A person's mood is changeable, and often such changes are directly related to hormonal levels.
The decisive role in this case is played by serotonin.
What is serotonin, what pathologies are possible with insufficient concentration in the human body, and how to normalize its level?
What is Serotonin? Where and how is it produced
Serotonin is neurotransmitterproduced by the brain. In other words, it is a substance that transmits brain impulses between nerve cells. The conventional wisdom that serotonin is a hormone is not entirely true. It is converted to a hormone only when it enters the bloodstream.
It is produced directly in the brain, it is there that serotonin performs its primary functions. However, the highest concentration of the substance (about 95%) is synthesized in platelets and intestines.
About 10% of the substance is produced by the pineal gland, which is based on tryptophan (an amino acid). Sunlight has a great influence on the production of the neurotransmitter.
The physiological role of serotonin
It is produced at the moment of a state of satisfaction, good mood. It is able to significantly increase with a feeling of euphoria, and also decrease with a bad, depressive state.
The rays of sunlight have a beneficial effect on a person's mood, which helps to increase serotonin.
It is for this reason that it is often referred to as the hormone of joy.
Also, the neurotransmitter plays one of the important roles in the motility and secretion of the gastrointestinal tract, in the regulation of the intestines and in the enhancement of peristalsis. Facilitates the motor activity of the human body, controls the work of the pituitary gland of the brain, increases the level of prolactin, regulates vascular tone, and normalizes blood clotting.
Pathologies associated with a lack or excess of a hormone
An overabundance of a neurotransmitter in the human body leads to the appearance of serotonin syndrome. This syndrome has the characteristics of intoxication. This condition poses a threat, since the risk of death is likely. Most often, it occurs when taking drugs and drugs that directly affect the increase in serotonin levels. This pathology has a dose-dependent nature, that is, the higher the dose of potentially hazardous substances entering the human body, the higher the risk of complications.
Psychotropic substances and antidepressants. Also, serotonin syndrome is possible with a combination of two or more medications that negatively affect a sharp increase in the level of a neurotransmitter.
The syndrome has a number of characteristic symptoms:
- euphoria;
- insomnia;
- lethargic state;
- confusion of consciousness;
- fear of others;
- manic state;
- hallucinations;
- nervousness;
- pain in the abdomen;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- dilated pupils;
- dizziness;
- severe headaches;
- increased salivation;
- convulsions;
- sweating;
- chills;
- epileptic seizures;
- uncontrollable movements.
An excess of the hormone in the body is a common cause of schizophrenia. The most dangerous consequences of the syndrome are coma and death.
The pathological condition in 60% of the victims developed rapidly, within a minute after taking substances that increase the level of serotonin. About 25% of the victims noted a worsening of their condition within 1-2 hours after taking the drugs. In rare cases, a change in state was noted during the day.
Pathologies caused by a decrease in serotonin levels are no less dangerous. The most commonly diagnosed disorder is a severe depressive condition, which often causes suicidal tendencies in a person. In some cases, the formation of mental disorders can occur. The characteristic symptoms of a hormone deficiency are severe migraine, a feeling of indifference, apathy, and a breakdown.
How to normalize the level of the hormone in the blood?
Regardless of whether the level of serotonin in the human body is increased or decreased, it must be brought back to normal. This can be done with the help of special preparations. There are also several methods of non-drug solution to the problem.
It is important to remember: before taking any action, you must visit a medical facility. With the help of a blood test, the specialist will determine the level of the hormone in the patient. Normal indicators of the neurotransmitter range from 0.24 to 2.03 μmol / L. Values within these limits in patients are sex and age dependent. Any deviations up or down are a direct sign of the presence of pathology.
Medication methods
To normalize serotonin in the patient's blood, the doctor prescribes special drugs of the antidepressant group. These antidepressants are aimed directly at stabilizing the level of the "hormone of joy". The active components of the drug affect the membrane of neurons in the brain. As a result, serotonin reuptake is selectively blocked.
This group of drugs has less negative effects on the body compared to other antidepressants. It was also noted that drugs that block serotonin reuptake have significantly fewer side effects compared to other antidepressant drugs:
- sleep disturbance;
- headache;
- excessive activity;
- convulsions;
- decreased appetite.
Experts note the following drugs that can effectively normalize the level of the hormone in human blood:
- Fluoxetine. It is produced in the form of capsules, the active ingredient in the composition of the drug is the substance fluoxetine. It is prescribed for a depressive state of various genesis, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bulimia against a background of neurosis.
The approximate cost is about 60 rubles for 20 capsules.
- Citalopram. The composition is based on the substance of the same name, citalopram. Indications for appointment: depression (mild to moderate), nervous disorders.
The price is about 170 rubles for 30 tablets.
- Paroxetine. The active component of the composition is the substance paroxetine. It is prescribed for depressive syndrome, nervous disorders, apathy, decreased vitality, phobias of a social nature.
The approximate cost is within 320 rubles for 30 tablets.
The method of administration is identical: inside, without chewing, drinking plenty of water. It is recommended to take the medicine after eating food, so as not to cause active production of gastric juice. The daily dosage and duration of admission is set by the doctor on an individual basis. Cancellation of the drug is carried out slowly, the dosage is gradually reduced, until the complete cessation of taking the pills.
Non-drug methods
Few people know that food has a direct impact on serotonin levels. Bringing low rates back to normal will help:
- tomatoes;
- Turkey;
- salmon;
- dates;
- figs;
- ripe plums;
- bananas;
- any soy products;
- nuts;
- dairy products (the best hormone stimulant is cheese);
- chocolate (in particular bitter).
Moderate consumption of these products can increase mood, improve the general well-being of a person by normalizing the amount of a neurotransmitter in the body. However, it is important not to overuse the above ingredients. In large quantities, they are capable of exerting an effect similar to the effect on the serotonin level of drugs and narcotic substances. In addition, an overdose of "joy products" can lead to the emergence of serotonin syndrome. The risk of such a pathology increases when these products are combined with antidepressants and / or psychotropic drugs.
