Pineal circadian signaling hormone
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About Evening Melatonin
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About Evening Melatonin
Overview and History
Melatonin is an indoleamine neurohormone synthesized from tryptophan via serotonin and released primarily by the pineal gland in response to darkness. First isolated in the late 1950s, it is classified as a circadian signaling molecule that conveys information about environmental light–dark cycles to multiple tissues.
Beyond timing sleep–wake cycles, melatonin participates in antioxidant activity and influences downstream timing of metabolic and immune processes. Clinically, evening measurements (often from saliva or overnight urine metabolites) are used to estimate the timing and amplitude of the nocturnal melatonin surge rather than momentary daytime fluctuations.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Higher evening melatonin can reflect a robust nocturnal signal, recent exogenous melatonin use, delayed timing of the internal clock, or reduced metabolic clearance. Conversely, lower evening melatonin may indicate a blunted night-time signal due to evening light exposure, aging-related decline in production, shifted circadian phase, or altered synthesis pathways.
Interpreting either direction requires integration with the full Hormone Zoomer panel—especially cortisol timing, sleep history, and medication or supplement use—to distinguish physiological timing differences from external factors that affect measured levels.
Featured Test
Evening Melatonin is included in the Hormone Zoomer to evaluate sleep signaling and circadian timing as part of a systems-level hormone and stress profile. It complements diurnal cortisol measures and metabolic markers to reveal timing mismatches or impaired night-time signaling that can influence energy, sleep quality, and resilience, supporting more targeted follow-up testing and personalized clinical interpretation.
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Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
