Is it safe to take melatonin on a regular basis?

Short Answer: Regular melatonin supplementation requires caution due to potential side effects and interruptions with natural rhythms.

Section Header: Health Implications Bolded List Headings: Hormonal Disruption and Reproductive Effects

• Melatonin supplementation can influence other hormone systems, including the reproductive axis, potentially affecting testosterone, estrogen, and puberty onset 1.
• Hormonal effects could include androgen suppression or disruption of gonadal development 2.

Bolded List Headings: Variable Endogenous Production

• Natural melatonin production varies with time of year and light exposure; supplementation disrupts these rhythms 3.
  
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  Melatonin's Effects
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  2
  Hormone Supplementation
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  3
  Melatonin and Light
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  4
  Sleep Aid Alternatives
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  Melatonin Supplement Caution
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  Improving Elderly Sleep
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• Static doses in supplements could interfere with the dynamic nature of endogenous melatonin levels 3.

Section Header: Product Concerns Bolded List Headings: Dosage and Quality Issues

• Over-the-counter supplements often contain doses far exceeding physiological levels, which could lead to superphysiological effects 4.
• The actual melatonin content in supplements may differ significantly from what's labeled, leading to inconsistent intake 5.

Section Header: Special Demographic Consideration List Item: Elderly people may benefit cautiously from melatonin under medical advice due to possible altered patterns of secretion 6.

Conclusion: Melatonin can be useful for short-term issues like jet lag but long-term usage is not recommended without professional healthcare advice due to the risks of hormonal disruption and inconsistency in supplement dosages.