Melatonin level and pattern in postpartum versus nonpregnant nulliparous women.
OBJECTIVE
To compare 24-hour melatonin level and timing in postpartum and nonpregnant nulliparous women. Melatonin release provides information regarding circadian rhythm timing, which influences health.


METHODS
2-group comparison of data derived from intensive within-subject data collection.


METHODS
Participants' typical daily environment.


METHODS
38 postpartum and 20 nonpregnant nulliparous women. Mothers' infants were 4 to 10 weeks of postnatal age.


METHODS
Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin assayed from each voiding and corrected for volume using creatinine.


RESULTS
Postpartum women had significantly higher baseline, lower maximum, lower percent rise, and differing pattern of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin than nonpregnant nulliparous women.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in melatonin suggest possible circadian rhythm disruption in the postnatal period.
Thomas
Karen A
KA
Department of Family and Child Nursing in the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. kthomas@u.washington.edu
Burr
Robert L
RL
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000652:urine; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010298:Parity / Q000502:physiology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000652:urine; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000652:urine; D013997:Time Factors
C054513:6-sulfatoxymelatonin; D003404:Creatinine; D008550:Melatonin