Melatonin is mainly secreted by the pineal gland during darkness and regulates biological rhythms through its receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition, it also plays a role in the reproductive system by affecting the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and by acting as a free radical scavenger thus contributing to the maintenance of the optimal physiological state of the gonads. Besides, melatonin can freely cross the placenta to influence fetal development. However, there is still a lack of overall understanding of the role of melatonin in the reproductive cycle of female mammals. Here we focus the role of melatonin in female reproduction from follicular development to delivery as well as the relationship between melatonin and lactation. We further summarize the potential role of melatonin in the treatment of preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and ovarian aging. Understanding the physiological role of melatonin in female reproductive processes will contribute to the advancement of human fertility and reproductive medicine research.

中文翻译：

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探索褪黑激素在女性生殖健康中的多方面作用：从卵泡发育到哺乳及其在产科综合征中的治疗潜力


褪黑激素主要在黑暗期间由松果体分泌，并通过下丘脑视交叉上核中的受体调节生物节律。此外，它还通过影响下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴的功能，并作为自由基清除剂，从而有助于维持性腺的最佳生理状态，从而在生殖系统中发挥作用。此外，褪黑激素可以自由穿过胎盘，影响胎儿的发育。然而，对于褪黑激素在雌性哺乳动物生殖周期中的作用仍然缺乏全面的了解。在这里，我们重点关注褪黑激素在女性生殖（从卵泡发育到分娩）中的作用以及褪黑激素与哺乳之间的关系。我们进一步总结了褪黑激素在治疗先兆子痫、多囊卵巢综合征、子宫内膜异位症和卵巢衰老方面的潜在作用。了解褪黑激素在女性生殖过程中的生理作用将有助于人类生育能力和生殖医学研究的进步。