Melatonin and IC

I have been reading about studies that involve the use of melatonin to treat Interstitial Cystitis (IC) symptoms. 

Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland.  The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain.  It helps your body know when it’s time to sleep and wake up [Healthline.com].

One study, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information investigated the efficacy and possible mechanisms of melatonin in treating Interstitial Cystitis (IC).  The study stated that melatonin is involved in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and plays an important role in neuroprotection.  I also came across a testimonial from a doctor who has IC.  The doctor uses melatonin.  See his or her full testimony below.

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TESTIMONIAL (by unknown):

I’ve had bladder problems my entire life but was formally diagnosed with IC 20 years ago by cystoscopy. At first, I felt hopeless, but over time I discovered how to manage it to live a normal life. I do think there are severities of it, whatever it is, and I feel I have a case on the less severe side, but it does wax and wane.

I mostly controlled it over the years with a tricyclic antidepressant called Elavil, at a dosage of anywhere from 12.5 to 75 mg a day depending on how I was doing at the time. There were some times in my life where I took nothing, but mostly over the last 20 years I took that medication daily.

Over the last year, I discovered that melatonin really helps my urinary symptoms. So much so, that it’s the only thing I take now. I take about 5mg every night before bed.

I just wanted to tell this to the group in case someone is looking for something, anything, to help and this happens to give them some relief.

And if it gives you any more confidence, I am a physician. I’m not a urologist or gynecologist, but an internist, and I do understand the mechanics of much of the disease and how medications work. I’ve done an extensive literature review on melatonin since discovering this and I feel this is real, not just a coincidence I am experiencing. I don’t think it will completely solve most cases, but I do think it may help some people’s symptoms.

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Hope this information was helpful. Do you take melatonin? What are your thoughts?