4 Serotonin Deficiency Symptoms – Are You Deficient in the “Happy Hormone”?

Regulation of Serotonin plays a major role in our mental and physical health, and it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of Serotonin deficiency.

Deficient levels of this neurotransmitter may lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, fibromyalgia, migraines, weight gain and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

Symptoms of Serotonin deficiencies include misplaced anxiety, agitation, mood swings, strong sugar cravings, excessive worrying, inability to fall and stay asleep, obsessive behavior, inability to focus, poor memory, fogginess, moderate to severe depression, decreased motivation, and fibromyalgia.

There are a number of causes of Serotonin deficiency, but key contributing factors can include poor diet, lack of exercise, excess stress, and not getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight.

Supplements of Serotonin precursors can be one effective way to increase levels of this neurotransmitter. One of these intermediates is called 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is a direct precursor to serotonin. 5-HTP has been studied for over 30 years and supplementation may help fight Serotonin deficiencies.

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Serotonin Deficiency Symptoms List

Depression: If levels of serotonin are too low, it can cause depression and related mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

While a predisposition can occur, depression is often the result of key lifestyle triggers that (like a stone falling down a mountain collecting snow) may lead to a ‘snowball’ effect resulting in this condition.

Such triggers can include stress, sleep deprivation, inadequate exercise, and a poor diet. Increasing Serotonin levels with 5-HTP has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in adults.

Stress: While stress is a normal reaction to life’s difficulties, elevated stress hormones can reduce Serotonin levels, and possibly cause the body to become deficient. Lack of sleep, increased anxiety, a hectic lifestyle, and inadequate exercise are all factors that can greatly increase stress.

Without an external change, this issue can be cyclic. Stress can reduce Serotonin levels, and a Serotonin deficiency can then lower your ability to deal with stress. Increased stress further exacerbates the problem, since this neurotransmitter is the main chemical responsible for mood regulation. Low Serotonin is also linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias and General Anxiety Disorder.

Weight Gain: Another undesired effect that may be caused by lower levels of Serotonin is obesity. Unintended weight gain due to low Serotonin may be caused two ways. One, by decreasing energy and motivation needed to be active and physically healthy. And, two, by increasing your cravings for refined carbohydrate such as sugar, baked goods, and potato chips.

Consumption of these foods causes a brief increase in blood glucose levels that releases an unsustainable amount of energy. Most people have experienced this brief feeling of pleasure after consuming these foods only to crash 15-20 minutes later.

Serotonin, when regulated properly, allows for a fairly constant amount of energy to be produced throughout the day; without the inherent weight gain of sugary foods.

Insomnia: An additional cause and result of Serotonin deficiencies are sleep disturbances. During the day, excitatory hormones like Dopamine and Noradrenaline are high, providing energy and motivation to carry out daily functions.

During the evening, excitatory hormone levels drop and inhibitory hormone (like Serotonin) levels rise, preparing the body for sleep. Serotonin promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing our minds to shut off for the night.

At night, our pineal gland uses Serotonin to make Melatonin, a neurotransmitter that is integral for getting deep, restful sleep throughout the night. Since Melatonin is made from Serotonin, deficiencies in this chemical may lead to sleep disorders and insomnia.

Serotonin Deficiency Treatments

If you are experiencing symptoms of a Serotonin deficiency, there are a number of natural techniques that can be used to correct these imbalances.

Exercise has been prescribed to treat everything from depression to improved memory, with the ability to cure a wide range of conditions and prevent even more.

Exercise also helps to balance our hormone levels and improves synthesis of various neurotransmitters, including Serotonin.

Through a feedback loop, Serotonin concentrations increase by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system which has a reciprocal relationship with a brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). BDNF acts on neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, helping to support existing neuron functions, and encourage the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses.

Deficient patients may not be motivated to exercise or even have enough energy to exercise and the cycle of deficiency can continues through this feedback loop.

Increasing the amount of Serotonin precursors in the diet may help to increase Serotonin production in the brain. The amino acid L-Tryptophan is an indirect precursor to Serotonin. Tryptophan is found in many high protein foods including red meat, poultry, dairy products, tofu, and eggs.

Tryptophan from the diet is broken down in the liver into 5-Hydroxytrptophan (5-HTP) and other metabolites. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain, enters the brain tissue, and is converted into Serotonin.

Using 5-HTP to Raise Serotonin Levels

Getting Serotonin levels back on track can help increase restful sleep, regulate mood, increase motivation to exercise and even increase quality of restful sleep. In order to combat severe Serotonin deficiencies, supplements like 5-HTP may be taken orally until symptoms of deficiency subside.

5-HTP is made naturally in the body from the amino acid Tryptophan. Since some of this compound is already made in the body, supplemental 5-HTP is considered most likely safe when taken for a short period of time. However, those with certain GI conditions and known allergies to supplements should consult a healthcare provider before taking. Read more here about the safety and side effects of 5-HTP supplements.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels.

It is always recommended that you speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy, especially if you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

If you still continue to experience Serotonin deficiency symptoms after altering your diet, exercise, and taking a Serotonin boosting supplement like 5-HTP , speak to your doctor for more personalized treatment solutions.

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