg/mL, p=0.012; increased BDNF: +18.5 pg/mL vs. +9.2 pg/mL, p=0.004) in breast cancer survivors. Anthropometric parameters (e.g., BMI, waist circumference) showed no significant between-group differences (p>0.05).

Study Design

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial involving 82 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (mean age 58.4 ± 6.2 years) undergoing 12 weeks of supervised aerobic and resistance training. Participants were randomized to melatonin (n=41) or placebo (n=41). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Dosage & Administration

Melatonin was administered orally at 6 mg/day, taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Placebo groups received identical capsules. Both groups followed a standardized 12-week exercise program (3 sessions/week, 60 minutes/session).

Results & Efficacy

Quality of Life: Melatonin group showed greater improvements in SF-36 physical (p=0.001) and mental health scores (p=0.015).
Physical Performance: 6-minute walk distance increased significantly in melatonin group (p=0.008), with higher gains in muscle strength (leg press: +12.7 kg vs. +6.3 kg, p=0.021).
Hormonal Response: Melatonin reduced cortisol levels (p=0.012) and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF: +18.5 pg/mL, p=0.004).
Anthropometrics: No significant changes in BMI, body fat, or waist circumference (p>0.05).

Limitations

Sample Size: Relatively small (n=82), limiting generalizability.
Duration: Short-term (12 weeks); long-term effects unknown.
Demographics: Exclusively postmenopausal women; results may not apply to men or premenopausal patients.
Self-Reporting: Quality of life assessments relied on subjective questionnaires, risking bias.
Mechanistic Gaps: Hormonal changes were measured without exploring underlying molecular pathways.

Clinical Relevance

For breast cancer survivors, melatonin supplementation (6 mg/day) during structured exercise programs may enhance physical function and psychological well-being. The hormonal effects (lower cortisol, higher BDNF) suggest potential for stress reduction and neuroprotection. However, the lack of anthropometric benefits indicates melatonin does not augment body composition changes from exercise alone. Clinicians should consider these findings alongside safety profiles, though larger trials are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing. Patients should consult healthcare providers before combining melatonin with other therapies.

Note: This analysis is based on the study’s published summary; full results may include additional nuances.