Low serotonin symptoms may include:
What Are the Symptoms of Serotonin Deficiency?
Low serotonin levels can lead to both physical and emotional changes.
Anger as a feeling may be one as well, but further research is needed.
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Talk to your healthcare provider about any of these symptoms of low serotonin.
The presence of emotional symptoms does not confirm a mental health issue.
The key is to recognize whether you have clusters of symptoms that tend to occur together.
Low Serotonin and Dizziness
Declining serotonin levels can cause dizziness.
Dizziness also is a common side effect ofSSRI drugs.
Related Health Conditions
Certain health conditions are associated with low serotonin levels.
It also appears to act on the immune system.
Researchers are exploring how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be used to treat cancers.
What Does Serotonin Do for the Body?
Serotonin is a regulator of many processes in the body.
When serotonin levels are out of balance, so are the processes and functions to which they contribute.
Serotonin’s dual nature as a neurotransmitter and hormone means that it’s found throughout your body.
Perhaps surprisingly, there’s more serotonin in your gut than in your brain.
Takefibromyalgia(FMS) andchronic fatigue syndrome(CFS orME/CFS), for example.
Learning to spot the signs of low serotonin can help you get a diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Serotonin Deficiency?
Low serotonin levels may have a number of causes, many of which are still under study.
Animal studies suggest vitamin B6 may also play a role in some cases.
Other research points to the role of genetics or environmental factors that can lead to disruptions in serotonin levels.
A number of factors can deplete serotonin levels.
Low serotonin can happen because your body does not make enough or it does not use it efficiently.
There are likely several factors that cause or contribute to this.
These may include genetics, stress, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies.
How Do I Know if My Serotonin Levels Are Low?
Measuring neurotransmitters is not a reliable way todetermine if you’re lacking serotonin.
Instead, healthcare providers rely on a review of your symptoms to make a diagnosis.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 without delay.
How Is Serotonin Deficiency Treated?
There are many ways to fix a serotonin deficiency.
Here are some of thestrategies for treating serotonin deficiency.
Antidepressant Medication
Antidepressant medications like SSRIs,SNRIs,MAOIs, andtricyclicscan treat low serotonin.
Your provider may prescribe one to you.
Know, however, that these drugs can take some time to work.
Common SSRIs include:
Nutritious Diet
Eating a nutritious diet can help with serotonin deficiency.
It includes foods like nuts and legumes, animal protein, fish, and whole grains.
You also can ask your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of boosting your diet withherbs and supplementslikeashwagandha.
Some studies suggest ashwagandha root extract may positively influence serotonin levels.
Before trying any supplements, talk to your providerespecially if you’re taking prescription medications like antidepressants.
Bright Light
It may help to get plenty of fresh air and sunlight during the day.
However, the effects appear temporary and more research is needed to understand the role of exercise.
Techniques tomanage stressinclude:
Art and music therapy may offer benefits too.
Summary
Serotonin is an important brain chemical that also works like a hormone.
Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia might be related to serotonin deficiency.
Researchers are studying a host of medical conditions in which serotonin may play a role.
If you think you might have low levels of serotonin, talk to your healthcare provider.
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