This hormone deficiency can lead to depression: Doctor shares advice
Doctor names hormone that may cause depression (photo: Freepik)
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. A decrease in its level may be associated with the development of depression and other mental disorders, according to professor and dietitian Oleh Shvets.
What serotonin is
According to the expert, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also performs some hormonal functions.
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain (central nervous system) and throughout the body (peripheral nervous system).
In particular, it affects learning, memory, feelings of happiness, and also regulates body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior, and appetite. A serotonin deficiency is believed to be associated with depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
Serotonin is produced from the essential amino acid tryptophan, which must be obtained from food, as the body cannot synthesize it. Both insufficient and excessive levels of serotonin may be linked to various physical and mental health disorders.
What role it plays in the body
Mood. When serotonin levels are normal, a person feels more focused, emotionally stable, and calm. Low levels are associated with depression.
Many medications used to treat anxiety, depression, and mood disorders are aimed at increasing serotonin levels.
Digestion. Most serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, where it helps regulate intestinal motility and participates in protective mechanisms.
To speed up digestion and eliminate irritants or toxins, the intestines may release more serotonin.
Nausea. Excess serotonin release in the intestines can lead to nausea.
Sleep. The brain uses serotonin to produce melatonin, which regulates the sleep–wake cycle.
Wound healing. Serotonin is released by platelets and helps constrict small blood vessels, slowing blood flow.
Bone health. High serotonin levels in the gut may be associated with reduced bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Sexual health. Serotonin, together with dopamine, is involved in regulating sexual desire.
What low levels can cause
Low serotonin levels may occur when the body does not produce enough serotonin or does not use it effectively. This can lead to depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, sleep problems, digestive issues, suicidal behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, schizophrenia, and phobias.
How to increase serotonin levels
Eat foods containing tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid used to produce serotonin. It is found in salmon, eggs, cheese, turkey, tofu, pineapples, nuts, oats, and seeds.
However, consuming tryptophan-rich foods does not automatically guarantee increased serotonin levels. The body also needs carbohydrates to release insulin, which is necessary for amino acid absorption.
Spend more time in the sun
Insufficient sunlight exposure can lead to seasonal affective disorder. Try to spend 10–15 minutes in sunlight daily, as it supports serotonin production and increases vitamin D levels.
Exercise
Doctors note that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week and two strength training sessions weekly can improve mood and heart health.
It is also important to know that some dietary and herbal supplements may influence serotonin levels. Dietary supplements include tryptophan, probiotics, and SAMe, while herbal options include ginseng, St. John’s wort, Syrian rue, and nutmeg.
Such supplements should not be taken without consulting a doctor.
Main danger
Serotonin syndrome is a condition caused by excessively high serotonin levels. It usually occurs after increasing the dose of medications that affect serotonin.
Symptoms include tremors, heavy sweating, confusion, agitation, high blood pressure, muscle twitching, diarrhea, high fever, seizures, loss of consciousness, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if severe and not diagnosed or treated in time.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
