Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — Melatonin

Melatonin is far more than a sleep hormone. As a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and immune modulator, melatonin plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress, suppressing harmful inflammatory pathways, and supporting the body’s defence against viral infection. Melatonin production declines progressively with age — a pattern that mirrors the increased vulnerability to severe illness seen in older adults. This article explores the science behind melatonin’s immune and anti-inflammatory functions, the relationship between melatonin decline and age-related disease risk, how to support melatonin production naturally, and how at-home testing can confirm whether your melatonin levels are adequate.

By Dr. Allison Smith, ZRT Laboratory I would like to thank everyone who joined in our webinar on the Role of Hormones in Sleep Disturbances!  There were a number of questions I wasn’t able to address due to time constraints but they were all excellent questions. I thought at least someone would be interested in a follow-up as I speak to the rest of the questions just as a little wrap-up. Q: Wouldn't it be nice to include Dried Urine Melatonin in your ZRT Comprehensive Profile, to be able to evaluate Morning Cortisol when low? Maybe it is low while Melatonin...

Most people think of melatonin as a sleep supplement — but this remarkable hormone is produced throughout the body and plays a central role in immune defence, inflammation, pain management, gut health and even cancer protection. Dr. Allison Smith dives deep into the biochemistry of melatonin and explains why getting your levels right matters far beyond a good night’s sleep.

As the days shorten and sunlight fades, four key hormonal systems come under pressure: vitamin D, serotonin, cortisol and melatonin. For those susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the disruption of these interconnected rhythms can trigger depression, fatigue, poor sleep and low mood. This article explains the science behind the SAD hormone pattern — and what you can do to support your body through the darker months.