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Serotonin levels: why the «happiness hormone» is important for the whole body
What is serotonin and what role does it play?
Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and how hormone in the blood. It is often called the "happiness hormone", but in fact it is responsible not only for a good mood, but also for a number of vital functions:
mood and anxiety regulation
appetite and sleep control
gastrointestinal tract function
vasoconstriction and pain regulation
sexual behavior and emotional stability
Close 90% serotonin is not produced in the brain, but in intestines, particularly in enterochromaffin-type cells.
Symptoms of low serotonin levels
Serotonin deficiency can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the body. The most common signs are:
chronic fatigue
depressed mood, apathy
anxiety, excessive excitement
sleep disturbance (insomnia, frequent awakenings)
decreased libido
increased cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
irritability, emotional instability
headaches or migraines
What factors affect serotonin levels?
| Factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Chronic stress | Reduces serotonin synthesis through enzyme inhibition |
| Deficiency of the amino acid tryptophan | The main raw material for the formation of serotonin |
| Sleep deprivation | Disrupts circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter synthesis |
| Lack of sunlight | Low vitamin D slows down serotonin production |
| Gastrointestinal diseases | Tryptophan absorption and microbiota regulation are impaired |
| Some medications | Some antidepressants increase, while hormonal drugs decrease, serotonin levels. |
How to measure serotonin levels
To assess serotonin levels, it is used blood test or urine, although the accuracy of such methods limited, because the serotonin content in peripheral tissues does not always correspond to the brain level.
Serotonin is most often tested for:
upon suspicion of serotonin syndrome (drug overdose)
in diagnostics neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid)
at complex psychiatric disorders
Alternatively, doctors assess serotonin levels indirectly, due to symptoms, response to therapy, and tests for tryptophan, B vitamins, vitamin D, microbiota.
How to naturally increase serotonin levels
Regular physical activity — even a 20-minute walk every day
Sunlight — 15–30 minutes a day
Foods high in tryptophan:
bananas
salmon
eggs
nuts
fermented milk products
Prebiotics and probiotics to maintain microbiota
Relaxation techniques — meditation, yoga, breathing exercises
Social contacts — communication, hugs, support
Practical example
The patient complains of depressed mood, cravings for sweets, and insomnia. Urine analysis shows a reduced level of serotonin metabolites. After correcting the diet, adding daily walks, and prescribing adaptogens, the condition improves after 3 weeks.
Serotonin is not only about emotions, but also about the overall functioning of the body. The level of this substance depends not only on genetics, but also on our lifestyle. And it is on it that how we feel every day largely depends.
