Serotonin Hormone
(Public Health)
Through this page, you will find answers to your questions about serotonin (the “happiness” hormone)
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and a crucial hormone in the body, with important roles in the brain and throughout the body. It is produced by nerve cells in the brain from a protein called tryptophan and helps transmit messages between different cells in the body. When you feel happy and everything seems fine, serotonin is at work, improving mood and supporting many other functions.
What is the role of serotonin?
Serotonin plays a vital role in many body and brain functions. It helps promote feelings of happiness and works together with the hormone melatonin to regulate the sleep–wake cycle. In addition, serotonin primarily functions in the intestines, where it helps regulate intestinal activity, such as stimulating the muscles to ensure proper digestion, and contributes to protecting the body from intestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Serotonin is also used to propel food through the digestive tract during episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. Moreover, it plays an important role in blood clotting, wound healing, and contributes to inflammatory processes.
What happens when serotonin levels are low?
Low serotonin levels are linked to various health conditions, including sleep problems, digestive issues, phobias, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medications that increase serotonin levels are often used to treat these conditions and improve mental health.
- How can I increase serotonin levels?
- Serotonin levels can be increased naturally or with medication. Natural methods include:
- Exercise: Engage in at least 20 minutes of daily physical activity to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
- Sunlight exposure: Spending time in direct sunlight or using daylight lamps can significantly boost serotonin production, especially in areas with limited winter sunlight. Bright light also improves mood and helps treat seasonal affective disorder.
Dietary adjustments: Eat complex carbohydrates (vegetables,SSRIsfruits, legumes, whole grains) and protein-richSNRIsfoods like turkey, which contain tryptophan.
Meditation: Daily 20-minute meditation can increase serotonin levels in the brain, reducing anxiety and improving focus.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can increase serotonin levels in the brain. These must be used under a doctor’s guidance with ongoing monitoring.
Are there medications that increase serotonin?
- Yes, but always discuss your symptoms and current medicationsSSRIsor supplements with your doctor. Common serotonin-enhancing medications include:
- SSRIs: e.g.,SNRIsParoxetine
- SNRIs: e.g.,TCAsVenlafaxine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):MAOIse.g., Amitriptyline
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): e.g., Phenelzine
Tips when taking serotonin-enhancing medications
- Regular doctor check-ups: Update your doctor about your symptoms, duration, and any changes inmental or physical health. They may recommend follow-up with a specialist or therapist.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements: Includeover-the-counter medications and herbal supplements to avoid harmful interactions.
- Adhere to prescribed doses: Take medications exactly as prescribed; do not adjust without medical advice. Results maytake 4–6 weeks. If no improvement occurs after 6–8 weeks, your doctor may change the medication.
- Monitor side effects: Watch for unusual symptoms like excessive anxiety,confusion, sweating, or rapid heartbeat, and report them promptly.
- Gradual discontinuation: Never stop abruptly; reduce doses graduallyunder medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Consider other health conditions: Inform your doctor about heartproblems, sleep disorders, or other conditions affecting medication response.
- Patience and adherence: Treatment may take up to a year orlonger. Seek a second opinion if long-term improvement is not achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome occurs when serotonin levels become excessively high, usually due to overdose or combining medications/supplements. Symptoms include tremors, sweating, confusion, insomnia, muscle spasms, and diarrhea. Severe cases may involve high fever, seizures, fainting, and heart rhythm disturbances, and can be life-threatening.
What is the difference between dopamine and serotonin?
Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that transmit chemical messages between brain cells and other parts of the body. They are often called “happiness hormones” due to their mood-enhancing effects. Serotonin is associated with happiness, calmness, focus, and digestive regulation. Dopamine is linked to rewards, motivation, and motor control. Dopamine is mainly stored in the brain, while serotonin is largely found in the gut. Both work together to maintain chemical balance; imbalance can lead to physical and psychological symptoms.
