Reproductive and Urinary Physiology Commons^™

Do Photoperiodic Changes In Melatonin Secretion Detrimentally Affect The Female Reproductive Cycle?, Riki Szlafrok

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Melatonin, better known as "the hormone of darkness," is secreted by the pineal gland during the night and helps us fall asleep. Because its internal regulation depends on light, melatonin is part of chronobiology, the study of biological mechanisms and their adaptations to lunar and solar related rhythms (Klein et al. 1991). Therefore, photoperiod changes greatly impact melatonin concentration, influencing changes in neuronal and hormonal mechanisms of the photo neuro-endocrine systems, namely reproduction. Research has shown that a disruption in the circadian rhythm of melatonin due to photoperiod changes detrimentally affects the rhythmic function of the female reproductive cycle. Research …