Melatonin
Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.
The verdict
Some signal for egg maturation/fertilization rate; not shown to increase live birth; strongest evidence is lab-based, not patient-supplement-based.
The sleep-cycle hormone, also an antioxidant present naturally in follicular fluid; marketed for "egg quality."
What the evidence shows
Several non-Cochrane systematic reviews/meta-analyses report improved oocyte maturation rate, antral follicle count, and fertilization rate; clinical pregnancy rate improved in some analyses, but live birth rate was not significantly increased. Effects are notably stronger when used in lab oocyte-maturation media than as an oral patient supplement.
Evidence tier
Non-Cochrane evidence🟡 Smaller systematic reviews/meta-analyses or RCTs exist, no Cochrane-grade synthesis. Emerging, not proven.
Frequently asked questions
- Some reviews report better oocyte maturation and fertilization rates, but live birth wasn't significantly increased, and effects are strongest in the lab, not as an oral supplement.
Does melatonin improve egg quality?
Sources
Take this further
Sources last reviewed .