Can Melatonin Improve the Osteopenia of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women? A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of melatonin for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with osteopenia. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of melatonin versus placebo or western medicine in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The study's registration number is CRD42018086238. The primary outcomes included bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score. RESULT: From 551 articles retrieved, three trials involving 121 patients were included. Due to the high-to-substantial heterogeneity (BMD: I(2)=96.9%, P=0.000; T-score: I(2)=74.9%, and P=0.019), the statistical analysis of BMD and T-score was abandoned. A systematic review was undergone for the two outcomes. Compared with the control group, melatonin may increase osteocalcin (WMD 4.97; 95% CI 3.14, 6.79; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, melatonin might be used as a safe nutritional supplement to improve bone density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, but its efficacy needs to be further affirmed.