Hormones always arouse interest in themselves, because one hormone can influence many processes in the body, changing the functioning of systems, the appearance and well-being of a person. It is generally accepted that melanin is a hormone that contributes to the pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. But melanin is also known as the hormone of sleep, life and longevity. Melanin is secreted by the pineal gland of the pineal gland, which is why the pineal gland is popularly called the "sundial of aging."
For more about the properties and functions of melanin, as well as ways to normalize the level of melanin in the body, read our article.
- Types of melanin: what determines the secretion of melanin
- The functions of the hormone melanin in the body are underestimated
- What are the reasons for the disruption of melanin synthesis
- How to detect melanin deficiency in the body? melanin compensation methods
Types of melanin: what determines the secretion of melanin
Melanin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland. There are 3 types of melanin:
- Neuromelanin
- Pheomelanin – yellow
- Eumelanin – black and brown melanins (DOPA - melanins)
Not all melanins are used by the body, but only DOPA-melanins, the rest of them are ballast substances. Melanin consists of such compounds - sulfur, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. DOPA-melanins are not able to dissolve in water, acids or organic solvents, but are sensitive to alkalis. Such a reaction is observed when alkaline solutions act on the hair.
Melanin synthesis occurs under the influence of other endocrine glands and depends on the presence of light. During the day, under direct sunlight, the amino acid tryptophan, which is indispensable for the body, is converted into serotonin. The amino acid tryptophan is found in protein foods. At night, serotonin is converted to melanin. It occurs in the epiphysis.
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Ready melanin enters the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The trigger for such a reaction is darkness. Not so long ago, scientists proved that melanin synthesis at night also occurs in almost all tissues of the body, only in a smaller amount - in the gonads, thymus, connective tissue and the digestive tract.
Thus, the synthesis of melanin is dependent on the illumination of the room during sleep. Normally, approximately 70% of melanin is produced in the body at night, this process is activated at 8 pm, reaching a maximum at 3 am.
When light comes into the room, melanin synthesis stops. In total, the body normally produces about 30 micrograms of the hormone, and in women its concentration is higher than in men.
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After synthesis, the hormone accumulates in epidermal melanosomes, determining the color of human skin, eyes and hair. Under the action of ultraviolet rays, this pigment also accumulates in the lower layers of the skin, which is manifested by the appearance of a tan on the skin.
The functions of the hormone melanin in the body are underestimated
Melanin is known to play a role in the process of falling asleep, supporting sleep, and pigmenting the skin, hair, and eyes. But these are not all the functions inherent in this hormone.
Studies have proven that melanin performs the following functions in the body:
- Slows down aging processes.
- Exhibits anti-oncological activity, activates immune forces.
- Slows down excessive excitation of the nervous system.
- Regulates the work of the pancreas and thyroid gland, activates growth hormone, normalizes gastrointestinal motility.
- Reduces blood pressure and energy consumption of the myocardium, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Increases the concentration of potassium.
- Supports the reproductive system.
- Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- Adapts the body to changing climates and time zones.
- Improves cognitive functions of the brain, perception processes, reduces feelings of fear.
What are the reasons for the disruption of melanin synthesis
With an excess of melanin, melanosis develops, which can be physiological (melanin is found in organs where it should normally be), and pathological (found in organs atypical for melanin).
Insufficient melanin secretion is provoked by hormonal disorders that lead to pigmentation disorders in hair, skin and eyes. In such cases, a person develops vitiligo, albinism, Parkinson's disease, phenylketonuria and early gray hair. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy also causes pigmentation disorders.
With age, the pineal gland is impregnated with calcium and melanin salts, after which the gland secretes a smaller amount of melanin. In addition to the natural decrease in the level of the hormone melanin, its production may decrease for the following reasons:
- Endocrine pathologies and hormonal disorders.
- Lack of complete darkness in the sleeping room - night lights, computer monitor, street lights, white nights.
- Night work schedule.
- Insufficient nighttime rest and sleep.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, taking caffeinated drinks before bed.
Some medications can reduce melanin levels. These are piracetam, clonidine, reserpine, dexamethasone, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, high doses of vitamin B12.
How to detect melanin deficiency in the body? Melanin compensation methods
You can suspect a decrease in the level of melanin by the presence of symptoms such as early onset of menopause, rapid weight gain (up to 10 kg in six months), early signs of aging, difficulty falling asleep, impaired pigmentation of the eyes, hair and skin, a tendency to depression , oncopathology.
When identifying symptoms of a lack of melanin for a patient, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of this condition. It is possible to check the level of melanin not only in blood serum, but also in urine or saliva.
To compensate for the level of melanin, it is necessary to establish a daily routine - work, sleep and rest, as well as nutrition with the inclusion of protein foods in the diet. In severe cases, the specialist prescribes melanin preparations, which are available in the form of tablets and capsules and are melanin from the pineal gland of animals or a synthetic analogue that is similar in action to the human.
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