? Anybody else, but me, have qualms about unregulated melatonin consumption? I have seen some altered hormonal cycles change for the worse in individuals who took melatonin. When the normal, opposite, interplay between levels of adaptative "stress" hormones & melatonin is tinkered with it is not always a free ride. In prostate cancer often the melatonin levels are measurably high in a late day time period, when healthy individuals normally do not have this hormone elevated. ( This example is an empirical peculiarity of one diseased state & not suggested as the cause of any pathology.) My observation has been that a hormonal cycle shift, due to melatonin rising when it shouldn't , is a noticeable "crash" of stress hormones in the late afternoon (in patients with NO underlying blood sugar problems, ie: not a hypo-glycemic induced symptom). If I could have measured their melatonin levels during this time to consolidate my theory it would have been ideal science, I know ( OK, no Nobel prize nomination for now). Nor was/am I equipped to measure stress. I know in Autistic research that stress hormones in childrens' saliva is considered a real time measurement (if any of you have that technology). As is, with the suspension of melatonin supplements, in these individuals there seems to no longer be a regular "crash" you could almost set your clock by. (Crash manifestation included all the worst symptoms of a come down from "fight or flight" stress hormones - shaking, crying, irritability, fatigue, etc.)

The problem with this thinking... which to me used to be fine, till I noticed, that all is fine and dandy till something goes wrong....then people scream... For example, you may want to take any drug you want, then your cousin dies of an ephedra problem.... then all of a sudden your thinking is changed. Personally, I generally agree. I think that the stupids who mess with something they don't understand.... just weeds out their genes from the gene pool. But apparently, others don't see it this way. I see this in almost all aspects of American life... ANOTHER example... You all want a freemarket system... till you pay $3 a gallon for gas... then you scream. People seem to want what they want with no concern for the consequences... I just do it... and unlike Cacye, I LISTEN when someone says there is a danger... some don't... that's why they try to beat trains in train crossings.... ANOTHER way to weed certain genes from the gene pool.

Dig up roots in the autumn of the second year of growth. It has a pungent scent which increases as it dries. Store in an airtight container for at least 1 year before becoming safe to use, and is best after 4 years. 30g root per 600ml water as infusion (tea). Take up to 3 cups per day. The root added to a bath will relieve tension, and as a decoction it can be used as a facial wash for acne or skin rashes. A decoction of the root is reputed to enhance psychic ability when taken internally. Warning: Unpleasant side-effects (headaches, muscular spasms, and palpitations) can occur with long-term use or with excessive doses. In extreme cases, it has been known to cause coma or even death. Poisoning may result if large amount of the tea are taken for more than 2 to 3 weeks. Do not boil the root. Consuming large amounts of valerian may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea. Seek expert advice before using, and use ONLY under expert supervision.

Well ... but the new meds aren't as bad as the old ones were. And look at the effects you are having now. Not everyone experiences problems with side effects, either. EVERYTHING has side effects, but most people aren't troubled by them. Even aspirin has side effects. Too much coffee. Long term side effects of horomone therapy is one side of the coin, short term side effects the other. Or no side effects at all. (Is there a 3 sided coin?) Its possible you won't have to be on them forever - hormone therapy is sometimes indicated to smooth out temporary imbalances in the body. You could always stop later if they are causing new troubles. The important thing is for you to feel happier and better. So I am hoping for the best for you while you take a breather to figure things out. Hang in there.