Exploring the Efficacy of Melatonin in Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Background:Patients with hormone-positive breast cancer (BC) who are receiving antihormone medications suffer from complications, including hot flashes, decreased libido, and mood changes due to artificial menopause. Considering the positive effects of melatonin administration on ameliorating hot flashes and depression in postmenopausal women, we aimed to examine the effects of melatonin supplementation on menopausal-related complications in BC patients who were receiving antihormone medications.Materials and Methods:This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in the hematology-oncology clinic of Omid hospital, Isfahan, Iran, during 1-year patients' recruitment. Adult patients with BC who were being treated with selective estrogen receptor modulator family drugs or aromatase inhibitors while they were complaining of menopausal complications were included. Melatonin (3 mg) or an identical placebo was administered twice a day orally. Several questionnaires, including the Menopause Rating Scale, the Menopause-specific Quality of Life-Intervention and the Female Sexual Function Index, were applied for the evaluation of comparison items.Results:Sixty patients fulfilled the requirements to complete the four-week treatment. There were no significant differences in patients' baseline clinical characteristics. Supplementation by melatonin was associated with a significant decrease in frequency and severity of hot flashes, and the mean score of menopausal symptoms. The quality of life and sexual function were enhanced by a four-week melatonin treatment.Conclusion:Considering the effect of melatonin on menopausal complications and quality of life during menopause and sexual function scores in people undergoing BC antihormone treatment, melatonin can be considered a potential candidate to include in the treatment regimen of BC patients.