The effects of melatonin on follicular oxidative stress and art outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial

J Ovarian Res. 2025 Jan 8;18(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01584-0.

Abstract

Background: To investigate the impact of Melatonin on follicular oxidative stress and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Method: We put 68 women with DOR who were going through ART into a randomized controlled trial. Starting on the fifth day of their menstrual cycle, we gave them either 3 mg of Melatonin or a placebo every day before stimulating their ovaries. We obtained follicular fluid during oocyte retrieval, assessed it for oxidative stress indicators, and documented ART outcomes.

Results: Melatonin administration markedly enhanced the quantity of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, and embryo quality. In addition, Melatonin changed markers of oxidative stress, specifically the levels of reduced glutathione (rGSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The Melatonin group exhibited significantly elevated biochemical pregnancy rates.

Conclusion: Melatonin may improve the quality of oocytes and help with reproductive technology in women with low ovarian reserves, possibly by lowering oxidative stress in the follicles.

Keywords: Diminished ovarian reserve; Follicular fluid; Melatonin; Oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods
  • Follicular Fluid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Melatonin* / pharmacology
  • Melatonin* / therapeutic use
  • Oocyte Retrieval / methods
  • Oocytes / drug effects
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Ovarian Follicle* / drug effects
  • Ovarian Follicle* / metabolism
  • Ovarian Reserve* / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted

Substances

  • Melatonin
  • Antioxidants