Circadian Rhythms of Melatonin Secretion in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women with Insomnia

The aim of this study was to assess complaints about sleep quality and to investigate circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion in peri- and postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: A total of 146 climacteric women were examined. All patients were divided into 2 groups: Group1 included 72 perimenopausal women and Group 2 included 74 postmenopausal women. Women were surveyed with special questionnaires: PSQI, FFS, ESS, Daytime Feeling and Functioning Scale. Insomnia Severity Index was calculated. Salivary melatonin content was determined (4 times a day) by immunoassay using Microplate Reader EL×808 (USA). Results: Perimenopausal women often complained about difficulties falling asleep (more than 20 minutes from the moment the light was turned off) and difficulties awakening in the morning, while postmenopausal women often complained about snoring and frequent awakenings during sleep(≥2 times). ISI was 21.3±0.54 in Group 1 and 24.8±0.31 in Group 2, which corresponded to insomnia. Daily melatonin secretion in perimenopausal patients with insomnia was altered – the maximal level was registered in the morning hours. The circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion in the group of postmenopausal women did not correlate to the occurrence of insomnia. Conclusion: We can recommend administration of melatonin in the evening time and light therapy in the early morning hours in the complex treatment of SDs in perimenopausal women for normalizing and shifting the chronobiological rhythms of melatonin secretion, and specific therapy is aimed to eliminate snoring for postmenopausal women.