Melatonin
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.
Sources
Take this further
Last reviewed .